Down and out of the Grand Canyon

What an unbelievable day!  One of the things that I love about fell/trail running is the like minded people you meet, wherever you are in the world. The day we arrived at our camp site we noticed a couple who had running gear on and so approached them, as you do, asking what their plans were with the sneaky suspicion they may be here with similar goals? The next morning we walked over to Kaibab Trail head to make our way down into the Canyon and then out in a day.  The trail was rough, dusty and hard going down with no water stops on the way. This was the reason we decided to head this way as the other trail (Bright Angel), that we ascended out via has regular water stops, so a definite recommendation for anyone wanting to do it. However, the descent is steeper so, if like me you are quite nervous going down, do it for the practice as I tried to see it, or go the other way 😊 We set off a little later than expected and I got concerned when a ranger asked us our plans and cautioned us into going down and out in a day due to the heat and challenge of the climb and to re-evaluate at tip off point. 45 mins in and we had reached tip off point and felt great! Hot and dusty, but no burning quads or sore toes! What was going on?! In one hour 20 minutes we had made it to the bottom and had the reward of a dip in The Colorado river. It really was lovely, but have to say I didn't feel the vastness of the canyon from being down in it compared to overlooking it.  Topped up on water and cooled off we started the 1300m climb out. I had prepared myself mentally for a long, slow climb with little running involved. I don't know if it was the surroundings, the steadiness of the climb or what but I managed to run all the way to Indian gardens, 5ish miles and 400ish m of ascent in total time (from the start) of 2.34mins! I quote the time just because I was shocked. Joe and I both felt great and think were relishing the fact that we were both on form and moving quickly and comfortably along the windy steady uphill trail amongst other hikers and mules. It was hot though and after 4 hours and 10mins of moving at what we felt was a good pace, it was nice to stop at the top and stretch off overlooking what we had accomplished and the beauty in front of us. Rest and recuperate tomorrow I think.