Welcome back EXFO readers! Thank you for checking in. In this post, I highlight several local races that you could participate in. They vary in difficulty level, cost, and distance. I assigned each race an “EXFO RATING” to indicate the difficulty level.

My hope is that you see one that looks appealing to you, sign-up, and commit to training for it! Once you’ve made the financial commitment, chances are you’ll be more apt to follow through. Comment below which one looks appealing to you or which other local races you’ve completed that you would recommend! Sidenote, I registered for one of them already - read on to find out which one. We can run it together!

Don’t know where to start? Schedule a free, 20-minute, virtual consultation with me. You can self-schedule the consult here.

Texas Canyon Trail Run

March 25, 2023 Start Time: 9 AM

EXFO Rating: INTERMEDIATE

I am signed up and running this one. I will be doing the 10K! Join me! I am running this one along with a few friends. The more the merrier! Don’t take my word for it, allow the website description of this race entice you! Keep reading

Description from the website:

“The Amerind Museum presents the 10th Annual Texas Canyon Trail Run. Run or walk the scenic 5K or 10K courses in this awe-inspiring region that is normally closed to the public. Texas Canyon is marked by spectacular rock formations, including balancing boulders, and trails crisscrossing through open fields of yucca, ocotillo, a variety of cacti, and scattered trees that dot the terrain. Participation in the event enables Amerind to further its mission of fostering and promoting knowledge and understanding of the Native Peoples of the Americas through research, education, conservation, and community engagement.

In a culture of running, it is no surprise that many Native communities have ways of encouraging runners along their path. Among the O'odham of Arizona and Sonora, singing is important at all community events and celebrations. At the Texas Canyon Trail Run, Amerind is honored to welcome the No:lic Traditional Singers and Dancers. They are from the community of No:lic on the Tohono O'odham Nation. Most of their singers belong to a multi-generational family that values their ancient singing and dance traditions. On March 25, they will sing traditional O'odham songs in their Native language to encourage the trail runners along their way.

Event Details and Schedule

The race will be held entirely within Texas Canyon on the Amerind Museum property. We believe you will experience trail running at its best on a course that takes you through spectacular Texas Canyon, an area that will only be open to the public on race day. We have three water stations on the course. If you expect to need more than that on the course, please carry your additional water. There will also be one porta pot on the course. Please remember no dogs and no headsets, in compliance with our insurance requirements---- you will want to be “in the moment” anyway. Also, please comply with our no smoking policy.”

Dr. Gann’s Diet of Hope, Cinco de Mayo

EXFO Rating: BEGINNER

May 7, 2023 Start Time: 6:30 AM - 7:05 AM

I ran this one last year along with a PT Client. It was their first 5K (and my partners 1st 5K as well!). It is in West Tucson and it’s very much an early morning Cinco de Mayo party. We received a GIANT burrito post race, Mexican cookies, and a mini-Eegees (what more can you ask for?). And there is a Mariachi band and kids games to enjoy at your leisure post race. There is a lot of time to train for this one! If you are interested in running but are nervous about completing the run, let me know! We can start training together.

Description from the website:

“The 41st annual edition of Tucson’s most festive 10K and 5k winds its way through Starr Pass in the foothills of the Tucson Mountains. Run or walk the gorgeous course with beautiful mountain scenery and great views of the Tucson basin. Afterwards, join us for a Cinco de Mayo Celebration featuring a live mariachi band.”

HIMMEL PARK RUN

EXFO Rating: ALL LEVELS

EVERY SATURDAY 8 AM (Nov.-Mar.)

If you are planning on signing up and running Dr. Gann’s Diet of Hope Cinco de Mayo 5K on May 7th, walking or running this race would be a great start! It’s every Saturday so there is no excuse to not train or log those miles! I can typically be found running this one every Saturday so feel free to reach out if you are planning on joining.

Description from the website:

“A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you!

What does it cost to join in?

Nothing - it's free! but please register before you first come along. Only ever register with parkrun once and don't forget to bring a scannable copy of your barcode. If you forget it, you won't get a time.”

Cost: $0 !!!

Sign up here!