Confessions of an Amateur Athlete

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! http://maricelagonzalez.tumblr.com 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 ...

I can't say it enough.  This was an AMAZING trip.  A truly awesome adventure!  What better way to see the GRAND CANYON than to go for a 20 mile RUN through this beautiful 7th wonder of the world?! My runs along the dreary canals here in the desert will seem boring compared to the exhilarating sights from the Grand Canyon.  We ran down the South Kaibab trail, and ran/hiked up the Bright Angel trail. Let me break down the experience for you. (I apologize in advance for the long post... but there's just so much to share! I'll break it up into a two-parter. The adventure DOWN, and the challenge of getting back UP! ) We drove up on Saturday morning, arrived in the late afternoon.  Just enough time to set up camp, do some small sight seeing, and eat at the cafeteria near the campsite (you know, really "roughing it").  Then it was a small glass of wine/beer before bed.  Because we're classy that way.   It was warm...