Operation Desert Storm in the Grand Canyon (R2R2R)

It was an exciting feeling to run this. Before this was planned, I hiked it one way, and was picked up by a hiking buddy.

Took the flight from SMF to PHX, then drove 5 hours to the Grand Canyon.

Three of us went to this adventure :

JP Prince (Truckee),
Jeanne Kysar-Carey (Folsom),

Ingrid Monique (Folsom)

We started around 5 am, supposed to be 4. By 2am I couldn't sleep no more. Listening to peter platter, to, tik, tak...tok...  It was pouring buckets of rain in the Grand Canyon.

I was tempted even to skip running but just check out what's happening on Tinder... However I always believe that Tinder is bad for training... So I ignored all the messages...

Soon I received a text from JP, that our business was on. Alas finally.

I got everything ready, except I'm not liking the pouring rain. The forecast for the North Rim was hail, snow and sleet (ugh). Well it was pretty much sufferpuppy from the start.

I was in good spirit. I came here to run, to feel something "epic", though that's an exaggeration.

At approaching North Rim, I felt the wind blown approx 45mph or higher. It was no fun being pelted with hail. I was covering my face with my gloves and at the same time, being dragged to fall off the cliff by this incessant gust, that I wish, would just leave me alone.

Times like this, I wanted to be indoors sipping tea with lemon. That would be great. Or at least chowing chicken congee with hot and sour seafood soup!

Finally we had a break from the weather. Or so I thought I can blaze the downhill but my patellar started to become unpleasant.

I had to slow down. I had to control my steps so I can still run Miwok the following week.

JP passed me few times and each time I asked him where Jeanne could be. Along the downhill, finally got caught up with Jeanne, but she was still going uphill to North Rim.

In my calculation, 3 mph brisk hike I would still reached Bright Angel with daylight. At the ranch, I told the Rangers that I'm with 2 friends. The forest Rangers does not really like us runners. They think we are too vociferous individual, who calculate risk irresponsibly. Oh well.....

It was past 8pm when I reached the bus stop at Bright Angel. Despite the 5 miles of uphilling, my arms and hands were cold. Now hungry, really really hungry and low in sugar. I deserve a burger or large spaghetti with lots of meatballs.. for this.

Caught up with JP at the cafeteria. As per JP's explanation, Jeanne and him, were not on talking terms. I don't like drama. I do not like to be involve in it, so as far as I can, I'll wait for Jeanne, to catch up and share some stories about the run.

Well when Jeanne arrived, that whole mode change from happy to sad face. So I left and get some rest in my own room hotel (note: JP and Jeanne were sharing room at Kaibab).

The next day, the quarrel between JP and Jeanne continued, so JP transferred to my car rental. As for myself. I'd rather not get involved. However it is not like I don't have space in my car, so I took JP as my passenger.

But first I went to some reconnaissance to Arizona's highest peak. It was full of snow. Then headed to Flagstaff, passing Sedona, then hiked Mt Wilson.

Then dropped off JP to airport, on his way back to Truckee.

Then I took my flight and saw Jeanne being escorted by two Air Marshals at Sacramento Airport. Jeanne has my car key, now what to do... And guess what? Because I took JP as my passenger, now Jeanne is no longer talking to me...

Two 50 year olds fighting like they are still in high school?

Enough said.... that was my whole experience of my "Operation Desert Storm in Grand Canyon".

That next time I run Rim to Rim to Rim, I'd rather do it me, myself and solo!