Thanks Lynn for joining my group! Thank you for all the encouragement you have given me!

I can imagine. I had a friend from Desert Hot Springs, I could not visit her in the summer but I loved to visit her in January.

Keep cool!

I use a M.U.L.E. with a 3 liter bladder. In fact, I just used it for a 1 hour HOG. Got back a couple of minutes ago. The M.U.L.E. was designed for mountain biking and hiking, but I like it cause it doubles nicely as a 1/2 day pack, has room for the emergency junk I always carry. Some of their smaller packs are probably better for running, but Camelpaks are a little spendy so I make this one do. And it does fine. Had it maybe 5 years, and it's holding up very well. Only had to replace the bladder once. If you use filtered water instead of tap in these things they don't grow that (probably harmless) but unsightly black fungus mung as quickly. Probably smarter to run desert with a partner. I don't usually, but I'm not that smart. Oh. After you figure out which Camelbak you want, check out U.S. Calvary or just goggle camelbak on line. See if they're any cheaper. Ted.

Hey Lynn,

Thanks for the comment. As for advice, I assume because you "love to run" that you've been running for a while. So, you already know about warming up, proper footwear and hydration. This time of year, that last item is critical to survival, much less fun. I always pre-hydrate with about a liter of water and I wear a 3 liter Camelbak on my HOGs (I drink at least a liter an hour, usually more in the summer). In San Diego when I run on the beach I don't need to carry water. Can't do that in the desert, although I see people out here trying it. Not smart. The other thing you've no doubt noticed is the lack of humidity in Coachella vs. San Diego. Lungs feel "dry" and don't seem as efficient at first. They'll adjust eventually. If you trail run, you really got to watch the damn rocks. A sprained or broken ankle can easily become a life threatening incident when you're on an empty (like it always is during the summer) trail in the middle of nowhere. I learned how to shoulder roll when falling in my old martial arts training. That skill has saved me a couple of broken wrists (most of us try to catch ourselves from falling by throwing out our hands) and one or two head injuries. If you like to run DOWN steep rocky trails like me, the best advice Ive got is DON'T BE TENTATIVE cause that always when you fall. The main thing for me during summer runs is limited direct sunlight. Over the years I've become convinced that heat stress is cumulative, and for me running midday is mostly out till September (sub-100 degrees). I can't get up in morning so now I start these HOGs about 1-1 1/2 hours before sunset (that's when I get shadows on the trail from nearby hills). Oh, and don't smoke more than two cigarettes immediately before running or hogging. Cuts your distance down. Be safe and have fun out there.
Ted.