Regardless of whether or not you golf (I don’t), this is a fun event to attend. There are a few ways you can experience it. One of my favorite things to do is play hookie from work and catch a day session when the crowds aren’t as big. Or you can join thousands of people at the 18th hole on Sunday for the grand finale. Or you can hit the Bird’s Nest for live music.

But my all time favorite is the infamous 16th Hole where golf ettiquete doesn’t exist. The hole is surrounded by corporate tents full of people partying loudly. Last time I went, I had so many cocktails by 3 PM that I don’t really remember much about the golf, but it is one of the best times I’ve ever had at a golf tournament! Unfortunately the party isn’t easy to access though…unless you have several grand to toss around or have a friend whose company is sponsoring a tent and has a ticket to spare. I’m out of luck this year myself…unless there is someone out there who wants to take pity on me! ;).

Regardless of how you go, everyone should experience this Phoenix classic at least once in their lifetime. Click here for ticket info.

I like doing the occasional hike up Squaw Peak or Camelback, but there are lots of lesser known hikes around the Phoenix Mountain Preserve that offer equally impressive city views and a good workout without the crowds. One that I like doing when I’ve only got 40 minutes and don’t want to scramble over rocks is to take a walk on 36th Street north of Lincoln Drive. I park at the Palo Christi Presbyterian Church at the corner of 36th Street and Lincoln, cross over Lincoln, and walk north on 36th Street. It winds up through a neighborhood with some incredible homes and then goes into the Preserve. The road is pretty steep most of the way and gets your blood pumping. But the view of the city once you’re at the top is very impressive. The walk is about 2 miles roundtrip.

And if you don’t want to walk, you can also drive to the top to catch the view. This view of the Valley is worth checking out and is a well kept secret - there is rarely anyone else around.

In terms of laws that interfere with personal liberties, this one is pretty close to the top of my list of laws that make me angry. First of all, I am not convinced that scrambling around to find your headset in order to answer a call while driving is less dangerous than just picking up the phone and putting it to your ear. Second, it’s just as distracting to eat or smoke while driving as it is to use one hand to talk on your cell phone. Finally, I spend a lot of time in DC for work where a “Hands Free” law has been in place for about a year now. The DC city council is notorious for coming up with new revenue generating schemes, so I’ve always assumed that was the intent of the “Hands Free” law there. But I have yet to see a study showing a significant decrease in the number of accidents or road rage incidents as a result of such laws. I know I’m experiencing just as much road rage myself, because unfortunately “Hands Free” laws don’t eliminate stupid drivers!

Hopefully the Arizona legislature will have more common sense than other states and strike down this ridiculous piece of legislation.

Anyways, in reading this article it got me thinking about the upcoming Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in Phoenix. The marathon takes place a week from today on Sunday, January 15. I personally can’t run a mile without my knees feeling like they’re going to explode, so I have tremendous respect for anyone who can not only run a marathon, but who also can go through the training it takes to prepare to run a marathon (although I do think you have to be just a little bit crazy!). But even if you aren’t a runner, there is more entertainment at this event than just sitting on the side of the road watching runners go by. There are live bands along the route. This year’s performers will include Collective Soul and a couple dozen local bands. The marathon starts in downtown Phoenix. The course weaves through Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe. And the finish line is in Tempe.

If you aren’t interested in the marathon, at least consider yourself warned that there will be traffic detours next weekend, in addition to all of the light rail construction detours that already exist.

All of this talk of fitness is making me feel lazy that I’m sitting on my couch typing on the computer - time to hit the gym!