Castle Hot Springs - January 5th, 2013

http://arizonaroadracers.com/castlehotsprings/
This is an Arizona Road Racers (ARR) event put on in the area north of Lake Pleasant. All dirt roads but with some beautiful desert backdrops of the western edge of the Bradshaw mountains looking north towards Prescott. It winds its way in a loop through the rolling hills of the desert, past old mines and homesteads starting and finishing at a gold mine/horse riding camp. There are literally people mining for gold at the finish line. Not tourists. Old dudes with flash pans.
Good luck finding that at PF Changs. This race rules.
http://www.getoutgetlost.com/1/post/2012/01/i-am-the-worst-blogger-ever.html
This is an Arizona Road Racers (ARR) event put on in the area north of Lake Pleasant. All dirt roads but with some beautiful desert backdrops of the western edge of the Bradshaw mountains looking north towards Prescott. It winds its way in a loop through the rolling hills of the desert, past old mines and homesteads starting and finishing at a gold mine/horse riding camp. There are literally people mining for gold at the finish line. Not tourists. Old dudes with flash pans.
Good luck finding that at PF Changs. This race rules.
http://www.getoutgetlost.com/1/post/2012/01/i-am-the-worst-blogger-ever.html
Superstition Wilderness 50K/30K - January 6th, 2013

http://www.getoutgetlost.com/1/post/2012/01/i-am-the-worst-blogger-ever.html
This is the 3rd Annual Superstitions Wilderness 50K covering the entire Dutchman Trail with the beautiful drop off the ridge by Miner's Needle and the stunning climb up Peralta Trail before fully circumnavigating the Weaver's Needle and returning back to First Water Trailhead. This event is in the Superstition Wilderness area so is limited to small groups at a time and no "organized" events are allowed. So it's not a race and just a group fat ass where we run together. At 18 miles at the Peralta Trailhead we have an aid station and runners have the option to stop there and we'll work out a ride back to First Water TH where we started so you can get your car. Everyone else that wants to do the entire 50K continues on the steep climb up Peralta and down the backside, an awesome downhill along the ridge with views for miles the entire way.
The Superstitions are not for the weary and are very rugged, tough and desolate. They are also incredibly beautiful and one of my favorite places in all of Arizona. So while you may/will be all cut up by the time you finish, you'll also walk away with a greater appreciation for the toughness and natural beauty of the area.
If you'd like to join us please email me at azadventures@getoutgetlost.com for more details!
This is the 3rd Annual Superstitions Wilderness 50K covering the entire Dutchman Trail with the beautiful drop off the ridge by Miner's Needle and the stunning climb up Peralta Trail before fully circumnavigating the Weaver's Needle and returning back to First Water Trailhead. This event is in the Superstition Wilderness area so is limited to small groups at a time and no "organized" events are allowed. So it's not a race and just a group fat ass where we run together. At 18 miles at the Peralta Trailhead we have an aid station and runners have the option to stop there and we'll work out a ride back to First Water TH where we started so you can get your car. Everyone else that wants to do the entire 50K continues on the steep climb up Peralta and down the backside, an awesome downhill along the ridge with views for miles the entire way.
The Superstitions are not for the weary and are very rugged, tough and desolate. They are also incredibly beautiful and one of my favorite places in all of Arizona. So while you may/will be all cut up by the time you finish, you'll also walk away with a greater appreciation for the toughness and natural beauty of the area.
If you'd like to join us please email me at azadventures@getoutgetlost.com for more details!
Across The Years - December 29th, 30th, 31st, 2012

http://www.acrosstheyears.com/
I took a stab at the 24 hour event on day 2 last year on a whim. I signed up as a walk up and ran 50 miles in ten hours and called it a day.
It's a different breed of runners at ATY but a very interesting one and a borderline legendary one in the world of running. This is an "A" list race for many people every year and ringing in the new year with Aravaipa is a family tradition for many.
1.05 mile loop around a beautiful set of grounds at the ballpark. They can always use volunteers for an event that is covering 72 hours so if you can help out Aravaipa offers a discount coupon for future races. Plus a technical shirt, which is a pretty sweet deal for 8 hours of what is hard to describe as "work."
I took a stab at the 24 hour event on day 2 last year on a whim. I signed up as a walk up and ran 50 miles in ten hours and called it a day.
It's a different breed of runners at ATY but a very interesting one and a borderline legendary one in the world of running. This is an "A" list race for many people every year and ringing in the new year with Aravaipa is a family tradition for many.
1.05 mile loop around a beautiful set of grounds at the ballpark. They can always use volunteers for an event that is covering 72 hours so if you can help out Aravaipa offers a discount coupon for future races. Plus a technical shirt, which is a pretty sweet deal for 8 hours of what is hard to describe as "work."
McDowell Mountain Marathon - December 29th, 2012

