Training Log Archive: BashIn the 1 days ending Apr 16, 2015:
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Thursday Apr 16, 2015 #
1 PM
Trekking (Trail) 5:12:36 25.87 km (12:05 / km) +1162m 9:52 / km
slept:7.25 shoes: Salomon Speedcross Purple#2
Most of our group had never been to the Grand Canyon so we drove up there today: Dee & Logie, Mr. and Mrs. Gally, Tim & Mia Logie, WandAR, 'Bent and me.
I was in so much pain running yesterday that I seriously wondered whether my Raid The Rib injury might knock me out of my big race in July and the two spring training races. Four days after the event, the pain and instability were getting worse, and I couldn't sleep on either side because my hip hurt so much. This was brand new and I had no idea what had caused it.
So it wasn't the best timing to bang my body up with a big descent into the Grand Canyon. I hated to miss it though; the Canyon is a special place for me because Dad, 'Bent and I went down to Phantom Ranch together as one of the items on Dad's bucket list. I considered dropping out of today's trip for injury reasons until I heard it was going to be a hike. However, these were (mostly) adventure racers and it didn't take long for most people to break into a run, which shouldn't have been surprising. :)
It was a tough day for me physically since I didn't want to damage my hip further by running so I speed-hiked at an unnaturally fast pace and ran a few kms when we fell too far behind the others. I was pushing so hard that I ate almost nothing and drank less than I should - much like some adventure races. It was great training. The good news is that my hip improved throughout the day and felt fine for the rest of the trip. (Although it is a little sore again post-trip.)
We started at the South Rim, descending on the South Kaibab Trail - one of the most beautiful trails in the world.
The trail is designed for views and often clings to the edge of a cliff. Mrs. Gally made sure that Mr. Gally stayed on the inside!
Ooh Aah Point is a popular day hike destination about 1.5 km down the trail.
The views just keep getting better. You can just see the trail snaking down the slope on the right side of the photo.
A couple of mule trains passed us, reminding me of Dad's great adventure.
The wild west rock formations along the trail added to the fun.
The trail continues along that ridge and switchbacks down the far end.
'Bent successfully guarded me against rattlesnakes. He was so successful that we didn't even see one.
Looking west from the South Kaibab Trail, we could see the plateau and the Tonto Trail we would be hiking next.
Mr. and Mrs. Gally
Switchbacks
WandAR, Logie and Dee waiting for a mule train to pass
Another section of trail clinging to a cliff.
We arrived at the plateau where the South Kaibab Trail meets the Tonto Trail, the longest trail in the Canyon. We would be heading west on the Tonto Trail to Indian Gardens where we would meet up with the popular Bright Angel Trail.
From the Tonto Trail, we caught a glimpse of the canyon bottom oasis that is Phantom Ranch.
The skies threatened all day but we only had a few drops of rain. Many cacti were in bloom - gorgeous.
The Tonto Trail passes through a few drainages as it runs along the plateau.
Tim and Mia hiking into the misty canyon
After a little more than 7 km, we arrived at Indian Garden, the treed area below. There is a campground and water source here. The wall behind it is where the Bright Angel Trail ascends out of the canyon.
Instead of climbing straight out of the canyon from Indian Garden, we went out to Plateau Point, which was a first for me. The views along the trail and from the point are beautiful.
After returning to Indian Garden, we climbed (and climbed and climbed) out of the canyon on Bright Angel Trail. We met lots of tourists here, some of whom looked ill prepared to climb back up. It must be difficult to be a Grand Canyon park ranger!
After driving back to Sedona, we all went straight to Javelina's for a great Mexican dinner made even better by good friends and margaritas.
I was in so much pain running yesterday that I seriously wondered whether my Raid The Rib injury might knock me out of my big race in July and the two spring training races. Four days after the event, the pain and instability were getting worse, and I couldn't sleep on either side because my hip hurt so much. This was brand new and I had no idea what had caused it.
So it wasn't the best timing to bang my body up with a big descent into the Grand Canyon. I hated to miss it though; the Canyon is a special place for me because Dad, 'Bent and I went down to Phantom Ranch together as one of the items on Dad's bucket list. I considered dropping out of today's trip for injury reasons until I heard it was going to be a hike. However, these were (mostly) adventure racers and it didn't take long for most people to break into a run, which shouldn't have been surprising. :)
It was a tough day for me physically since I didn't want to damage my hip further by running so I speed-hiked at an unnaturally fast pace and ran a few kms when we fell too far behind the others. I was pushing so hard that I ate almost nothing and drank less than I should - much like some adventure races. It was great training. The good news is that my hip improved throughout the day and felt fine for the rest of the trip. (Although it is a little sore again post-trip.)
We started at the South Rim, descending on the South Kaibab Trail - one of the most beautiful trails in the world.
The trail is designed for views and often clings to the edge of a cliff. Mrs. Gally made sure that Mr. Gally stayed on the inside!
Ooh Aah Point is a popular day hike destination about 1.5 km down the trail.
The views just keep getting better. You can just see the trail snaking down the slope on the right side of the photo.
A couple of mule trains passed us, reminding me of Dad's great adventure.
The wild west rock formations along the trail added to the fun.
The trail continues along that ridge and switchbacks down the far end.
'Bent successfully guarded me against rattlesnakes. He was so successful that we didn't even see one.
Looking west from the South Kaibab Trail, we could see the plateau and the Tonto Trail we would be hiking next.
Mr. and Mrs. Gally
Switchbacks
WandAR, Logie and Dee waiting for a mule train to pass
Another section of trail clinging to a cliff.
We arrived at the plateau where the South Kaibab Trail meets the Tonto Trail, the longest trail in the Canyon. We would be heading west on the Tonto Trail to Indian Gardens where we would meet up with the popular Bright Angel Trail.
From the Tonto Trail, we caught a glimpse of the canyon bottom oasis that is Phantom Ranch.
The skies threatened all day but we only had a few drops of rain. Many cacti were in bloom - gorgeous.
The Tonto Trail passes through a few drainages as it runs along the plateau.
Tim and Mia hiking into the misty canyon
After a little more than 7 km, we arrived at Indian Garden, the treed area below. There is a campground and water source here. The wall behind it is where the Bright Angel Trail ascends out of the canyon.
Instead of climbing straight out of the canyon from Indian Garden, we went out to Plateau Point, which was a first for me. The views along the trail and from the point are beautiful.
After returning to Indian Garden, we climbed (and climbed and climbed) out of the canyon on Bright Angel Trail. We met lots of tourists here, some of whom looked ill prepared to climb back up. It must be difficult to be a Grand Canyon park ranger!
After driving back to Sedona, we all went straight to Javelina's for a great Mexican dinner made even better by good friends and margaritas.