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.