http://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=18424
From the ultrasignup.com information:
This course is a stunning traverse of the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale, Arizona. The route is comprised of approximately 20 miles of desert single-track, 5 miles of dirt road, and 1 mile of pavement. The course begins at Sunrise Access Trailhead and immediately climbs towards Sunrise Peak. From there, we will have an extended downhill to Lost Dog Trailhead. Water up and head up to Lost Dog Lookout, and drop into a wash towards Gateway. Water up at Gateway and there is another climb up to Tom's Thumb - the high point of the trail. Drop down to the North Access, and your now at mile 20. From there it's six miles of mostly dirt road. We'll end this trek at Rosati’s Pizza at Alma School and Dynamite. Then get a lift (your on your own there) back to Sunrise or hang around and join us for drinks. There is over 4,000 feet of climbing across the course (see map) and you will see the McDowell Mountains with a totality that few in the Valley have experienced. Participants will receive a custom hand-made finisher’s medal (see picture) and a beer or other beverage at Rosati’s. This is an informal “fun run” designed to celebrate the end of 2012 with an epic romp through the McDowell Mountains.
DescriptionScottsdale's McDowell Mountains are like no other place in the Valley. These mountainis are home to stunning geography, lush cacti forests, and at 21,400 acres it is the largest urban wilderness in the United States. This is an informal self-supported trail marathon. Participants will be given a map but will be responsible for navigation. The course will not be marked and you will be responsible for your own nutrition. Hey, we're not Competitor Group! There will however be water available at Lost Dog, Gateway, and Tom’s Thumb Access Area. No other fluids will be available - so make the stops and plan accordingly. Participants must carry at least one bottle of water between fixed trailheads. Participants will be responsible for getting back to their automobiles at Sunrise Access or finding transportation home. Sound like a lot of work? Sure! But you will see the McDowells from head to toe, donate to the beer and drink fund, and get a kick-ass finisher's medal for your efforts. The race is limited to 12 participants.
TimeThe race will begin at 7 AM at Sunrise Trailhead. "Official" cutoff will be 2 PM . . . but we don't plan on being too picky about that.
From the ultrasignup.com information:
This course is a stunning traverse of the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale, Arizona. The route is comprised of approximately 20 miles of desert single-track, 5 miles of dirt road, and 1 mile of pavement. The course begins at Sunrise Access Trailhead and immediately climbs towards Sunrise Peak. From there, we will have an extended downhill to Lost Dog Trailhead. Water up and head up to Lost Dog Lookout, and drop into a wash towards Gateway. Water up at Gateway and there is another climb up to Tom's Thumb - the high point of the trail. Drop down to the North Access, and your now at mile 20. From there it's six miles of mostly dirt road. We'll end this trek at Rosati’s Pizza at Alma School and Dynamite. Then get a lift (your on your own there) back to Sunrise or hang around and join us for drinks. There is over 4,000 feet of climbing across the course (see map) and you will see the McDowell Mountains with a totality that few in the Valley have experienced. Participants will receive a custom hand-made finisher’s medal (see picture) and a beer or other beverage at Rosati’s. This is an informal “fun run” designed to celebrate the end of 2012 with an epic romp through the McDowell Mountains.
DescriptionScottsdale's McDowell Mountains are like no other place in the Valley. These mountainis are home to stunning geography, lush cacti forests, and at 21,400 acres it is the largest urban wilderness in the United States. This is an informal self-supported trail marathon. Participants will be given a map but will be responsible for navigation. The course will not be marked and you will be responsible for your own nutrition. Hey, we're not Competitor Group! There will however be water available at Lost Dog, Gateway, and Tom’s Thumb Access Area. No other fluids will be available - so make the stops and plan accordingly. Participants must carry at least one bottle of water between fixed trailheads. Participants will be responsible for getting back to their automobiles at Sunrise Access or finding transportation home. Sound like a lot of work? Sure! But you will see the McDowells from head to toe, donate to the beer and drink fund, and get a kick-ass finisher's medal for your efforts. The race is limited to 12 participants.
TimeThe race will begin at 7 AM at Sunrise Trailhead. "Official" cutoff will be 2 PM . . . but we don't plan on being too picky about that.
Christmas Eve Group Holiday Run - December 24th, 2012

A group of us try and get together on Christmas Eve to run through the Preserve starting at 40th street parking lot south of Shea. Nothing fancy, no frills, just a group run for an hour or two before the holiday week takes over for everyone.
Hardrock 100 Lottery Date - December 16th, 2012

