On a recent trail run in snowy Wyoming.
My husband, Jerry, and I have done the South Rim to Phantom Ranch and back up to South Rim two times. The last time we did this was in April 2009. We were not in great shape. We did it pretty much “off the couch.” It was hard and was about our maximum for a single day. We did it in just under 9 hours. This will be more than double the distance and effort. I’m scared, but excited.
As I made my way south toward Grand Canyon from Wyoming the anticipation grew. The Grand Canyon is one of the most amazing wonders in the world. You can feel it long before you even see it. At least I can. It’s definitely one of my favorite places in the world.
Today, I’m 22 pounds lighter than I was a little over a year ago when Jerry and I did half of what I’ll be doing tomorrow and Friday. I’ve been working out hard and eating right. Probably –– hopefully — I’m in the best shape of my life. Still, 48 miles — what could very well be 24 hours of continuous hiking — will be a first for me.
In 2001, I attempted the 50-mile Tahoe Trail Race. I made it 42 miles and then failed to finish due to heat ailments. That was a long time ago. And though I ran quite a bit of that, and there were aid stations every five miles, I remember it being very difficult and challenging.
Until the (generous) winter appeared in Wyoming last October, I had been logging some epic 25-mile day hikes in the Wind River Range. I spent the winter season skate skiing for several hours a week. Most recently I’ve been doing some extended trail running and hikes in the foothills. The Rim to Rim to Rim has occupied my dreams for a while now, and I think I’m as ready as I’ll ever be for this challenge.
I’m going with Backpacker Magazine‘s editor in chief, an expert at this type of thing and a “veteran” hiker. In fact, he’s such an endurance animal, that I just hope I can keep up. He’s tall and I imagine his stride is just a little bigger than mine… But, he knows the “Big Ditch” better than I, and I’m honored that he would invite me to do this with him. So, I will be with great company.
As I sit, anxious and excited in my hotel room, I naturally think about the great adventure that is before me, and think of a game plan and various strategies. I’ve come up with the following. (I’m not sure if these are good plans, or they’ll even be logical once I’m in real-time on the trail):
–If I start out with the thought that I’m going hiking for 24 hours, then perhaps after 12 hours or so, I won’t view it as anything but being midway through what was planned: a big, long hike.
–Descending the South Rim and ascending the North Rim would indicate the halfway point in distance. However, I think it will be smarter to think of the halfway mark being that point after we descend the South Rim, ascend the North Rim and descend the North Rim, standing at the Colorado River for the second and final time. For, at that point, we will have walked through the entire night and although 3/4 of the distance will be behind us, the remaining Bright Angel ascent up the South Rim will likely require more effort and grit than everything combined to that point. I’m just guessing, but it seems likely that this will be the case.
–I’m not a night owl. In fact, I’m quite the opposite. I often wake up and start my day at 4 am, and am often in bed by 9 pm. It will be interesting to see how the night-time hiking goes. That will be a totally new experience for me, as well –– hiking into and through the night. (I’m sure hoping there’s a coffee cart in the Grand Canyon)
–I have nothing but huge respect for the great abyss that is the Grand Canyon. I would not be doing this if I had doubts that I could. But it marks a new frontier for me. I am eager to see what I will learn while pushing myself through this amazing natural wonder.
As technology and conditions allow, I will share updates, in real time, from the Canyon. I have no idea if that means often, or just a couple-few times. I’ll do my best to share my experience with you, though.
I want to thank my husband Jerry, and my boys, who are supportive and enthusiastic about my adventures. Same goes to my parents, family, friends and readers. I also want to give a humongous thanks to Jon Dorn for giving me this opportunity. Also, Steve Bechtel, and the staff at Elemental Training Center, who have been whipping me into shape for the last 12 months so I could consider these opportunities when they present themselves.
In closing, I will tell you that if you want to say prayers, or send positive energy my way Thursday and Friday, I would be most accepting and grateful.