Scary in the Canyon

“We are going to go from one edge of the Grand Canyon to the other – starting at the top on one side, down, across, and back up – all in on day,” she told me.  “And you are coming with us.”

SHE is Coach Jenny Hadfield.  SHE is an acclaimed endurance coach, author, and marathon training “rock star” from Chicago.  SHE decided this was going to happen as a dedication to her father, lost to a brain tumor, as a fundraising opportunity for the Tug McGraw Foundation.

And SHE wouldn’t take “no” for an answer; actually, I was kinda scared to say “no” to begin with.

I had no idea what I was in for, but she’s a pro.  I didn’t know anything about trekking poles or fast-packing or orienteering or headlamps, but she does.  I’ve run through the streets in the daylight; she’s run through the jungle of Borneo at night.

So I figured I better just take her lead.  I was gonna have to do this thing, one way or the other.  She told me how to dress, what to eat, how to train, and most importantly, how critical it is to carry only what you need in order to keep down the weight of our backpacks during our journey.

So when I made my little addition to our already bloated burdens, she was a bit hesitant.  I thought it made sense, what with the holiday already on the horizon.  And with a planned stop at Phantom Ranch…we could all sink out teeth into these…

Happy Halloween!

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(The first Rim2Rim4Roy took place at the Grand Canyon on Tuesday, October 8, 2008.  Team McGraw {Coach Jenny Hadfield, her brother Scott and ] tackled over 24 miles, with 11,000 feet of elevation change and raised over $10,000 for the Tug McGraw Foundation in memory of her father, Roy Hadfield, whose adventurous spirit lives on in all of us.

For more on this event from JennyHadfield.com, CLICK HERE.)

Comments

[Christine]

BOO!

Absolutely Hilarious!! I hardly recognized you guys! I had to take a double take of everyone!

What, no time for shaving, Jeff? And Jenny & Scott - what's the deal with the fangs? Did the stress of hiking/running the canyon turn you all into Vampires?

This sure made me laugh on this Halloween night!

Happy Halloween!

[Emmers]

Thats pretty funny! Those fangs are a key accessory to get the job done. I can't imagine going from the top of the Grand Canyon, down, and back up again.....

You guys ROCK!

[tasha]

Too Funny!!! Great look for you, Jeff...

[Michelle]

Not only are the fangs scary, but so is the thought of going down the Grand Canyon and up again! I am quite impressed! That was such a wonderful way to show your compassion for the cause and a nice way to remember a loved one! Great job! Please keep us posted about how the marathon went, too! : )

Happy Halloween!