Extra day off work, 5 hour drive south on I-25 = happy 3-day marathon weekend (no airport 🙂 )

Not being a hot weather runner, struggled with the idea of where to run New Mexico – only 2 organized marathons [in New Mexico], Shiprock in Four Corners (May) & Duke City in Albuquerque (September).  Then – out of nowhere received notice of a brand-new event coming to Angel Fire, a small northern New Mexico ski town.  SCORE!

Wait – New Mexico in July?  Marathoning at 8800ft?  Yikes!

Amazing arid landscape – love New Mexico – but not a lotta in Angel Fire during the summer (same as many Colorado ski towns).  Bib pick-up, stopped by Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park, then 45 minutes west thru Carson Nat’l Forest to Taos.

Shopping, open air markets, outdoor dining, large local artist community – day trip recommend.  Fun, laid-back atmosphere.

Closest 4^th of July firework display?  An hour east in Eagle Nest.  Argh, would have to pass this year.

Early to bed, early to rise – tomorrow’s marathon day at 8800ft!