GRAND CANYON RIM-TO-RIM-TO-RIM: What I did RIGHT, What I did WRONG (Training, Gear, Food...)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.พ. 2021
- In late December 2020, I ran 48 miles across the Grand Canyon and back, alone in the Winter. In this video, I talk about how I planned and trained for this run, along with what I did right...and what I did wrong.
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Original video: • Running Across the GRA...
00:17 Overview of Route
01:14 Planning
02:23 Overview of Training
03:03 Weather and Safety
04:09 Safety considerations
05:16 Route considerations
07:32 Gear
12:57 Food
14:57 What I did RIGHT
25:15 What I did WRONG
Gear List:
Shoes: Hoka Challenger ATR 5
Socks (outer): Thorlos Lite Running Mini-Crew
Socks (inner): Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew
Poles: Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Trekking Poles
Microspikes: Snowline Chainsen Trail
Running belt: Amphipod RunLite Xtech 4 Plus Hydration Belt
Running vest: Ultimate Direction Adventure Vest
Sunglasses: Pepper's Ricochet Shield
Hat: Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap
Balaclava: Seirus Balaclava
Beanie: REI Co-op Polartec Fleece Beanie
Jacket: REI Co-op Groundbreaker Rain Jacket
Fleece Shirt: Patagonia Micro D Fleece Pullover
Gloves: Seirus Soundtouch Xtreme
Stuff/Dry Sack: Zpacks Medium-Plus Stuff Sack
Water bottle: Platypus Platy Water Bottle - 70 fl. oz.
Water filter: Sawyer mini
Headlamp: Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
Armpit lube: Body Glide
Sunscreen: Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 100
Photography and GPS:
Camera: iPhone 12 mini (4K at 24 fps)
GPS App: Gaia GPS
Camera case: LifeProof Fre
Tripod: Joby GripTight ONE GP Stand
Miguel, your suggestions are spot on. I did one of the first R2R2R's back in the early 90's, also in about 19 hours. We added some miles on the Tonto to make it an even 50. Your preparation, gear, fuel, clothing and training is almost exactly what we did back then. My favorite trail food was a baked potato smothered in butter. We did at least one long hike or run every few weeks, starting at 20 miles and culminating in a couple of 40 milers. Also, we reduced our mileage the last two weeks so we were fully recovered. We went in May and it was in the 20's at 4am at the south rim, six foot snow drifts at the north rim at noon, 90 degrees at Phantom Ranch by late afternoon, and in the 20's again at the south rim at 10pm. Fun. I will offer a suggestion. I don't like the idea of counting on random folks on the trail to report if you haven't come back. They might be helpful in locating your corpse after a search starts the next day, but none of the dozen strangers you talk to is going to notice your failure to return to civilization, much less report it. A better plan is to have a single person who has your itinerary and has agreed to be waiting for you, either in person at the hotel or somewhere by a phone.
Incredible, sounds like an awesome run! Yea, I kept trying to recruit someone to go with me, but no one was crazy enough ;) I did leave my itinerary and gps tracks with my wife and a good friend in Seattle, but if something had gone wrong, by the time they reported me missing, it probably would have been too late. This was the trip that convinced me to spend the money on an InReach Mini.
It's a big thumbs up from me Miguel, both in terms of your candor and pragmatic approach here, and for your gutsy R3, on "light training" and during the ridiculousness of winter at the GC. AWESOME MAN! I hope your wife and kids truly appreciate what a beast you are! Honestly, your video should be an NPS "Must Watch." My daughter and I started running R2R in 2015, did it 5yrs in a row together, and I've gone back for 2 more, plus a Rim-To-River in the last 18mos. Love it there, and just love running it. We've got a couple of 'em posted to my channel, and I know what you mean about how much time it adds when you are shooting video, or even just topping for photos. Heading to watch your actual R3 now. Best to you!!
Thanks so much, Todd! That’s outstanding that you and your daughter run the canyon together. I can barely get my kids to go hiking with me. 😂
Great information and I'm looking to do the R3 in may. Your preparation information and food information was great and congrats on finishing the R3.
Thanks, and I’m glad the video was helpful! Good luck on your run! 👍
So inspirational, we are doing R2R in October, very helpful video!
Thanks so much, Anna, I’m glad it was helpful! Good luck on your R2R, and be mindful of the weather around that time. 👍
This is my favourite channel now! I am so glad I have discovered it!
Your training looks so much tougher compared to actual r2r2r, good advice to train hard to prepare for unexpected!
Thanks, Oleg! Yea, I think it's important, especially when the conditions could be harsh. ;)
Ah that was so informative, and also just a joy to watch. Thank you!
Thanks Christopher! I wanted to share my lessons so that hopefully others could learn from my mistakes in case they wanted to hike or run that route. 👍
So cool, thanks for sharing your adventure! Love seeing so many people going after it!
My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it! The training is a lot of work, but the views were once in a lifetime.
Thanks for the notes. We're doing some long-ish (~20 mi) day hikes this summer, and your notes about training level and "margin" are good reminders.
Glad the video helped. Have a great time, and stay safe! 👍
Every adventure is a learning experience, next time will be different. I’ve hiked that route several times, it’s worth the effort. Glad your safe.
Thanks D MC, it was definitely worth the effort! I’ll be applying these lessons to my next adventure. 😉
Thank you so much for sharing ! You are amazing
Thanks Belinda, I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Great video, thanks for sharing!
My pleasure Eomer, I’m glad you enjoyed it! 👍
And I just completed my R3 on Apr/19. A date to remember for me, what an incredible adventure! Kudos to you for doing it in the winter.
Congratulations! 🤙
Very useful information and perspective. R3 is on my bucket list but I know I need to be a lot more consistent with training over several months before attempting it.
