If you're lucky enough to be in the mountains, you are lucky enough.

When something bad happens, you have three choices: let it define you, let it destroy you, or let it strengthen you.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Grand Canyon adventures

South Rim down to Phantom Ranch via Bright Angel, back via South Kaibab. Out with Wasatch teamie Jim Skaggs and Larry, joined by Mike and Tina, met with Jim Kerby and Co, Jamie Gifford and Co. Back as a duet. Met with Marathon Maniac Frederick "The Penguin". At the camp - Angie and Ash, coming for my birthday all the way from Tuscon, AZ. All was absolutely cool. Great weather. Lots of fun. Talking was awesome. Views are breathtaking. I really don't have time for a report. There was a lot of thinking that had been shared at the campfire. That said, I simply invite you to enjoy the photos.
























FULL ALBUM

p.s. I commented on Larry's blog, and thought what I said would be a good closing for my own post. So here it is.

Now I wish we went double...have to go back, I guess:) 40th birthday? Why not? Running is fun. Apparently, I love running. Who would have thought? I really, really do love running. I miss it. I want to be back at it. It's soothing. It's refreshing. It's soul healing. It's meditative. It's adrenaline elevating and endorphin releasing. It's heart rate raising. It puts smile on my face. It works my muscles the best. It allows me to believe in myself. To feel confident. To reach high. To reach out. May be it is not my identity. But it is my passion. And I need it.
Good trip. Lots of processing. And still going on. I love trips like that. They remind me I am living, I am alive, and why. Between awesome nature trails and people who have soul deepness that matches the Grand Canyon - it is priceless.

15 comments:

Bret said...

No smooching allowed on the Blog!! Ha! Happy Birthday Girl. Gail and I are in Hawaii the night before our big day...(did I say wedding???) Have fun!

Sarah said...

You sure know how to pack a lot of living into one weekend! : )

LK said...

It was very heart warming to see you run so well down into the canyon. For awhile, I thought I was going to be in way over my head because you were killing it on the descent. I smiled all the way as I ran behind you. It was so obvious how good running is for you. You were totally in your element. Getting to experience the Grand Canyon for the first time with you was the best! I look forward to the next adventure. :)

Peter Lubbers said...

Excellent! Looks like you and the other speedgoats all had a great time in the Grand Canyon.

Sarah said...

"May be it is not my identity. But it is my passion. And I need it."

P.S. I understand 100%!

Donald said...

Beautiful!

Rick Gaston said...

Wow easy out hard back. I've only done Rim2Rim2Rim once but thinking about the climb up South Kaibab at the end of the day still makes my eyes glaze over. So I'm sorry why is your um hanging...oh never mind. I love trips like this, it makes you feel so alive yet so small, so special yet so insignificant. Love it!

Anonymous said...

one of the best trips I've had in a long long time. you're right about the good conversations around the campfire. and i love how you talk about how it may not be your identity but it is your passion.

does that mean i get to see you in april next year? ;)

Anonymous said...

Great photos as always girl. Your so luckey to have gotten that expierience. Definitely one of the runs on my bucketlist. Thanks for the comment.

JeffO said...

I've postponed my R2R2R until next Spring. Wish I didn't have a conflict. I would have had fun with you guys.
Great photos.

Anonymous said...

hey olga! sounds like you all had a blast. happy belated b-day!congrats.your one of the most motiovating people i know.and i thank you for that. a friend and i are going out to do r2r2r thanksgiving weekend! super excited! i'll send you some pics upon our return.say hi to larry for me.
mike e.

Meghan said...

Hey Olga! I'm having trouble commenting with a sketchy internet connection, so I don't know if you'll get any of my attempts.

But I wanted to let you know I'm out here reading, thinking about you, and wishing you a very belated happy birthday.

I'll be in Portland from the 11 to the 16 of November, by the way. :) Let's run together. Oh and drink some wine, too!

Meghan

AJW said...

Great to see those photos. I shudder to ask, does this mean Kerby's back in the game? Great to see that pic at the bottom. See you soon!

AJW

Unknown said...

Simple stunning photos and I could imagine being out there myself. Your summary from your comments to Larry are spot on, not only for you I imagine, but for many of us. Well said!

sea legs girl said...

Olga,
I love the comment you wrote on Larry's blog. It's beautiful. I feel the same way.
I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to meet you in the Grand Canyon. I would have loved to celebrate your birthday with you.
I'm hoping for fast healing for you.