never a bad day in the grandest of canyons
And just like that, after a very disappointing day at Ironman Arizona that ended in my first DNF, it was off-season! Now what am I going to do with all of that fitness that I wasn't really able to put to good use when it counted? First off, I headed up to Flagstaff to visit friends and enjoy a chance of scenery. The good news about a DNF at mile 13 of the run is that you aren't completely smashed. So I was able to go on some fun trail runs and hikes, join my favorite Masters group, and ride my bike forget about the bike because it was already winter up here in Flag. Instead: watching Thelma&Louise with Karen. I finally needed to know who we are named after! Yep. I'll be Thelma. That's a woman after my own heart!
Remember Operation Baby Baby? The tale from last off-season when Karen and I double-handedly caused our friend to go into labor under all sorts of crazy circumstances? Well, that baby is now almost 1 year old and SUCH a cutie! It was so fun to hang out with Erica and Lily and relive that day last December all over again. Thanks for letting me play with you!
On my way home from Flagstaff to Utah, you (pretty much) drive straight by the Grand Canyon. I had toyed with the idea of finally realizing my dream of running rim-to-rim-to-rim but it just wasn't the right time. Not enough research done, too little daylight this time of year, too cold at night, and I just wasn't quite in the mood for something that epic by myself. This will have to wait until next year. I decided to drive through the park anyway and on my way there I came up with a brilliant idea and had enough time to perfect my plan:
Sounds absolutely fabulous, doesn't it? I had done something similar a year ago (shuttle instead of bike) and was somewhat familiar with the area. My plan seemed perfect. A few things needed to fall into place but I was suddenly so excited that I knew it would work out. The perfect little adventure to use up my fitness and then let go of it for the year!
My plan was a good one. The Ranger Station was super nice about babysitting my bike for a few hours. The only problem: They were closing at 5pm and I needed to get my bike before then. It was noon when I dropped it off which meant I needed to BUST MY BUTT in order to make that happen. Going from rim to river to rim isn't a leisurely stroll per se. Add a little challenge to the adventure and I am smiling ear to ear!
I had no trail running gear whatsoever. But who cares. I put on some tights, triathlon shoes, compression socks, and a couple of layers on top. Then I threw a few bottles, snacks, warm clothes, and phone into my little ultralight pack random swim backpack and off I went looking like a complete but happy dork!
It was perfect.
Just what I needed.
What my body, mind, and soul were craving.
Strenuous exercise, solitude, serenity, and beauty.
No better place for some soul searching.
I was in my happy place.
On the other side of the bridge, I surprised a Dutch couple who were peeing by the side of the trail (hello, fellow Europeans) when I came around the corner so I naturally asked them to take a picture of me and the Colorado River. Thanks, guys!
I honestly couldn't have been happier.
The stress and disappointment of the last few days was slowly starting to fade.
If you've never been down here, I highly recommend you give it a try. I like looking at the vastness of the canyon from up top but down here is where the real beauty lies. They have a beautiful campground and a lodge if you want to take a couple of days or more. Backpacking into here with the husband and kids is on our bucket list!
I didn't allow myself much time to play at the bottom. I knew 4 hours wasn't a lot of time to go down one way and back up another. It would've been simpler and faster to go down AND up South Kaibab but I love Bright Angel too much and I wanted it all.
Thanks to some unexpected entertainment, the way back up went by pretty quickly. Just a few minutes up I passed a couple of rangers and one of them took off pretty close behind me. It was obvious from the start that he didn't want a girl to beat him. And, as you know, that's my favorite game to play: You think you're faster JUST because you're a guy? Catch me if you can. Nothing like someone pushing me when I need to move it anyway. We hiked like this for close to an hour. Then I am not sure what happened but he disappeared. Oh well. That was fun.
Soon after this a cute young kid comes down the trail and asks if I saw his friends down below on the trail. Nope. Hadn't seen a soul except the rangers. So he turns around and says: I must've missed them. I'll just hike back with you. Um, ok. I'll take it. Nothing like hiking with a funny, nice, handsome Belgian kid who is exploring the US with his friends. We shared quite the stories and had a great time until we ran into one of his friends who was NOT happy about Jerome's getting lost and him having to find him. So I took off. Time to hustle to the top and get my bike!
I made it to the ranger station with about ten minutes to spare. Phew! Then I put on all available layers, hat, and gloves and rode back to my car. Tired and fulfilled. Mission accomplished!
Southern Utah perfection
That day I only made it to St. George, Utah, which happens to be another one of my favorite places on earth. I spent the night at a friend's house, biked my favorite loop, and kept driving north.
But I didn't stop in Provo. Well, I did. For a short swim. Then I kept going to Salt Lake City to meet up with high school friends for a reunion! I know. The fun just never ends. It was a glorious evening with these beautiful ladies who all made my exchange year at Provo High School the BEST I could've hoped for. I can't believe I am still stuck here in Utah almost 20 year later! A few of us spent the night together and let's say it was JUST like old times. Minus the toilet-papering.
Then (a long short 8 days later) I was finally ready to come home to my husband and kids. It was wonderful to see them again and get ready for the holidays with plenty of time to relax, peace of mind, and a full heart.
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