At 42 I recognise your message that my best days could be behind me. That I too could be destined for no more than life on the sofa. Game over. In my mind I have given my last 12 years to raising my young girls, and I suffer from the common feeling that I am standing still in order to allow my children to move forwards. I stumbled across your videos as I plan to take my girls, who will be 9 and 11, on their first hike into the canyon next April. No rim to rim to rim, but a rim to river to rim with an overnight at Phantom Ranch. This is a step in my bid to nurture their individual passion for setting big goals and to educate them about that internal sense of achievement ... a feeling that can only be earned not bought ... achievement that can generate such an extraordinary sense of feeling alive. Your passion is palpable and a true inspiration, and for that reason I will show your R2R2R videos to my girls. I don’t imagine I will ever complete a rim to rim to rim, but, for me, that extraordinary sense of feeling alive will come from seeing my girls succeed with their first canyon hike. Thank you for sharing your story. I truly appreciate it. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Suze W Thank you very much for this heart felt and sincere comment. I really appreciate you sharing. It sounds to me like you have already achieved amazing things! And those things are not "things" at all but people! In my opinion being a good mom (or dad) is the most important "big goal" that anyone could ever strive for. Probably one of the most difficult too! It's tough and it takes sacrifice, focus, a super human amount of patience, and commitment to the level that most mere mortals cannot endure. Most of all it takes love. Real love. Anyone is capable of having kids but it's something far more "grand" to raise them. You will never regret all the sacrifice and effort. You will never regret trying to be a good mom. On the other hand the greatest pains of regret that people feel often have little to do with putting in more time at work or working on personal goals and so much more to do with not putting enough time into the relationships that matter most. Your life is not on hold or standing still. You are moving forward in so many ways that many people just don't understand. You are not just a good mom. You are a GREAT MOM! I can tell just by what you've said. Your daughters are very blessed to have you! And they will recognize that more and more over time. Rim to River to Rim his HUGE! It's often far more challenging and FAR MORE REWARDING than people may imagine. You guys are going to have the time of your life! Your girls will earn the kind of education that they can't get any place else and they will always remember it! GOOD LUCK ON YOUR TRIP! Let me know how it goes! PS - life isn't over when you get past 40. Its just a new horizon with new adventures! Thank you again!
I’m liking your comment about me being a great Mom .... I suspect I fall into the category “full of mistakes and imperfections”, which makes me real rather than great, but I’m trying 😂. And you are absolutely correct ... my life is not on hold or standing still .... I am simply choosing to make different decisions as a mother than I would as an individual. I have hiked from South Rim to river and back to SR but I have never hiked to the North Rim, and there’s a part of me that’s watching R2R2R videos and thinking “instead of April, couldn’t we go in June or September and do South Rim to Phantom to North Rim” but that would be for me, and of course my job is to nurture my girls not break them. The NPS recommend children don’t hike in the summer, so we will go down to Phantom in April .... I will stare longingly at the North Rim .... and we will turn around and head back to the South Rim. Maybe one day we will go back and do more. In the meantime I shall live vicariously by watching videos like yours!
Excellent video. I did the rim down South Kaibab to Phantom Ranch and back up Bright Angel in one day at 66 years old and it was difficult but we made. it. I've done the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (66 years old) and Mt. Kilimanjaro (64 years old) but the rim to rim in one day was the hardest single day yet. We're doing the Everest Base Camp trek this October. I can't let myself get old.
Well done.I finally completed the Rim to Rim to Rim this August using the Bright angel trail up and down.Biggest problem I encountered were my shoes which need up grading,so every step down from the North rim was painful. From thinking never again,I reckon I could take a whole chunk of time off the 20 hours it took this year? Thanks again for the inspirational film.
GOOD JOB Michael! Congratulations! Oh shoes can be an issue can't they. It takes a little while to find the right brand and fit. Sounds like you have the bug. "Never again" to "I can do it faster!" 😁 Welcome to the club!
Insane; my kinda insane though! Awesome achievement Jared. You captured the Canyon beautifully on camera. It's my goal to hike there. Your achievement certainly is inspirational; thank you! :)
Thank YOU! I hope you make it out there one day. There is something about actually being there that is so far beyond any pictures or film. It is so amazing. You will always be glad you went. Let me know if you have any questions about hiking there. I may be able to offer some insight. I recently went back and did it again and actually made another film. Will be posting it soon. Hope you like the next one too. Thanks again!
