Day 22 The desert before Congress Arizona to just past Peeples Valley 26 miles

3/3/2011

I began the day in the Arizona desert with my mom, JC, and Bob the gnome. We ran eleven miles before I took a break at the base of a winding mountain road. I just wanted to massage my calves and mentally prepare for a climb. I checked my shins and realized I hadn’t given them a thought from the moment I woke up. I then set my sights on conquering the mountain. Ripping through the mountains was nothing short of breathtaking. There was no pain on this run, just the pleasure of beauty surround me. I think the view carried me on this day. The wind seemed to help push me along as well. Despite a late start and the fact that I left a box of chips, rice, and beans on the top of the car, it seemed like the universe was on my side today. Once again the scenery began to change. Cactus and dirt transformed to rocks and trees before my very eyes. The winding mountain road only lasted a couple miles before I hit the peak. Down the back side of the mountain I passed a little town called Yarnell. Everything closes at two there so I wasn’t able to have my lunch till a couple more miles down. This area was a little hidden gem in the mountains none the less. Ranches with acres of land and animals running free were on both sides of me. I thought to myself, it must be nice being able to live in such a peaceful and beautiful place.

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