Running in Beauty

a tuba city weekend

I was disappointed yesterday after work because I could not tie up my project in time to run the 5k I had scheduled for myself. I didn't even get to run, period! Afterwards, I had a two-hour drive back to my house in Kayenta. And to top of the string of bad luck, I didn't even make it back in time to watch Grey's Anatomy!

Come on! Can't a gal get a break here!

Today, my co-workers and I set up a booth in Tuba City for the Western Navajo Agency Fair. It was my first time really engaging with the public about recycling. The public knew more about recycling than I had first given them credit for but I was still some help in telling them about some of the lesser known recyclables such as inkjet cartridges and used motor oil.

About 90-95% of the people I came across knew of relatives who did their own oil changes and dumped their used oil on the ground! I was appalled! Flagstaff and Page are both towns that are an hour away from Tuba City and it is where the nearest auto parts stores are that will accept used motor oil and batteries.

Sadly, we don't have the facilities yet to collect such hazardous waste so until then, all we can do is refer people to the bordertowns.

I was very happy at the receptiveness of the people towards recycling. They promised me that they would start separating recyclables from their trash and use the tote bags we gave them when they go shopping at the store.

It's a tremendous feeling to be helping out in that small way. :)

Anyhow, I ran a 5k earlier this evening that was sponsored by the Special Diabetes Project. Navajo people have an alarmingly high rate of developing diabetes but thankfully this taskforce is doing a good job of bombarding people through radio, billboards, and special events such as the 5k to spread the word about working towards a healthier and more active lifestyle.

The first mile of the 5k was tough. It was all hills! It was also my first time trying to keep a fast pace at this elevation. Thank heavens much of mile 2 was all downhill so I was able to recover and keep a consistant pace for the final mile.

During the final leg, I saw an old chum from ASU who was among the 5k coordinators. It was a nice surprise. HIm and his wife rooted me along and it made me feel so good that I picked up the pace a bit.

The sad thing was that I wasn't able to see how well I did because the race coordinators were not jotting down times for runners other than the first 4 males and females. I was bummed but it's alright. I ran for fun and at least I got a cool t-shirt and a water bottle out of the whole deal.

This weekend, I have 8 miles to run but I'll wait until Sunday. Tomorrow my handsome fiance and I are headed to the fair to watch the parade, wander around the fairgrounds, browse the booths, and ride some rides. Last year, we were among the only young people who joined our elders in our traditional song-and-dance which is a social thing. Maybe we'll do that again.

This site has pictures of a Navajo traditional song and dance.

etched in stone by carmen @ 7:20 PM