Fri 3/11 - double, 4 hrs total

AM - out and back along Romero Canyon trail to Romero Pass, starting from Catalina State Park. Topped out at 6,000', which didn't seem all that impressive on paper but the trail had numerous sections that were quite steep, with footing that was far optimal. I had hoped to go higher originally, but ascending 7 mountain miles was plenty. More relieved than upset when I realized this. The entire trip clocked in at just under 4 hours but that includes breaks, particularly a long one flopping around in the Romero pools on the way down. Being out with the sun at its highest and temps climbing into the high 80s, the dip was very welcome.

PM - 20 minutes incl. drills and strides. Final run in Tucson, enjoyed it thoroughly on the smooth grass. Legs not heavy or tired from the morning.

Thu 3/10 - double, 1:35 total

AM - 75 minutes easy, E Saguaro NP. Stayed on the bajada trails for a much-needed recovery effort. Picked up the pace fairly substantially the last 5 minutes, more to ensure not missing out on waffles at the hostel than for any other reason. Left leg stuck at the start from not stretching yesterday, but felt better in time.

PM - 20 minutes plus strides and drills on the perfectly manicured grass of the nearby ballfield. Felt quite spry.

Wed 3/9 - AM 2 hour plus run/hike

Epic traverse of the Chiricahua NM, spectacular scenery with varied terrain on the trails. Total time spent came in at just over 3 hours but I spent a chunk of that gawking and taking pictures. First 40 minutes were a steady climb from the visitor center, then a hike through Heart of Rocks loop, then another 40 minutes or so over to Massai Point, another stop there, returning via Echo Canyon trail. Great day to be outside. Only downside was that I stepped on a few too many rhyolite shards on the way down and bruised the ball of my right foot. Very tender and hurt the rest of the day, it will heal in time of course but for now problematic on uneven surfaces.

Tue 3/8 - double, 2:30 total

AM - 2+ hours, Saguaro NP. Out and back along the Douglas Springs trail. For the third day in a row, didn't make it as far as I had planned or hoped, laid low by the difference between regular miles and mountain trail miles. Theoretically it was just over 6 miles to get from the trailhead to the Douglas Springs campground, I gave up after about 70 minutes of climbing multiple sets of switchbacks with what I think was the campground in sight but literally a ridge too far. Footing was for the most part agreeable enough, certainly better than yesterday's run at Ventana Canyon. Left hip tight in the usual places, responded in the usual way to direct pressure and held up well enough.

PM - 25 minutes, incl. drills and strides. Found a ball field nearby that had the best grass on which I've ever twinkled my toes. Like running on a carpet.

Mon 3/7 - 1:50

Ventana Canyon Trail. Tried to make it to the eponymous Window but tapped out and turned around well below that. Trail steeper and gnarlier than yesterday's effort, with a few stretches that were elevator steep and required scrambling as opposed to running. This made coming down something of a chore as well. Legs holding up to all the pounding though, so far at least.

Sun 3/6 - double, 2:10 total

AM - 1:40, out and back on Cactus Forest Drive and Tanque Verde trail. Didn't get nearly as far up the mountain as I thought I would, should have known better. Trail was fairly technical in places, with some particularly steep sections that definitely felt worse on the way down and left my legs feeling pretty fried after bottoming out. Left leg not as tight though.

PM - 30 minutes easy, out and back on the bike path parallel to I-10. Did drills at the turnaround point, and they had the typical effect, legs loosened up and moving much faster on the return trip.

Sat 3/5 - double, 2 hours total

AM - 80 minutes, Saguaro NP. Started on the road which was much more of a rollercoaster than I expected, eventually got off onto some trails that were much nicer. Tried to shortcut my way back going up a wash which was not so much fun. Left thigh tight much as it has been, but adductor not bugging me so much. Cooler than I expected, but of course things warm up as soon as the sun gets going.

PM - 45 minutes very easy. Puttered over to the UA campus to gawk at the facilities. Feeling tired and flat, legs to match. Barely moving for the most part.