Grand Canyon Run-Part 2

My amazing Grand Canyon run was a trip of a lifetime.
(Click HERE for Part 1: Going Down)

But now it was time for UP! It had been all fun and games...
beautiful scenery, easy pace, and cool breezes... until it was time for the climb!

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I was still in high-spirits from adrenaline and the amazing scenery.  So I ran ahead to take pics.  The trail wasn't too rough just yet, but it was quickly getting HOT! Nonetheless I was feeling good and snapping some awesome action shots!

And to make sure I got a few of myself, we'd pass off the camera like a relay baton. I'm glad we captured so many great memories from this trip!

Still smiling!  We hadn't started the REAL climb YET...

For a while it wasn't bad, just warm and not TOO steep.  We sang songs and had a good ole time.  But eventually, the "fun" stopped and the UPness began.

And NOW we climb!!

Steve saying there's still plenty MORE UP! 

 Eventually, we came across a small waterfall in the rocks and stopped to cool off and go for a little "dip". It was awesome!

After we cooled off in this little oasis, it was time to start the REAL climb.  Thankfully, there were water pumps every few miles so we could stop and re-fill our packs/bottles.

The last three miles were brutal. A straight up winding climb. But we kept pushing and were still passing hikers along the way.  Eventually we made it to the top and all I could think about was food.

We stopped by the cafeteria and loaded up on some quick calories before packing up camp and getting on the road.  We were all super sore and still STARVING.  So we made a stop at good ole McDonalds.  It was heaven. 

 

 It's been almost a week and I'm STILL sore!  More sore than any marathon I've done.  But it was great practice for the REAL challenge ahead: Ragnar Trail--Snowmass!  It's a month away and I'm getting nervous, but I know I'll have a great time because I'll be with the same awesome friends, and if we can tackle the Grand Canyon, we can tackle anything together!

All in all, I couldn't ask for a better experience.  And I can't wait to do it all over again! Thanks for reading and if you like THESE photos, just wait until you see the photos from Snowmass!  Can't wait for that adventure! Happy Running everyone!