After spending three days in Palm Springs (you can read about it HERE and HERE if you missed it), we loaded up our car and headed to the Grand Canyon, seven hours away. For about a half a nano-second I contemplated trying to squeeze in a quick run before getting into the car, but decided instead, to keep it simple and enjoy a day of rest. My body doesn’t usually hold up well running four days in a row anyway.

Heading from California to Arizona

We arrived at the Grand Canyon late in the afternoon, and ventured to the rim right after checking into our hotel. This was my first trip to the Grand Canyon, and even though I’d seen a bazillion photographs of it over the years (my hubby is a professional photographer), I was completely unprepared for the sheer awesomeness of it. A lump immediately formed in my throat and my eyes brimmed with liquid happiness. “Wow,” is all I could mumble as I gazed out, stunned by the beauty before me.

Needless to say, the park’s jaw-dropping beauty made my heart pound as I thought about the prospects of running here. It would have to wait until the next morning though, as picture taking and a late dinner with my family was on our agenda, not to mention a highly recommended prickly pear margarita!

The next morning as my husband, Jeffrey, and daughter, Olivia, headed to breakfast at El Tovar Lodge, I ventured to Bright Angel Trail. From the first step, I knew this run was going to be extraordinary (at least once I made it past all the mule poop).

Running along the rim near El Tovar Lodge before heading to the Bright Angel Trailhead. Photo © Jeffrey Aaronson

A trail of mule poo at the beginning of Bright Angel Trail

It was already blazing hot at 7:30 in the morning, but running downhill into the canyon was pure bliss. Step after step I kept thinking to myself, I can’t believe I get to be here and do this! I took it slow so I could enjoy every step and look up often to take it all in; the vastness, the stunning hues of the canyon walls, the “wonder” of this natural wonder. With every breath, I felt nothing but joy and gratitude about being able to experience this remarkable run.

The view near the top of Bright Angel Trail

Pure Bliss!

Looking into the Canyon

The breathtaking view along the trail.

One of the funniest things that happened was Continue reading →