The ultra that leads all ultras in the number of runners that dread winning as much as are excited about it.
McDowell Mountain Frenzy DRT Series Race - December 8th, 2012

http://www.aravaiparunning.com/mcdowell-mountain-frenzy/
Race #3 in the DRT Series and the first one with a 50M in the mix. This year they are taking runners up the backside of the McDowells and for a summit of the 3,900+ft. Thompson Peak road and around some of the regular trails on our training runs in the McDowell's. They're getting a great mix of fast runners from Flagstaff for the 50K and a great field for the 50M. It's an Aravaipa Race so you know what you are getting in a course and support. Amazing every time.
Race #3 in the DRT Series and the first one with a 50M in the mix. This year they are taking runners up the backside of the McDowells and for a summit of the 3,900+ft. Thompson Peak road and around some of the regular trails on our training runs in the McDowell's. They're getting a great mix of fast runners from Flagstaff for the 50K and a great field for the 50M. It's an Aravaipa Race so you know what you are getting in a course and support. Amazing every time.
Western States 100 Lottery - December 8th, 2012

This is the day that determines the race calendar for many an ultrarunner. Signups for other 100's skyrockets as soon as people find out they are not going to California in June.
South Mountain National Trail 50k - Dec. 1st, 2012

John Vaupel on the National Trail of South Mountain with Phoenix in the background.
An annual Fat Ass put on by Robert Andrulis starting at the Buena Vista parking lot. Starting west on the National Trail runners run the 10.7 miles to the end of National where Robert has an aid station set up. Turn around there and head back up the mountain, past a few select water drops and his aid station at Buena Vista. Stop there for a 30k or continue on for the final out and back of the National Trail. Over 3,700 feet of climbing in the 30K, 5k in the 50K, it's a sweet run. No frills, no awards, no shirts. No need. Everyone brings something to contribute and heads out for a run on a great trail. It's a perfect training run with technical terrain, flats, long downhills, long climbs, and lots of mountain bikers to pass. With the weather as perfect as it is every year, it's always great out there.
Cabin Loop 50K - Mogollon Rim, Arizona - May 19th, 2012

This is Arizona like you haven't seen it before. Starting at the Washington Park access off the #31 Highline Trail (& Mile 17 of the Zane Grey 50) the climb takes you to the top of the Rim and the start of the Cabin Loop network of single track trails through the lush, green forest. In all, about 4,400 ft of climbing and some very fun, fast sections through the forest trails before descending down the Arizona Trail back to Washington Park for the finish. More details to come with maps, elevation profiles and detailed course descriptions as well as more pictures of the course. Email me for more information at azadventures@getoutgetlost.com
Mogollon Monster 100 Trial Run - May 5th, 2012

Our new date after a massive snow storm drove us out of December and into May. Really looking forward to this run, training hard for it, can't wait for it.
Mesquite Canyon 50K - DRT Series Championship - March 11th, 2012

Year 3 of this year and hopefully a year I can do better than a 5:59 sprint to the finish suicide march through Ford Canyon. Running an 18 hour 50 miler the weekend before last year didn't help. So this year running 55 the weekend before in the same destructive Superstition Mountains should improve my time...
Grand Canyon 45 Mile Route - February 18th, 2012

I don't know the route. I just know it's 40-45 miles and NOT R2R2R. I'll update the route when I find out what it is. Heading up with a couple of veterans so I'm just along for the ride. They know the area far better than I do. Can't wait!
Superstition Wilderness 50K/25K - January 14th, 2012

The second annual Superstition Wilderness Fat Ass 50k/25k is back for some more incredible single track trail running. The Superstitions fall in a Wilderness Area so group sizes are limited and events are not allowed within it's limits. In fact you cannot even mountain bike here. The course follows the Dutchman Trail around the Weavers Needle to the Peralta Trail where runners can get aid and a ride back if they choose the 25K distance. Runners going on will climb the Peralta trail and some amazing ridgeline running down the rocks to fully circle the Needle and return back to First Water Trailhead. Last year's Garmin is below and a full topo map with elevation profile will be posted soon. Last year it had about 4,400 feet of climbing for 28 miles but we took a wrong turn and some ran 30 and some ran 28. There is a no fee-no shirt run. Email me at azadventures@getoutgetlost.com if you want to join us for either distance!
Kachina Wilderness 25M- August 2011

High elevation training away from the heat of the Valley. A trip around the mountain and up the 12,633 Mt. Humphries. Beautiful weather, aspens, ponderosa pine, cool breezes. Flagstaff running at it's best.
Cabin Loop 50K - July 2011

Training run at 8,000 feet on the top of the Mogollon Rim away from the heat and on some amazing singletrack through some historic forests. We will be doing both loops in the month of July in two different trips.
Superstition Wilderness 25K & 50K Fat Ass Run - January 2nd, 2011

