Q & A with RD Steve
Q: Hey Steve, what is the Hangover Trail?
A: Hangover is 3 of the most amazing miles you will ever run in a race. It is awe inspiring. We had to show it to you. The trail gets a little airy in a couple of short sections but most things worth doing aren’t easy. You didn’t sign up for easy, by the way.
Two parts are truly amazing. The first is a half tunnel in the cliffside. It is a natural sidewalk carved into the cliff with a roof. It literally hangs over your head. Yeah, that is where the name comes from. And as you walk through this incredible rock feature you have a drop off view to your left of oak creek. And as you walk through this incredible rock feature you have a drop off view to your left of Oak Creek. The second is the saddle. It is a true slick rock saddle between two red rock spires. Midgley Bridge and Oak Creek to your right, Munds Mountain and mind blowing red rock walls to the left. You’ll remember it.
Q: Why are people saying Hangover is scary?
A: Well, let’s talk about being scared on runs. I’ve been scared on runs before. Most of those times, when I look back upon them now, I know that I really was safe. I was just scared. But there are some runs I look back on and think, that really wasn’t safe. We know the difference. Hangover is safe. Jamil and I wouldn’t put you on a trail that wasn’t. We might put you on a trail that scares you and takes you to a pass that leaves you overcome with emotion, but we would not put you in harm’s way.
“Hangover is safe. Jamil and I wouldn’t put you on a trail that wasn’t.”
For many runners, they feel great about covering this type of terrain. For some people, this is a new experience and you may be feeling concerned or even outright worried.
Q: How do you know this is safe?
A: We know all about this type of terrain. For those of you that haven’t spent a lot of time on slick rock, it is extremely grippy – even when it is wet. You will be able to just walk up or down the sections of slick rock. If you tripped and fell, you’d skid to a stop. Your heart would pound and you’d have road rash, but you aren’t going to go tumbling. These high slick rock sections may look intimidating but it is just like moving along any other part of the trail – your feet will keep you upright. You can always use your hands if you are feeling nervous on the steep sections (or you are just plain tired).
“These high slick rock sections may look intimidating but it is just like moving along any other part of the trail – your feet will keep you upright.”
But, Steve, the exposure! Did you see those YouTube videos?
Yes! And I’ve seen it in real life. It is exposed. Exposure is when there is open air between you and your surroundings. It can be unsettling, but it is not inherently dangerous. It is thrilling and in this case allows you to really take in the immense beauty of Sedona.
Q: Why would you put a trail on the course that scares people?
A: Why wouldn’t we? Frankly, this whole experience should scare you! You are running 250 or 125 miles through the desert of Arizona. You are going to be challenged. It is going to be hard. It is going to hurt. We created a race for you to test yourself and your limits. To not just see Arizona from the window of a car or a pink Jeep (but wave hi to those guys if you see them, tell them you’ve been running since Black Canyon City), but to be in this landscape and really experience these wild and beautiful lands. To push past what you thought you could do. To go deep into the places of yourself that you thought you didn’t have. Hangover is no different. As you experience this challenge, as you learn to push through the feelings you have about trying something new, or scary or different, you are going to feel such joy at having overcome this challenge. It is why we put on this race. It is likely why you trail run. To overcome what has held you back and grow into what is waiting for you on the other side.
“You are going to be challenged. It is going to be hard. It is going to hurt. We created a race for you to test yourself and your limits. To not just see Arizona from the window of a car or a pink Jeep (but wave hi to those guys if you see them, tell them you’ve been running since Black Canyon City), but to be in this landscape and really experience these wild and beautiful lands.”
Q: But, Steve, what if I really don’t think I can do this.
A: Reach out if you still don’t think you can do it. But we think you can and we KNOW you will be glad you did.
Check out some videos of the trail below!