Desert Hikes and Trail Runs

Desert Hikes and Trail Runs

Desert Hikes and Trail Runs

Ryan and I didn’t hike much until we moved to Arizona for Ryan to attend law school in 2009. Hiking has become a routine part of our life. It’s been a long grey winter in Seattle so we threw out the idea of taking a little trip somewhere warm before baby #2 arrives. After discussing Tucson as an option, I become obsessed with seeing and feeling some sun. I called the doctor to make sure I was still okay to travel this late in pregnancy and she said I had two weeks. We immediately booked plane tickets and a room for a few days at our favorite Tucson hotel, the Westin La Paloma.

We opted to spend our first morning hiking our favorite Tucson trail, Fingerrock. I love this trail so much because you see such gorgeous desert scenery in the first few minutes of the hike. I wouldn’t recommend as a beginner hike but the first part of the hike isn’t too strenuous.  I am so thankful we had trail running shoes this time. This trail is really rough and carrying Logan in a pack made me more nervous about losing our footing.  We didn’t hike in as far as we normally do but it was the perfect little hike to get our sun and desert scenary fix. If you are looking for an easier hike with gorgeous scenery, I would recommend Sabino Canyon. You can even take strollers on part of that trail.

I seriously can’t rave enough about Brooks Running shoes. The technology and research behind each of their shoes is amazing. Here is the lowdown on the trail running shoes we wore for our hike:

I wore their Caldera trail running shoe, part of their Energize line. The fun, bright colors of the shoe are what first attracted me to them. I’m excited to wear these a lot on trails this summer.
– made for the most technical trail offering a stable and responsive ride
– midsole cushioning responding to your individual step
– specially designed midsole
– double-layer mesh upper that blends stretch and structure to fit well
– sticky rubber outsoles offering traction on climbs and descents
– rear foot braking lug on the outside adding extra control

Ryan wore the Cascadia 12 trail running shoe. This is part of their cushion line and one of their most popular. Ryan felt like it provided a good balance of cushion and support.
– it was updated this spring with improved overall cushioning and improved flexibility at toe-off
– improved pivot post system creating a stabilizing suspension system
– ballistic rock shield that protects against sharp rocks and roots
– midsole cushioning responds to your individual step and stride
– a rugged outsole offering excellent traction on wet or slick terrain and rear foot braking lugs to help on descents

After our morning hike, we stopped by one of our favorite Tucson restaurants Zinburger. Ryan opted for a burger while Logan and I ate chicken. We were full but we did have to get a kids size milkshake for the ride back to the hotel.

Her Brooks Running Outfit: Dash Hoodie // Tank // Chaser Running Short // Caldera Running Shoe  — This was my first time wearing Brooks Running shorts and I can say I am fan!

His Brooks Running Outfit: Ghost Tee // Fremont Shorts // Cascadia 12 Running Shoe

Once we got back to the hotel, we changed and headed out to the pool for the rest of the day. Stay tuned for more photos from our Tucson trip…

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