Wednesday, 5AM. In almost exactly 96 hours, Sean, Kathleen, and I turn on our headlights and start down South Kaibab trail in our pursuit of an ultramarathoner's bucket list item - Grand Canyon R2R2R.
Am I nervous? No.
Liar.
Do I know what I am getting into? No.
Good, at least we agree to that.
Many non-running friends are in complete dismay that I view this ~50 Miler as a 'fun run'. It is difficult to my "adventure runs" to people, which include extreme lengths, elevations, locations, etc. This is about the scenery, and being places cars can't go to, and most of mankind can't fathom even trying. My estimation, is the park has visited by a quarter billion people since its opening. 250,000,000. Maybe a hundred people a year now run or hike the Rim to Rim to Rim - and that is on an uptick. 15 years ago, the number of annual R2R2Rs probably could have been counted on one or two hands. So, back to why I do this. It is rare, and I want to experience it.
This adventure is a bear. People in excellent health attempt and fail. People die every year out there, mostly folks completely unprepared and out of shape for a day hike. I have the fitness, but the stats are daunting. South Rim elevation is 7,000, while the North Rim is 8,000 feet. Oxygen is thin at that elevation, by some projections 25% less than what I am accustomed to. I guess I'll pack a zip lock back of the New England stuff to bring with me, as long as TSA is ok with it at airport screening. Generally speaking, there are only two ascents. The run up to the North Rim (4,000 feet in ~5 Miles) makes the South Rim finish seem so tame (4,400 in 6.2 miles).
These past few days have been warmer weather. High in the upper 70s and even mid 80s. I always struggle with the first few days of spring/summer heat. I am a cold weather runner, heat is just not my thing. Watching the weather has allowed me to prepare myself, mentally at most, for a possible 95+ degree high. Sun tan lotion will be in the water pack, along with electrolytes, and water to help combat the heat. Sean and I will watch each other closely for any signs of heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Most seasoned hikers take 2, 3, or even 4 days for the round trip. We are doing it in one. The Fastest Known Time (FKT) is 6hrs 21min by Rob Krar, a monster in the US ultra scene. Where some of the intimidation comes originates from, simply reading commentary from the elites:
"...until the final climb, when I entered the suffer zone and then fell into the abyss of despair." Dakota Jones on his 2011 record run
I am targeting a full day...and every second of it. A 3-4 AM start allows for a 12 - 16 hour effort without raising a concern that we'll finish after daybreak. I truly anticipate a 13 hour round trip time. The beauty of this adventure run is that it will be frequented with many photo moments, snack time, and even 'sit my ass on the rock and soak it in" time. I have no thoughts of running the ascents up. The GPS watch will never stop running. This isn't about running time...this is about the Grand Canyon experience.
The trail isn't complicated. No need for a map. Start at South Rim, on South Kaibab trail and meeting up at the cross-canyon corridor. From there, take the North Kaibab trail to the North Rim. I do plan on taking a short detour to Ribbon Falls. From North Rim, return to the corridor, and swing over to Blue Angel Trail for the final ascent up to South Rim.
For added safety, Laura, who volunteers for the park search and rescue service, will be on trail doing her typical ranger like services. It wil be nice to see her. I will also have my GPS Beacon (the Spot), which was hugely successful during my Zion 100 race in early April. To follow our progress go to The Spot website. It is updated every 10 - 15 minutes. Please note, due to the nature of a canyon, I may lose satellite coverage for brief to long periods of time.
Other links to Grand Canyon R2R2R runs...
- http://greenshortsrunning.blogspot.com/2010/10/grand-canyon-r2r2r.html
- http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/trail-distances.htm
- http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/upload/South_Kaibab_Trail.pdf
- http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/upload/North_Kaibab_Trail.pdf
- http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/upload/Bright_Angel_Trail.pdf
- http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/upload/corridor_map.pdf
No comments:
Post a Comment