Grand Canyon R2R2R Part 6

Crossing the Colorado River for the last time, we were were all feeling a little beat up. We had initially thought we would be finishing by this time of day so the final climb out of the canyon was looking to be a long slog.

The Bright Angel trail actually follows the river for a ways before turning towards the rim. Comparatively, it’s more gradual and a bit longer than the South Kaibab trail. This makes it ‘easier’ on tired legs. From above, we thought we would be able to run this section…  Oh the things you dream with fresh legs. We settled into a slow march, even on runnable terrain

Johanna and I led the way, stride by stride, chatting and catching up on life. We met as freshmen in college and ran together at DePauw University. How crazy to think we are still running together all these years later! I’m not sure what we would have said had someone told us we would be running across the Grand Canyon and back. Seems such a far cry from a cross country or steeplechase race.

As the hours passed and the sun set, I was grateful for her energy, her steady pace and her companionship. If you’re considering a R2R2R attempt, be sure to bring a dear friend 

Now in the dark, with headlamps on, we had just 1.5 miles left to go. Surprisingly, we were not alone!  We passed a few other hikers also on their way out of the canyon. It didn’t matter who started when or where, we encouraged each other all the same.

Switchback after switchback I climbed. My world reduced to a small circle of light. Every so often, I would look up, trying to see lights at the top, but I only saw rock cliff above. More climbing to do. The end came suddenly and quietly. One step I was in the canyon and the next I’m in a parking lot. I sat down, exhausted, but happy. I didn’t think too much about what we had accomplished in the moment, the guys were still out there in the canyon. Eventually, we all made it back to the campground.

It’s been 2 weeks since this epic adventure and I’ve only just now processed all that happened. The ups and downs, twists and turns, just like a true ultra! It was amazing and hard, beautiful and relentless. Pretty sure I’ll be back for another go!