Tucson summers can be tough on runners.
The secret is to get an early start.
“The blessing of Tucson in the summer is that it’s gorgeous at 4:45 in the morning,” said Barry Baker, 44, who runs for about a half hour or more two or three times a week and loves watching the sun rise.
On July 12, he’ll be getting up even earlier to run the “Run With the Roosters” Kinney Road 5 Mile Run & Walk at Old Tucson — which starts at 5:05 a.m. — or the first sign of light.
It will be the first time he’s run this race, which other runners have told him it’s one of their favorites because of the sunrise.
“It’s a really nice course,” he said. More than 400 runners and walkers are expected to take part.
Getting Started
Baker took up running as he approached 40 and started thinking more about his health. “I definitely was not in great shape,” he said.
He started slowly, not wanting to sacrifice time from his family. Seeking balance, he also took up swimming. which he could fit into his schedule one or two times a week, and reserved one morning a week for cycling.
And along the way he discovered that the Tucson area has a variety of groups and events devoted to keeping people active. “There are plenty of opportunities to meet people and to learn — and it also makes training easier.”
One of the people he met through cycling was Steve Landau, the owner and race director of Everyone Runs, Everyone Walks. Landau encouraged him to try the Catalina State Park Trail race, a 5- and 10-mile trail run he puts on in April and September. “I misunderstand what he was saying. I thought it was a 10K,” Baker recalled, laughing. “It was beautiful and hard and wonderful.” Since then, he said he’s done the run at least three more times.
Baker’s daughters, ages 14 and 12, are also active in sports. “They love finding fun runs to do with their friends or with us,” he said.
For a good cause
Baker also appreciates that many of the local events benefit charitable causes. Two of his favorites are the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which provides grants to athletes with a physical disability, and the University of Arizona Skin Cancer Institute.
“I had a big cancer scare,” said Baker, who has had several surgeries for melanoma in recent years. Each time, it was detected early enough. “The good news is I got checked and they found it,” said Baker, who recommends that everyone should go to a dermatologist to get checked. “If you find it early it’s not going to be a big deal and if you prevent it it’s even better,” said Baker, who wears the best sunblock he can find and dons sun sleeves. “I don’t completely avoid the sun, but I do try to avoid sun damage.”
Landau will produce several events this year. At the end of the year he will give a portion of the proceeds to charity. “Our main beneficiary is Team Red, White and Blue,” Landau said. The nonprofit tries to enrich the lives of veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.
Baker urged people not to feel intimidated about signing up for an organized run or walk. “Don’t be intimidated to walk or run,” Baker said. “Whatever it is, get active. I think the benefits are phenomenal, with mood or health or weight or socializing. It’s really worth the effort to get involved.”