I cheered for you when I saw the brown building at the end of Bright Angel. Fantastic. Planning a North to South R2R, but my old self will take 3-4 nights in the canyon. I have no time to beat. Just want to enjoy. Congrats on your journey
THANK YOU MARK! Thank you for taking the time to let me know. I am currently training to go back again this year and try to do it faster. I am thinking I need to plan another trip that is not so much like a "race" 😜😀 so I can spend some time to take it all in. I'm excited for you and almost a little envious. Good luck on your trip! I know it will be awesome!
Congratulations, but I respectfully suggest that it is foolish to do it at night. I have done South Kaibab to Phantom and up Bright Angel twice, and the most incredible and inspiring aspect of the hike is the totally awesome scenery at every step of the way, which you miss during nighttime.
Well done!! I did my first R2R 10,19,23 at 66 years old. I'm very interested in doing R3. You killed my time going R2R, were you running some? When I do my R3 I think I want to jog the downgrades at least to shorten the length of time it takes. Thanks again for the cool video!
Thank you! I haven't checked the comments for a while. Sorry it's taken me so long to respond. Yes I ran a good amount between Cotton Wood and Phantom Ranch heading toward the south rim. It was very much a run / hike run but overall it was mostly a "fast hike". Yes if you can run some of the easier sections it helps reduce the time. Thanks for watching I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
Thanks Sarah! It's hard to share enough detail but I'll try. Hiking every weekend for 4 months, running during the week, stair master on the highest incline 2-3 times per week 3.5 miles per hour. Hikes were hiking/trail running with elevation gain. Did a few night hikes and gradually increased the mileage of weekend hikes. My longest training hike/run was 22 miles. I would have liked to have done at least 30. Also did squats, box jumps, lots and lots of calve raises, straight leg dead-lifts to strengthen my back/core and ab exercises 2 times per week to help with that as well... Regular stretching. Yoga would have helped too but I didn't do as much as I would have liked. Not sure if that answers your question very well but I hope it helps. I was thinking about doing a video or two about this topic but have been focused on other videos.. Thanks again for your comment!
Oh a video on this would be wonderful. I'll admit, I started crying also when you reached the top. My husband and I are planning to hike R2R from south to north, spend two nights on the north side, and hike back to the south side. The only time we can go is the beginning of August, so those temperatures scare me. We also live in FL, so the elevation may be a problem. We did used to live in Abq, but don't at the moment. We may have to alter these plans, but we need to do some more research. I have cabins reserved though if we decide we can go through with it. Your video is the best I've found so far on the net regarding the hike! We will both be 45 in August, so that's another reason your video struck a chord. Last year we biked the whole FL keys from top to bottom in one day, spent two nights and then biked back (2 days because we were facing a 23 mph wind on the way back up). It was exhilarating and totally scary! That's how we see hiking the Grand Canyon! Again, thanks for your reply.
Hi Sarah, Once again I'm glad you like the video. Your plan sounds good. I would be concerned about going in August as well and I live in Arizona. : ) The temps in the bottom of the canyon can get extremely high. Just be prepared for that. It's a little counter intuitive that it gets hotter the lower you go but it does. The general recommendation is late spring or fall for that reason. The good thing is that there is plenty of water. There are even faucets in the base of the canyon. If I had to focus on just two things from a fitness perspective to focus on I would say HIKE HIKE HIKE and spend time on the tread mill at the highest incline at 30 mins to an hour 3-3.5 miles an hour 2-3 times per week. The reason for the treadmill is to train for going up hills. Both ascents the north and south rims are extremely steep but if you are used to going up hills (or fake treadmill hills) it will help incredibly. Hiking poles help tremendously too. I never used to use them, now I will not go without them. They just help soooooo much. I have not ruled out the idea of a "how to" video just need to make the time... Thanks again for your interest. I'm so glad you like my film and I wish you and your husband LOTS OF LUCK! If you have more questions I'd be happy to try and answer them. PS. I love cycling. used to go every day! Awesome!
You are one Tough dude and an inspiration to all
Onward and Upward my friend
Thanks! I really appreciate it! Thank you.
At 42 I recognise your message that my best days could be behind me. That I too could be destined for no more than life on the sofa. Game over.
In my mind I have given my last 12 years to raising my young girls, and I suffer from the common feeling that I am standing still in order to allow my children to move forwards.
I stumbled across your videos as I plan to take my girls, who will be 9 and 11, on their first hike into the canyon next April. No rim to rim to rim, but a rim to river to rim with an overnight at Phantom Ranch. This is a step in my bid to nurture their individual passion for setting big goals and to educate them about that internal sense of achievement ... a feeling that can only be earned not bought ... achievement that can generate such an extraordinary sense of feeling alive.
Your passion is palpable and a true inspiration, and for that reason I will show your R2R2R videos to my girls. I don’t imagine I will ever complete a rim to rim to rim, but, for me, that extraordinary sense of feeling alive will come from seeing my girls succeed with their first canyon hike.
