The “No Slumber” Tour!
- rickdmoore
- 57 minutes ago
- 4 min read
The instruments and memorabilia are packed away. But the memories linger. Memories of seven runs over ten days in three different states with my Nikes pounding away on one of the nation’s most renowned walk paths to remote trails at over eight thousand feet elevation to touching base with my spiritual center.
A short, but thoroughly delightful adventure that I call The “No Slumber” Tour.
An Important Disclaimer
Ethics require transparency. I was able to sleep during my ten-day vacation. Indeed, there was one evening where I literally fell asleep following dinner. But while my lovely wife would remain in bed, I was up and at it early to hit the roads, sidewalks, hiking trails or whatever.
And why is that?
It's spelled out clearly in the Rick Moore Running Guide that if I must run during a vacation - and I must! - then I shall do so in the early morning so that my focus can then be on whatever it is we’re doing the rest of the day!
Although that meant sacrificing sleep for my addiction, after being unable to run for so many months, there was simply no way I would miss out on any opportunity hit the road. Which I did - running every morning that we were not at an airport. It's now my pleasure to share the delightful stops on this enjoyable tour.
The Strip
How Was It For Running? The first couple hours of daybreak are the only time the crowds and heat allow any kind of run along the Las Vegas Strip. Even with that, both Saturday and Sunday morning presented several occasions during my five and four mile runs when I had to slow down to move through or past small clusters of people. Although temps were in the low eighties and climbing quickly, the lack of humidity meant minimal sweat when it was all said and done.
Anything Else? I never cared for Las Vegas when I lived there for a couple years back in the Nineties. But knowing that those slot machines and card tables were generating their income, casinos kept other prices more reasonable back then. Seeing a glass of average wine going at over thirty dollars at restaurant told me those days were long gone. Needless to say, I like Sin City even less now.
St. George
How Was It For Running? Although a busy morning schedule required leaving before dawn, well-lit sidewalks made this doable with pleasant temps in the mid-60's. Having seen a metal T-Rex along the drive to where we were staying the previous day, my inner paleontologist mandated a personal visit with this metallic facsimile. The main challenge on this course was a long, steep hill leading back to our VRBO apartment.
Anything Else? After two days in Las Vegas, St. George provided a welcome breath of fresh air as well as a delightful dining experience that took us through what has to be in the Top 10 for cleanest cities in America.
Bryce Canyon
How Was It For Running?
Being one of the most stunning, most beautiful places I’ve ever experienced, I was determined to put in a few miles during our overnight stay. Although an absolutely inspirational setting in the early dawn, the rough condition of the trail along with a steep incline covered with small gravel shortened the length of an wise thoroughly enjoyable run.
Anything Else? While I’d worn a singlet with shorts every previous run, with temps in the low forties, I was in tights and a long-sleeved top.
Newburg
How Was It For Running? With temps in the low fifties, I opted for the tights and long-sleeved top again, preferring working up a sweat over a chill. Otherwise, I experienced a pleasant out and back on quiet residential streets.
Anything Else? Although staying in Newburg occurred because of a change in our itinerary, the town made the stay that much better by introducing me to another exquisite coffee shop and the finest fresh seafood store I've ever seen in the Willamette Valley.
Western Oregon University
How Was It For Running? While the forecast warned of near triple-digit heat in the next few days, the six-mile run that started at my alma mater commenced with temps again in the low fifties. But since I'm visiting my "spiritual center," that's hardly an issue. Listening to a playlist of music from 1981, I savored every step, going along our old 5K trail, checking to see if my old apartments were still standing and seeing that once again, an ROTC graduation once again denied me a few laps on their all-weather track.
Anything Else? Being completely honest, my times at this campus weren't all youthful cheer. I experienced some difficult times during those years. Still, this campus holds such a special meaning for me because with the support of family and dear friends, I prevailed over those challenges, leaving Western Oregon with a mindset prepared to deal with the obstacles that life would present.
McMinnville
How Was It For Running? With morning temps back into the low sixties and staying in a lovely residential neighborhood with nice sidewalks, how could I not enjoy a relaxing Sunday morning run? Even better, after two days of relatively flat courses, this one had two hills determined to make me at least break a sweat despite the lack of humidity.
Anything Else? Barely two miles from this wonderful loft was Union Block - bar none, the finest coffee shop in this or any other galaxy. Their Mexican Mocha surely comes down from Heaven above!
Nothing Lasts Forever
Barely holding back a tear as we boarded a 5 am flight out of Portland, The"No Slumber" Tour came to it’s inevitable end.
Although I’m back in Iowa with a renewed focus on two races this month - my first in over a year - the memories of these runs will remain with me for quite some time.
What about you? I’d enjoy reading about any similar excursions. And thanks for reading the blog!
