Running the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim trail ...North to south key swap

The Rim to Rim trail is about 40 kms in distance with a elevation gain of 8250 ft .
My idea was to Run from the north to south  , and have a second group run from the south to north  , We then would meet some where along the way to exchange keys , so when we finish our run we could just drive the cars left on each side back to Vegas .
I started this plan about a year ago ....and there was a few bumps along the way ,but this is how we all manged to run the Grand Canyon .....
I first put a question out to my running group Roots and Rocks
"Anyone want to run the Grand  canyon with a key swap in the Middle ??"
I honestly didn't think I would have 20 people interested ...Well I knew they would want to , but wanting to and doing are 2 different things !
I then started to plan the run
Step one hold a meeting and get some cash to book both sides of the Canyon
South side stayed at the Bright Angels Lodge right in the Canyon at the trail head

North Side stayed at in Cabins at kiabab Lodge .
Once the Canyon was booked I had to book Vegas  where after we run we would all meet back at the hotel to fly home the next day .
In Vegas I was able to get 8 room for 700.00 ....Perfect !
Car rentals thanks to Bob was paid for by his points ....Thanks Bob !
OK everything was planed perfect so what could go wrong ....EVERYTHING !!!!


2 weeks before we are ready to leave for the Canyon the USA government shuts down all parks
Grand Canyon is Closed AHHHHHHH....
I hit panic I have been planning for a year
I have 20 people that have taken time off work , paid for a trip and we cant go!!!!
I then called a emergency meeting with the group . I need  plan B .
What are we going to do if the government shut down doesn't resolve ?
Lisa came up with hiking Humphrey Peak 12,,500 ft elevation gain 20 miles long , and the highest point in Arizona ...Umm OK its now a plan .
I held  out to canceling everything until the thursday before we left , so we could get all our money back .We then had already booked Flag Staff so we could have plan B .

Friday night at 9:00 pm I look on Run Like A Girl and someone has left us a message the
Canyon is open !!! I honestly couldn't believe it ! , so I then started to change plans
Message everyone ! get a hold of everyone to re pack , re book , and now plan A is happening
But some people had already left on the Friday and Had not packed for hot weather , because flag staff was -10 !!! , so I had to pack clothes for 2 ladies  , get a hold of Bob and Katie to keep calling the hotels and cabins on the North and south ...while we all fly out in the morning !
Once I arrived in Vegas I got the text that everything was booked , and we are doing the Grand Canyon . I still cant believe that everything was able to work out .
Fast planing and team work !

Getting our bags ready for the car swap

North and south groups ready to say good bye !

On the Plan its really happening !!!!

Chin up  challenge

our cabins at the North end of the rim

We started the Trail about 6:30 as soon as it wasn't dark . There was snow at the top and was pretty cold in the morning .

Our first tunnel we were so excited ;)

I honestly cant even begin to describe have beautiful this run was. I had a hard to time to keep running and not stop to  pull out my camera .

I have gone through so many adventures with these 2 girls . I just cant wait to spend 6 days in Costa Rica with them for our biggest challenge .....250 kms in the jungle ....Cant wait

Found a Chalk board to leave a little Message

Waring !!!

Right before we were at the Phantom ranch we met up with the second group to swap keys and caught up a little on how there day was .

Spreading Canyon love !

We did it !!!!   40 km Rim to Rim Grand Canyon
The south side of the rim was where most people go to visit lots to see , and places to eat or buy gifts .
The girls and I thought it would be a great idea to finish some type of Finisher Medal . I also bought Kyle one !
Vegas Here we come ....But to sleep ;)

The next day we were suppose to be leaving the airport for a 11:40 am flight ...oops the fight left with out us early urrrr ...
so more fast planning !
Kyles mom lives in Seattle and that was the only flight we could get  !
We went on stand by, but were able to get on the next flight whew ! Thanks to Kyles mom saving us in Seattle and driving us to Bellingham   to pick up our bags , and again so many points in this trip seemed to try and jump in our way of a plan and a goal !
But I always Know that things will always work out to plan if you never give up and always have positive people in our life ...I love my friends , and my family thanks for the best running trip ever xoxo