Thank you for sharing your story. I truly appreciate it.
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Suze W Thank you very much for this heart felt and sincere comment. I really appreciate you sharing.
It sounds to me like you have already achieved amazing things! And those things are not "things" at all but people!
In my opinion being a good mom (or dad) is the most important "big goal" that anyone could ever strive for. Probably one of the most difficult too! It's tough and it takes sacrifice, focus, a super human amount of patience, and commitment to the level that most mere mortals cannot endure. Most of all it takes love. Real love. Anyone is capable of having kids but it's something far more "grand" to raise them.
You will never regret all the sacrifice and effort. You will never regret trying to be a good mom. On the other hand the greatest pains of regret that people feel often have little to do with putting in more time at work or working on personal goals and so much more to do with not putting enough time into the relationships that matter most.
Your life is not on hold or standing still. You are moving forward in so many ways that many people just don't understand. You are not just a good mom. You are a GREAT MOM! I can tell just by what you've said. Your daughters are very blessed to have you! And they will recognize that more and more over time.
Rim to River to Rim his HUGE! It's often far more challenging and FAR MORE REWARDING than people may imagine. You guys are going to have the time of your life! Your girls will earn the kind of education that they can't get any place else and they will always remember it! GOOD LUCK ON YOUR TRIP! Let me know how it goes!
PS - life isn't over when you get past 40. Its just a new horizon with new adventures!
Thank you again!
I’m liking your comment about me being a great Mom .... I suspect I fall into the category “full of mistakes and imperfections”, which makes me real rather than great, but I’m trying 😂.
And you are absolutely correct ... my life is not on hold or standing still .... I am simply choosing to make different decisions as a mother than I would as an individual. I have hiked from South Rim to river and back to SR but I have never hiked to the North Rim, and there’s a part of me that’s watching R2R2R videos and thinking “instead of April, couldn’t we go in June or September and do South Rim to Phantom to North Rim” but that would be for me, and of course my job is to nurture my girls not break them. The NPS recommend children don’t hike in the summer, so we will go down to Phantom in April .... I will stare longingly at the North Rim .... and we will turn around and head back to the South Rim.
Maybe one day we will go back and do more. In the meantime I shall live vicariously by watching videos like yours!
Excellent video. I did the rim down South Kaibab to Phantom Ranch and back up Bright Angel in one day at 66 years old and it was difficult but we made. it. I've done the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (66 years old) and Mt. Kilimanjaro (64 years old) but the rim to rim in one day was the hardest single day yet. We're doing the Everest Base Camp trek this October. I can't let myself get old.
Thanks! So awesome to hear about your adventures! Glad you are going strong. It gives me hope for the future! THANKS!
Awesome video Jared
Stay 💪
Thanks!
Thanks for video and inspiration.
Thanks Jerry. Thanks for saying so. I really appreciate it.
Congrats ❤️
Thank you!
Really good complete film. Excellent editing, audio and very inspiring.
Thanks Brian! I really appreciate your feedback! Thanks!
Well done.I finally completed the Rim to Rim to Rim this August using the Bright angel trail up and down.Biggest problem I encountered were my shoes which need up grading,so every step down from the North rim was painful.
From thinking never again,I reckon I could take a whole chunk of time off the 20 hours it took this year?
Thanks again for the inspirational film.
GOOD JOB Michael! Congratulations! Oh shoes can be an issue can't they. It takes a little while to find the right brand and fit. Sounds like you have the bug. "Never again" to "I can do it faster!" 😁 Welcome to the club!
Bravo that man! A great accomplishment, and a great outlook on life!
Thanks Steve! I really appreciate it!
Insane; my kinda insane though! Awesome achievement Jared. You captured the Canyon beautifully on camera. It's my goal to hike there. Your achievement certainly is inspirational; thank you! :)
Thank YOU! I hope you make it out there one day. There is something about actually being there that is so far beyond any pictures or film. It is so amazing. You will always be glad you went. Let me know if you have any questions about hiking there. I may be able to offer some insight. I recently went back and did it again and actually made another film. Will be posting it soon. Hope you like the next one too. Thanks again!
Thank you for sharing. Mission accomplished. My turn.
Thank YOU and you're very welcome. When are you going?
I cheered for you when I saw the brown building at the end of Bright Angel. Fantastic. Planning a North to South R2R, but my old self will take 3-4 nights in the canyon. I have no time to beat. Just want to enjoy. Congrats on your journey
THANK YOU MARK! Thank you for taking the time to let me know. I am currently training to go back again this year and try to do it faster. I am thinking I need to plan another trip that is not so much like a "race" 😜😀 so I can spend some time to take it all in. I'm excited for you and almost a little envious. Good luck on your trip! I know it will be awesome!
