Introduction

A couple years after getting into long distance running, I decided to try to run a half-marathon or marathon in each state. After crossing off my fifth state, I recounted the race to my sister. As I described the hills, puddles, cows, lightning, thunder, and cornfields, she suggested that I begin a blog about my experiences and races. While it’s hard to imagine the many different races running together, I could see how it might happen. So, I looked back in my mind (and with the help of my t-shirt drawer) am going to document my runs through all 50 states. End of 2015 update: 16 states done!

7/11/2015

Bryce Caynon Half Marathon (UT), July 11th, 2015


Now that I’ve started working on a half or full in all 50 states, running a race has become my motivation for planning a number of trips.  I had never been to Utah but had been told I would like it many times (if the running didn’t give it away, I enjoy spending time outdoors).  Needless to say, when I found the Bryce Canyon half, I was glad to have a reason to head out there.

If I was going to fly all the way out to Utah, I decided I needed to spend more than a weekend there.  With little convincing, I soon had 4 friends traveling with me.  We were looking forward to a 3-day backpacking trek in Bryce Canyon National Park followed by the half marathon before spending a couple days in Zion National Park (including a day hike up the Narrows).  Saying that I’m thankful to have friends willing to join me on these adventures is an understatement.

The 7,000+ feet of climbing and 6,000+ of descent while backpacking was the perfect opportunity to acclimate ourselves to the elevation.  We’re sea level dwellers and were playing at 7-9,000 ft above.  It was also a great last minute strength training session for our legs.

We finished hiking on Friday and were up and as ready to run as we were going to be Saturday morning.  The race started just outside Bryce Canyon National Park and descended about 1800 feet into the town of Cannonville.  If I were to give each race a “most” award, this one would win the “most picturesque” by far (at least at this point in the quest).  Words can’t describe the views of the canyon and surroundings as the sun rose and hundreds of runners descended into the valley.


I won’t deny that my legs were pretty tired by the end of the hiking and running, but it was nothing a 3 mile hike up the Narrows (ankle to waist deep in cool water) couldn’t heal.

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