Get moving Tucson! It’s that time of the year where the mornings and evenings are still cool but the days are heating up.
Pretty soon, the mornings will be warm, while the days and the evenings will be hot – perhaps dangerously hot. Check out these tips to help you stay safe while running and walking over the coming months.
Hydrate: Your core temperature and heart rate will be lower when you’re hydrated, so be sure to drink 6 to 12 ounces of hydrating beverages like water and sports drinks about 20 minutes before you head out the door — and another 6 to 12 ounces during every hour of outdoor exercise.
Start early: Get a jump on the day by starting before the heat kicks in — be sure to wear light-colored clothing or reflective gear if you’re exercising in the dark.
Wear light-weight clothing: Wear loose-fitting, light-weight clothing. Consider a long-sleeve shirt to guard against the sun’s rays. Wear a hat and be sure to wear a pair of sunglasses.
Hit the trails and avoid the concrete: It is cooler on the dirt, so if you can, get off the black asphalt and hit the desert trails and the dirt paths.
Watch for snakes: If you’re on desert trails, Loop paths, or even in city parks, keep an eye out for snakes. Don’t reach under bushes or on top of rocks above your head. Perhaps leave your headphones alone when you’re on the trails: You want to be able to hear the warning rattle of the rattlesnake.
Share your route: Let someone know where you’re going. This is a good idea throughout the year, but especially in the heat, let someone know where you intend to go in case something untoward happens.
If you want to get out and get moving, here are some local events you may want to consider.
Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome. Not yet ready to commit to go the distance? You can volunteer instead — folks are always needed to hand out water and T-shirts or cheer for people while providing direction on the route.
Assistant coordinator Sarah Palmer, far left, checks in a walker at the weekly Meet Me at Maynards run/walk event.
Meet Me at Maynards
What: This weekly free walk and run begins and ends at Maynard’s Market, with discounts to local restaurants and bars and giveaway awards
When: 6 p.m. Mondays
Where: 400 N. Toole Ave.
Distance: Choose your own, with a mapped 1-mile and 2.5-mile option
Organizer: Beyond Tucson
Cost: Free
Check in/registration: beyond-tucson.org/programs/meet-me-at-maynards
Meet Me Wednesdays
What: A weekly free walk and run that begins and ends at St. Phillip’s Plaza, with a route that includes the Chuck Huckelberry Loop along the Rillito River
When: 6 p.m. Wednesdays
Where: 4310 N. Campbell Ave., St. Phillip’s Plaza courtyard
Distance: Choose your own, with mapped 1.2-, 2.2- and 3.1-mile options
Organizer: Beyond Tucson
Cost: Free
Check in/registration: beyond-tucson.org/programs/meet-me-wednesday
Dr. Gann’s Diet of Hope Cinco de Mayo Running Fiesta
When: 6:30 a.m. May 5
Distance: 1 mile, 5k and 10k
Where: Cholla High School, 2001 W. Starr Pass Blvd.
Organizer: Southern Arizona Roadrunners
Beneficiary: Huntington’s Disease Society of America, Cholla High mariachi program scholarship fund
Cost: $0-$40
Check in/registration: runsar.org
Fallen Officer Memorial 5K/2 Mile Family Walk and Touch A Truck event
When: 7:30 a.m. May 11
Where: Reid Park, 900 S. Randolph Way, ramadas 20 and 22
Distance: Kids fun run, 2-mile walk and 5k
Organizer: Erik Hite Foundation
Beneficiary: Erik Hite Foundation and Fallen Officer Memorial
Cost: $40
Check in/registration: erikhitefoundation.org
Tucson 5000 and FitKidz Mile
When: 6:45 am. May 18
Where: Reid Park, 900 S. Randolph Way
Distance: 1 mile and 5k
Organizer: Southern Arizona Roadrunners
Beneficiary: Team Hoyt
Cost: $23-$30
Check in/registration: runsar.org
TMC Meet Me Downtown 5k Night Run/Walk and Festival of Miles
What: This event includes a free high school mile, free children’s mile, an open mile and 5k
When: 6 p.m. June 1
Where: Children’s Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Distance: 1 mile and 5k
Organizer: Run Tucson
Beneficiary: Beyond Tucson, Children’s Museum Tucson and Greater Tucson Leadership
Cost: $0-$40
Check in/registration: runtucson.net
Arizona is full of weird and cool museums you're going to want to checkout on your next road trip.
Includes the Ignite Sign Art Museum, History of Pharmacy Museum at the University of Arizona, Biosphere 2, The Birdcage Theatre in Tombstone, Bowlin's The Thing, World's Smallest Museum in Superior, University of Arizona Gem and Mineral Museum, Mini Time Machine Museum and DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun
