re: in kanab utah getting ready to run the Grand to Grand Ultra (updated w pics pg2)

Survived my 7 days out in the desert.

Campsite one of the race was literally in the edge if the Grand Canyon. Couldn't ask for a better campsite to start the race.

Stage one of the race started on Sunday morning, and was 30 miles. About 20 miles into it the winds kicked up to around 60mph, and it started to hail...I pretty much laid in the sand in the fetal position covering my face until the storm passed.

Day 2 was 26ish miles, and was pretty much up mountains all day...the climbs really kicked my arse, but the views from on top were amazing

Day 3 and 4 was the 52 mile stage, and had climbs, it
was 75% soft sand, and 3 miles of sand dunes.
I hit the sand dunes right before dawn in day 4, and was in awe at how massive those things were..I couldn't run up them, and literally had to crawl on my hands and knees to get to the top of each one.

Day 5 was 26 miles again, and I started off pretty strong, but around 15 miles in things went down hill...we had a 6 mile climb and it was all soft sand. That climb literally drained me if everything I had. I remember being about 3 miles from camp and I didn't even have the energy to swallow water. I'd try and drink, but it would just fall out my mouth...it was at this point I started noticing a pretty bad smell and couldn't figure out what it was. After a few min in I realized that it was me, after being in the dessert for 5 days with no shower I was smelling pretty epic. All I could do was laugh at how disgusting I was, and somehow that little moment got me through the rest of the stage

Day 6 was another 26 mile day, and we ran through the slot canyons and lots of river beds...the canyons were awesome, and would love to go back and really get to check them out. Finished this stage feeling pretty good

Day 7 was supposed to be a 7 mile run up the grand staircase to finish off the race, but the weather was really nasty, and there was fear of landslides and flash floods, so we did a two mile run to finish instead.

Overall this was easily the hardest event I've ever done, but 100% worth it, and I'm already planning on running it again next year.

I'm gonna post pics on Monday or tuesday