Sometimes you conquer the Canyon and times the Canyon conquers you...

Things learned this R3

• It takes nothing less than 5000 calories to hike R3 - pack your food accordingly and have a variety.  Make yourself eat the calories on regular intervals.  Having a watch to help you keep track of the time lapse is imparative.
• Do NOT eat something you would normally not eat the day prior to the hike.
• Good socks are a must.
• Hiking boots must be broken in and cinched tightly for the downward treck.
• Dress in layers and shed the layers BEFORE you feel heated.
• A light jog may not improve your overall time.  Howver, it does allow different muscles to be used for short spurts.  This will help save your upper and downer muscles when you need them the most.
• Use hiking poles.
• When training, core muscle workouts are just as important as cardio.  It will take your upper body strength to pull yourself the last couple miles out of the Canyon.
• After hiking rim to rim or R3 - your legs are like teenage girls listening to their parents - they completely ignore what you are trying to get them do.