Fantastic. What cameras did you use?
Great story, great accomplishment, and great video. This was very inspiring. Thank you for sharing!
Hey Joe, Thank you VERY MUCH. I really appreciate it. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Wonderful story! Thank you so much for posting this.
Thanks Myra! So glad you enjoyed it!
In two days I’ll be doing the r2r for the first time, stay the night on the north rim then back the next day. Wish me luck. I’m 55. Cheers
You are in for an amazing adventure! Good luck Jerry! Let me know how it goes!
Congratulations, but I respectfully suggest that it is foolish to do it at night. I have done South Kaibab to Phantom and up Bright Angel twice, and the most incredible and inspiring aspect of the hike is the totally awesome scenery at every step of the way, which you miss during nighttime.
Thank you! Thank you also for your sincere advice. I really appreciate it.
Well done!! I did my first R2R 10,19,23 at 66 years old. I'm very interested in doing R3. You killed my time going R2R, were you running some? When I do my R3 I think I want to jog the downgrades at least to shorten the length of time it takes. Thanks again for the cool video!
Thank you! I haven't checked the comments for a while. Sorry it's taken me so long to respond. Yes I ran a good amount between Cotton Wood and Phantom Ranch heading toward the south rim. It was very much a run / hike run but overall it was mostly a "fast hike". Yes if you can run some of the easier sections it helps reduce the time. Thanks for watching I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
Why did the sign say No visitor services on the north rim?
Great question. I'm not really sure. It's possible that they had just opened the North Rim and hadn't taken the sign down?
Awesome documentary. How did you train for this?
Thanks Sarah! It's hard to share enough detail but I'll try. Hiking every weekend for 4 months, running during the week, stair master on the highest incline 2-3 times per week 3.5 miles per hour. Hikes were hiking/trail running with elevation gain. Did a few night hikes and gradually increased the mileage of weekend hikes. My longest training hike/run was 22 miles. I would have liked to have done at least 30. Also did squats, box jumps, lots and lots of calve raises, straight leg dead-lifts to strengthen my back/core and ab exercises 2 times per week to help with that as well... Regular stretching. Yoga would have helped too but I didn't do as much as I would have liked. Not sure if that answers your question very well but I hope it helps. I was thinking about doing a video or two about this topic but have been focused on other videos.. Thanks again for your comment!
Oh a video on this would be wonderful. I'll admit, I started crying also when you reached the top. My husband and I are planning to hike R2R from south to north, spend two nights on the north side, and hike back to the south side. The only time we can go is the beginning of August, so those temperatures scare me. We also live in FL, so the elevation may be a problem. We did used to live in Abq, but don't at the moment. We may have to alter these plans, but we need to do some more research. I have cabins reserved though if we decide we can go through with it. Your video is the best I've found so far on the net regarding the hike! We will both be 45 in August, so that's another reason your video struck a chord. Last year we biked the whole FL keys from top to bottom in one day, spent two nights and then biked back (2 days because we were facing a 23 mph wind on the way back up). It was exhilarating and totally scary! That's how we see hiking the Grand Canyon! Again, thanks for your reply.
Hi Sarah, Once again I'm glad you like the video. Your plan sounds good. I would be concerned about going in August as well and I live in Arizona. : ) The temps in the bottom of the canyon can get extremely high. Just be prepared for that. It's a little counter intuitive that it gets hotter the lower you go but it does. The general recommendation is late spring or fall for that reason. The good thing is that there is plenty of water. There are even faucets in the base of the canyon. If I had to focus on just two things from a fitness perspective to focus on I would say HIKE HIKE HIKE and spend time on the tread mill at the highest incline at 30 mins to an hour 3-3.5 miles an hour 2-3 times per week. The reason for the treadmill is to train for going up hills. Both ascents the north and south rims are extremely steep but if you are used to going up hills (or fake treadmill hills) it will help incredibly. Hiking poles help tremendously too. I never used to use them, now I will not go without them. They just help soooooo much. I have not ruled out the idea of a "how to" video just need to make the time... Thanks again for your interest. I'm so glad you like my film and I wish you and your husband LOTS OF LUCK! If you have more questions I'd be happy to try and answer them. PS. I love cycling. used to go every day! Awesome!
Awesome! Great job!
Thanks Matt! Thanks again for your help on this!
You are welcome!!
You the man JT!!! Way to step up and face your demons head on. You are an inspiration!
Thanks Bro!!! I really appreciate it!