A new distance PR for me on Saturday--Grand Canyon North Rim to the South Rim and back with an awesome group of runners!
The plan was to leave around lunch time on Friday, but we needed to add some additional risk to the adventure so our Captain, Steve Anderson, arranged some mechanically problems on our RV which were quickly repaired in an abandoned field by first officer, Walter Brown. After making several pick-up/stops (I’m sure Steve felt like he was working for Southwest airlines) we were on our way to the North Rim!
The RV pulled in around 1 or 2 AM and everyone tried to sleep. We all woke up at 5:30 and were running down the trail by 6:45. Due to our late departure, we did not need head lamps heading down the North Rim, but knew the moon would be up on our way back. The weather was perfect and trail was in great condition. Before I knew it we were at Phantom Ranch (around 14 miles). I’d forgotten my PB&J in Salt Lake, so I purchased the highest calorie junk food I could find—2 cheese & blueberry Danishes (600+ calories each)! I had one at Phantom Ranch and was ready for the push back to the South Rim.
We crossed the Colorado River and thinking we were lucky, found a wheelbarrow on the side of the trail! After several attempts to utilize our new find by Steve, Walter and Bethany, it was forsaken for some other unlucky runners (a wheelbarrow is a dangerous item going UP or DOWN the Grand Canyon and I do not recommend it).
Approaching Indian Gardens the trail became very busy with hikers. It was a difficult and hot push to the top of the South Rim. Later on as we were descending the South Rim, a very wise old woman would give us some advice that would have been helpful during the climb. She yelled as we ran buy to “keep your knees high”—awesome! Total time: 6 hours. After changing socks, bandaging wounds, worrying about Bill, and eating the most delicious cheeseburger ever, we were on our way back to the North Rim. On the descent we met some hikers with news about Bill—he abstained from the 5000+ feet climb at the South Rim and was heading home back to the North Rim (smart move).
Outside of Indian Gardens one of runners, Bethany, made friends with the earth. Luckily, it was just a flesh wound and after collecting her teeth, she shook it off and continued! Shortly afterwards, we arrived back at Phantom Ranch. Unfortunately, the general store had closed. They close at 4 PM and we arrived at 4:01 PM—no matter, it was better to save our money than spend $10 on a lemonade drink (but so worth it)! After my last mega calorie Danish I was ready to run.
The group separated a little after Phantom and I found myself trying to get back to my headlamp that was stashed at about mile 5.5 during the first leg. I didn’t make it. I used my phone’s flashlight feature for a couple of miles. During this dark section, I came upon an older man sitting on the side of the trail miles from Cottonwood campground. He asked me if I was with Zac, another runner in our group that was ahead of me. At first, I thought it was ploy to eat me and take all my salt tablets, but he just wanted to give me an update that Zac was about a mile ahead.
Upon reach my clothing bag and our EMT/Safety person for the run, Steve’s son Bently, I was at a bit of a low point. It was good to see him and all the goodies he brought down from the RV. He refueled me with Coke and banana. He also brought down a walking stick for me which I used for the 6000+ feet climb back up.
The last 5+ miles in the dark were my favorite of the run. There was a full moon and lots of wildlife on the trail. It took 2 hours to power hike this section, but it went by quickly. Upon reaching the RV, I was able to meet up with Bill and Zac (he took off by himself early). The hot shower was great and it was fun watching all the other smiling faces come in! This was a very long day of running, but very few dark or low points for the group. It was a great way to conclude the running season. Return Time: 7.5 hours.
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