Thanks, Lindsay! I’m glad people are finding this retrospective helpful. The main things I would summarize for training are:
1. Be able to run up to 75% of the distance and elevation...
2. ...with 75% of the weight you’ll be carrying...
3. ...wearing the clothes and shoes you expect...
4. ...eating the foods you expect...
5. ...in the conditions you expect.
And I recommend a sat SOS device. Good luck!
Good Stuff!! I'm planning the same run for June 2022. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful! Good luck! 🤙
How did it go?
That was very interesting. I ran one marathon in 1995. I felt great at the finish line. I’ve trained for wilderness canoe trips and backpacking trips ever since. I carry a ResQLink Plus. The battery lasts 5 years. It uses NOAA satellites. It has no monthly fees and does not text, etc. It is strictly a PLB.
Wow, that’s a great deal! The cost was what made me hesitate to buy one of those sat com devices for a long time, but after getting the inreach mini, it’s been invaluable for communicating in the deep backcountry both in the US and Europe. 👍
I enjoyed your previous video, great trip tips, I adventure I hope to take, thanks, great stuff. Would suggest Feb? or early March before spring break?
Thanks Adam! It’s hard to say, but I would lean toward the cooler temps in Feb, but you do run the risk of icy trails and potentially snow at that time. Later dates will put the bottom of the canyon at higher temps, but you should be good into April. You might want to Google the weather patterns of both time frames to see what matches your preferences and comfort levels. And of course check the weather a few days before you go and bring appropriate gear.
If you were to hike it, you’d need to apply for backcountry permits and/or lodge/cabin reservations as far in advance as you can, since GCNP is very popular and has limited spaces. Of course if you’re running (or hiking without camping), you don’t need a permit, so you’re good.
And don’t forget that even if you don’t stay at Phantom Ranch, you can still reserve a place at either the steak dinner or the hiker stew. 😉
💛💛💛💛
Glad you enjoyed it, Erwin! 👍
Two questions… Was there phone signal at all along the way? You mentioned the north rim, but what abt the rest?
Also, do you think animal protection would be helpful? (ie pepper spray?) Thx! Your video is super helpful!
Thanks Sasha! Actually, I barely had signal in the Village, and I lost it all as soon as I descended into the canyon. I highly recommend carrying a PLB (e.g., InReach Mini) in case you get into trouble, especially if you want to run or hike it solo.
As far as animal protection, I know that there are cougar sightings in the canyon, but I think attacks are very rare (if any?). So I would only carry spray if it was very light and attached to the outside of your pack. But many people get heatstroke, hypothermia, fall, etc., etc. So those are the main dangers you should worry about.
I'm not a trail runner, but your advice fits very well for ultralight backpackers and should be heeded. Most importantly, in today's world, going into the wilderness without a plb is just plain stupid.
Thanks Kenneth, I’m glad you found the info valuable. I think the main issue with PLBs is cost, both upfront and ongoing. But as I mention in the video, what’s your life worth? 😉
Recently, I hiked the first 300 miles of the CDT in New Mexico and found the InReach mini invaluable for keeping my family posted on my status, as well as communicating with the trail angel who picked me up at Hwy 12 where I finished (very remote, no cell service for days).
New videos coming soon! 🤙
@@MiguelGomezMountainRunner Thank you. Part of the reason I argue so strongly for plb's is that if something happens to you, almost certainly a rescue team will be sent out, placing their lives at risk. Should they have a clue as to your precise location, the safety of the rescuers increases greatly as they don't need to search as well as rescue you. Also, you emphasize planning, as there seems to be a big push among thru-hikers against planning. Over-planning is never as dangerous as under-planning. Ken (Puyallup Pilgrim)
Absolutely, I agree 100%, as I’ve had many friends who have been mountain rescue volunteers over the years. The most important thing that the individual hiker/climber/runner must consider is: will anyone even know I’m hurt. If the answer is no, then you are likely to die if you get hurt in cold weather, as has already happened several times here in the PNW this past winter.
Lots of good points to remember. A simple question, did your GPS route include Trailhead-Hotel? The last {stumbling?} steps searching for the hotel should be guided. I can see why filming set you back 2 hours. Every interval of yourself viewed remotely costs you 3 times the distance and 3 times the time and a bit more for camera positioning. When I saw a large difference in altitude (POV to yourself) I thought "Not for me!"
Hi Douglas, indeed it did. I saw on the weather report that a snow storm was coming in, and I was prepared to find my way in a whiteout if need be. The iPhone with Gaia was a life saver! And I was amazed at how well the iphone gps functioned, even in deep canyons.
@@MiguelGomezMountainRunner Was your iPhone power sufficient? Your backup was 2 iPhone charges. I don't use Gaia or iPhone but the web app store warns that it uses power even when not open.
The GoalZero 12 was sufficient for the trip, even with filming and gps. I also had my phone on battery saver and airplane mode, so that helped a lot. But I think the Ankers have a higher discharge rate, so they’re probably better than the goal zero. On regular hikes I don’t find that Gaia uses any power when my phone is in standby.
What time did you start your run ?
I left my room at the Yavapai lodge about 5:15 am and then got started down the S Kaibab about 6 am, which was perfect timing to catch the sunrise at that time of year.
Miguel! It was nice meeting you on the trail today! You have an amazing channel and you're very talented at sharing the story of your adventures. I co-host a channel (UltraRunning Underdogs - th-cam.com/channels/R3J4eJG1tbmKVkv0SxGPLw.html ) with a friend, but our content isn't as polished as yours. Nice to see other eastside ultra runners, and can't wait to see your next adventure!
Thanks, Mike, it was great meeting you, too! I’m sure we’ll run into each other again soon. I’m very interested to checkout your channel! 👍