Monday, August 17, 2009

16th Annual Squaw Peak Challenge 2009

What a lame monsoon season thus far. At least we have something to look forward to: The Challenge is on. Let the PAIN continue!

Recent global weather trends as reported by the National Weather Service indicate that this is an unusual year - the hottest days of our searing summer have yet to dawn. Thus, after careful evaluation and analysis of the Farmers' Almanac heat index - the confluence of maximum ambient air temperature and "peak" humidity - for the summer of '09, it has been decreed that the Challenge shall commence precisely at 2:17 PM Arizona time on Sunday September 6, 2009 at the base of the Squaw Peak Summit Trail. Handicaps will be based on, as usual, a number of vague, amorphous, and as-yet-to-be-determined criteria.

Last years race was a cooker - 112F. This was similar to 2000 race that was "warmed" by 111 degree "breezes" - measured in the shade of course. Notwithstanding the inferno, there was a stunning absence of heat exhaustions, broken egos, and shattered dreams. Hopefully, this year's race will return to normal and provide many of us that slice of humble pie lacking in our otherwise harmonious lives.

Come one, come all to the Challenge. Test yourself on what promises to be a sizzling September afternoon. Do not listen to the voices of doubt in your head - "It's too hot, I'm out-of-shape, the organizers are sadists." Instead, break on through to the other side with some heat training!

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