I hear conflicting reports that the monsoons may arrive a little earlier in Tucson this year. This made me happy, not just because it will help my outdoor plants currently on life support, but because I love to run in Tucson’s summer rains. Actually, I think it’ right after the rain stops, when steam comes up from the desert floor, carrying the smell of dirt, rocks and creosotes that is my favorite time.
Yesterday’s rain was kind of a tease, but it did get me to thinking about precautions to take while running during the monsoon season in Tucson (many of these make sense all the time).
-Stay off the roads if you can, Tucson drivers have a hard enough time negotiating the roads as it is. Plenty of beautiful places to run here in southern Arizona.
-Lightning is bad. Do not run if lightning is present - ever. If you get caught in a lightning storm, low lying areas are the best and stay away from trees.
-Know that a dry wash can turn into a flooded wash at any time. Ask some of my friends that got airlifted out of Sabino Canyon last year…
-Carry ID, cash and a cell phone.
-Always, always let someone know where you plan on running and when you plan to return. Good advice all the time.
-A hat – keeps the sun out of your face and the rain out of your eyes.
It doesn’t take much to get out and hit the trails, and with these precautions you’ll be sure to enjoy your run no matter what Mother Nature throws at you…
What are your favorite times to run?
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