While visiting Mom and Gil in Scottsdale last weekend, I wanted to go on a regular weekend long run in training for the upcoming San Francisco marathon. The temperature in the highlands around Scottsdale in late May drops to the 80's F at the end of the night, but rises to over 100 F by mid morning. Mom woke me at 4:30 am, so that I could start my run at first light, and finish my 16 miles before 7:30 am. She and Gil supported me during the run; Mom on bicycle and Gil in his car (he wanted to cycle but his arthritis was acting up, poor Gil). They waited for me at each intersection with a refill for my water bottle, bless them! During this early run I saw the desert alive with wildlife as I had never seen it during the daytime. That early in the morning, the sands and scrub were hopping with rabbits, javalinas (wild pigs), and birds. Just like those of us who shy away from the hot desert sun, the animals of the desert come out during the cool night and early morning, and hide underground or under rocks to avoid the midday's sweltering heat.