My first attempt at a semi organized event gathering up 9 others for a trip through the incredibly difficult, rugged, rocky and unforgiving desert terrain in the Superstition Wilderness Area east of Phoenix Metro. What a trip, what a group. 7 of us finished the 50k route while 4 ended up settling for the 25k distance.
EASILY, one of the most beautiful trails I've ever run, anywhere in the USA. Including Colorado, Alaska, Idaho, Washington, Vermont and everything in between. Stunning and so much fun running the ridgelines with a reckless abandon, crossing the frozen rivers, through the forested tunnels, jumping cholla, and dancing our way through rocks for nearly 8 hours.
EASILY, one of the most beautiful trails I've ever run, anywhere in the USA. Including Colorado, Alaska, Idaho, Washington, Vermont and everything in between. Stunning and so much fun running the ridgelines with a reckless abandon, crossing the frozen rivers, through the forested tunnels, jumping cholla, and dancing our way through rocks for nearly 8 hours.
South Mountain 50K (Fat Ass) - Dec. 4th, 2010

I officially have added a DNF to my race resume. I'll write more later but I'll leave it with this for now, "Never wear Newton's for the first time ever on a 50k. Dumb."
Fat Ox 50 Mile Race- Nadair Manor 500Meter Dirt Track-Buckeye, AZ Nov. 20th, 2010

As part of a new ASU study program I would be running this race as part of that study to determine the maximum pace an ultrarunner can maintain while still burning fat. It's held in the suburb of Buckeye at the 500 meter dirt track at Nadair Manor that Aravaipa Running uses for a lot of their races including Across the Years. Very interesting and I'm looking forward to the additional mental challenge of running that many laps for a 50 mile distance. 161 laps. aravaiparunning.com
Javalina Jundred 100 Mile Race (Pacing/Volunteering)-October 23rd & 24th 2010

I'll be pacing my friend Matt Schmidt who is attempting his first 100 mile race. I'm running laps 5 & 6 with him for about 31 miles total. I'm also volunteering the first shift at Jackass Aid Station so I'll be out there for most of the race. It's a large sized race and a lot of first time attempts as the course is generally a rolling dirt trail with loops of 15 miles until you reach 100.
Superstition Wilderness Trail Run- September 18th,2010

This is a long run that I'm working on mapping out that will run through the Superstition Wilderness from First Water Trail head up over the top by Weever's Needle and down to Carney Springs or Peralta Trailhead. I have a full 50K route figured out but before doing the full loop I need to test out the trails and make sure they are passable and the route finding is minimal. A few WMRC'ers are coming along for what should be about 15-20 miles to Weever's Needle and then back down to First Water. This would be a good training run two weeks prior to Man Against Horse. http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=686
Marroon Bells 24 mile/12 hour Trek-Colorado-September 10th-13th, 2010

A 24 mile circuit around one of Colorado's more famous 14'ers that most people do in two days. Headed up weekend after Labor Day 2010. It's not going to be any record setting trip but just a jaunt through the woods in some scenic Colorado trail. Hopefully it won't be as packed with people as I expect it to be but it's not 110 degrees so I'm there. We'll be doing it with some friends from here in Phoenix and a few in Colorado. Two and a half days. Really excited for the cold weather. "Colder" rather. I'm hoping to still get in some trail running in while we are camped.
Salome Wilderness-"The Jug"-May 25th, 2010

Another trip down the Salome River. Hoping for conditions similar to last year's perfect water. Freezing cold but perfect.
The Great Urban Race, Phoenix, Arizona-February 13th, 2010

A 5k scavenger hunt across Downtown Phoenix. This team event with Jen has 14 clues scattered across Downtown Phoenix. Running and public transport are only means of transportation and the first team with all the clues answered at the finish line wins. http://www.greaturbanrace.com/
***We finished 18th overall of around 200 teams and qualified for the National Championship in Las Vegas November 6th! Didn't see that coming either! It was a lot of fun and definately some stragedy in going from one clue to the next. Dylan and Sarah, Matt and Melanie and Brandon and Jill also finished in the Top 25 and are going to Vegas!
***We finished 18th overall of around 200 teams and qualified for the National Championship in Las Vegas November 6th! Didn't see that coming either! It was a lot of fun and definately some stragedy in going from one clue to the next. Dylan and Sarah, Matt and Melanie and Brandon and Jill also finished in the Top 25 and are going to Vegas!
Phoenix Mountain Preserve-Trail #100

This was our training hike prior to the R2R2R in the Grand Canyon the following week. A traversed trip across the Phoenix Mountains and the 10.7 mile Trail #100 that we streched out over other ridges and summits to complete a 27.5 mile round trip. This was a "off the couch" for two of our team and both made it with minimal blisters. Everyone is ready for the 46.6 round trip in the Grand Canyon next week!