Running in Nevada and Utah

It's about as bad a scenario as can be. Picture this: you're in Moab, Utah, and your wife (aka the Lady Adventurer) informs you that the Bears Ears Marathon is Saturday. Thirty-six hours away. This is the first you've heard of it, but it's immediately clear this would be a fantastic event. It's through scenic Bears Ears National Monument, a place you want to visit. It's downhill and the weather will be great. But then there's the downside: you're in no shape whatsoever, considering the marathon a week ago and another two weeks before that. Even so, you don't rule it out altogether just yet.

You're in Moab as part of a road trip to visit national parks. You've been to all of them now, so it's time to relax a little. But this decision is causing much anguish. How can you possibly miss such a great opportunity? You can, if you believe you probably wouldn't be able to complete the race. You've done some stupid things in your running career, but running the Bears Ears Marathon would rank near the top. It hurts, but you (very) reluctantly decide... I just can't. It would be folly.

There was some other running (but mostly hiking) along the way on this road trip. But not much. Here's a brief rundown.

Baker, NV - Just a couple of miles up and down the lonely, quiet highway. Nice sunrist.

Torrey, UT - About the same as Baker, but there were some big hills involved.

Moab, UT - Great place to run, especially considering that the marathon would be taking place down the road. The bike path leads all the way to Arches National Park. It also goes along the Colorado River. Running don't get much better.

Want to hear more about this trip? Check out the travel blog post.

Baker, Nevada

Moab Morning