Hello to Run Tucson!

For our next Runner Profile, our friends Noemi Mills and Craig Mills were kind enough to answer our questions about their running background.

Some of you may have seen Craig and Noemi at the Come Run training runs, some of you have seen 'em out on the trails, and some of you have seen 'em laughing and smiling after the races -- either way, they've become a fixture in the Tucson running community in recent years and we're happy to introduce them to you.

Also, farther below is our standard calendar of upcoming Run Tucson events. You may note that the upcoming Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run only has about 200 slots remaining for the 8-miler or 5k. As well, our November 5th Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon and 5k also only has about 200 spots available.

In a future newsletter we'll provide details on other Southern Arizona events this upcoming autumn season . . . .

--Randy and Tia Accetta, plus the crew at Run Tucson

Runner Profile: Noemi and Craig Mills
Age: Both of us are 38 

What do you do for a living? 
Noemi is an HR Analyst and Craig is the Video Production Manager for Pima JTED

When and why did you start running?
We started running about 10 years ago just as an activity we could do together for exercise.

What is one of your favorite Tucson-area running locations? 
A few of our favorites are Sabino Canyon. Saguaro National Park, and Sweetwater (the Pima County trails off Camino del Cerro, west of I-10)

What is one of your favorite workouts and why?
We really enjoy the start of the WOG season with some hill workouts that helps us get ready for the Saguaro 8-miler and the Tucson 10k

What is your least favorite workout and why?
Solo workouts when we can't make it to Workout Group

What groups, if any, do you run with? 
We run with The Workout Group and ComeRun.

Tell us about a run, a race, or a training cycle that did not go well. Did you learn anything from that experience?
We both trained for a 50k late 2019 into 2020. There were a lot of ups and downs, including Craig getting injured two weeks before the race. But we persevered and got it done. We learned that training is the hardest part, from the time you have to put in to always running on tired legs, but race day and crossing the finish line makes it all worth it.

What is your favorite race distance? Do you have any advice on how to train for that type of race? 
We both picked 10k as our favorite race distance. It allows you to use your speed, but it's not all out and not as hard on your breathing as a 5k. Doing workouts where you start fast, do some medium speed reps in the middle, and then finish fast will help you perform well in a 10k.

Any advice for how to use running to be happily married?
We both know the challenges and rewards of being in a training cycle. Being understanding and helping one another with the everyday chores lets the other focus on hitting goals with a little less stress. We are each other's biggest fans and we love to see each other set goals and crush them.

Is there something cool we should know about you?
Craig is a videographer and has had the pleasure to do some work for On Your Left Fitness at the Oro Valley Triathlon and for the AZT Oracle Rumble. You may even see Noemi carrying equipment or freaking out about how to turn on a camera once in a while.

What are two truths and a lie:  
We both ran track in high school.
We ran a race with an NFL player.
We went to a Snoop Dogg concert right before running a half marathon.
Rest of 2022 Run Tucson Event Schedule
51st Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run
Monday, September 5th

About 200 Spots Remain!

One of the only courses in the nation allowed on actual National Park land, the beautiful course rolls up and down (and up) the 8-mile paved road amid the lush Cactus Forest at the base of the Rincon Mountains.

Souvenir shirt to all registrants, plus entry into the Saguaro National Park.

We at Run Tucson are proud to be the race directors for this Southern Arizona Roadrunners event. Join SAR for the SAR member discount.

TMC Tucson 10k and 5k
Sunday, September 18th

We'll be back for the 5th annual event, on the same beautiful course among the rolling hills of the Painted Desert in the foothills of the Tucson Mountains.

All participants receive a race shirt and souvenir medal. This is the 2nd leg of the 2021 Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown.

Pricing is capped at $45 for the 10k and $40 for the 5k. Join SAR for the SAR member discount.

TMC Biosphere 15k Run, 5k Walk/Run, Cox Family Mile + SAR FitKidz Mile

We still can't race in Downtown Tucson, so we're heading back to the beautiful Biosphere 2, 25 miles north of Tucson nestled against the western foothills of the mighty Catalina Mountains

The 3rd leg of the GabeZ Triple Crown includes souvenir coaster medal, cool race shirt, post-race fun with free Biosphere 2 entry for registrants, and more! Join SAR for the SAR member discount.

Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon

Saturday morning, November 5, 2022
4th Annual Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon Run and 5k Run/Walk

200 Spots Remain!

Run or walk a trail half-marathon or 5k in the beautiful and rugged Kaibab National Forest, just south of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. 

Souvenir race medal, colorful long sleeve shirt, race goodies, and more to commemorate your iconic journey through the trails near the South Rim.

Visitor discounts for hotels, food, and activities.

The Workout Group

Our 25th Year Begins Mid-August!
Wanna' Get in Shape? Wanna' Make New Friends? Join us at Tucson's longest-running training group.

Founded in 1997, The Workout Group provides multiple group workouts designed for runners who want to improve -- whether you're training for a marathon, ultra-marathon, trail race, or local road races, we've got the plan and the training partners to help you hit your goals.

With multiple locations, led by a team of RRCA-certified coaches including Tia and Randy Accetta, Tim Bentley, Doreen Castillo, Michelle Hawk, and Dave Odom.

Email Coach Tia at tia@runtucson.net.
Thanks to TMC for everything it does for Southern Arizona - visit TMCNow for health care from your home
Remember, the TMC Now app gives you 24/7 access to physicians that are licensed to practice in Arizona through the convenience of phone, video, or mobile app visits. It's an affordable option for quality medical care.
Who Sends These? Founded by Randy and Tia Accetta, Run Tucson (www.RunTucson.net) is a family-based Arizona running company, producing charity running/walking events and coaching runners of all abilities. To promote our mission of making life better through running, Run Tucson advocates for health & fitness, enhancing community engagement, and promoting the local economy. In addition, we make significant contributions to worthy charities, providing over $300,000 to local organizations over the years.

Our partners include the non-profit Southern Arizona Roadrunners, plus Tucson Medical Center and a host of local sponsors.

Why Am I on This List? You've participated in one of the events we've produced, either one of our charity running events in Arizona, or as part of Meet Me at Maynard's, Meet Me Wednesday's, Meet Me Downtown PHX, or the Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon.

How Do I Get Off This List? You can hit the "unsubscribe" button below or you can email us at randy@runtucson.net.
For information about our events, the RRCA, and The Workout Group, contact Randy Accetta
(520) 991-0733
For information about in-person, online, or group coaching, contact contact Tia Accetta.
(520)891-4369
Join the Southern Arizona Roadrunners
We are grateful for our 25+ year friendship with SAR, one of the best running clubs in the nation.