** This post about our hike contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise! Dreamy Draw Recreation Area The No. 1 activity I had planned during our weekend in Phoenix was a hike, even if it wasn't too challenging or long. I longed for the Phoenix sunshine, especially as we made ... Read more
Where to Hike in Phoenix (Besides Camelback Mountain)
One of the best things to do in Phoenix during the winter months is hike. If you're not hiking, what are you doing with your life? Highs of 60 degrees mean that you'll still feel cool even after you've worked up a sweat, which you'll do on the inclines. My favorite time to hike is after a storm when the clouds are clearing. The most gorgeous sunsets happen on partly cloudy days, after the rain ... Read more
Ragnar Del Sol 2015 Recap
My third Ragnar Del Sol, like the Ragnars I've done before it, tested me, rewarded me and taught me more about running and myself. But let's start from the beginning ... Last Friday, Van 2 of the Crazy Cervezas team set off for our exchange. After two years of being in Van 1, I experienced what it's like to be the finishing van. It felt odd to not be waking up at 3 a.m. to leave for ... Read more
Week 2 of Marathon Training
I've officially signed up for my first marathon! I'll be running the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon in Louisville in late April. Wish me luck!Sunday: I skipped running because I had a headache for most of the day. Instead I went for a 1.84-mile walk before sunset, when I started to feel better. I noticed a lot of trash left behind after last Saturday's parade; I spotted gloves, hats, water ... Read more
Ragnar Trail McDowell Mountain Recap: How the West Was Run
Howdy, y'all! I survived my first Ragnar Trail. I had my eye set on that Phoenix double medal for completing both Ragnar Del Sol and McDowell Mountain in one year when I signed up in June, but between then and now I have been consumed with wedding planning and post-wedding laziness. Thus, I wasn't adequately prepared. But that didn't stop me from having a fabulous time! Our team, How the West ... Read more
Sunset hikes are my favorite
Recent monsoon storms have led to beautiful skies lately. Graham and I took our pups on a hike after a productive Sunday afternoon. We explored a different Dreamy Draw trail than our usual route — it was such a good idea!We rushed to the top of the hill to get an unobstructed view of the sunset. The payoff was this splendid view ...I was mesmerized by the clouds. We are so lucky to live in ... Read more
Ragnar Del Sol 2014 Recap
February 21 came out of nowhere. I had been training for Ragnar Del Sol for a few months, but it still seemed so far away. Suddenly it was a week before Ragnar and I had a list of things to do and buy. The night before Ragnar we decorated our vans with window paint and packed some our belongings. One of my teammates was sweet enough to bake carrot cupcakes for the birthday girls on our team. I ... Read more