Experiencing the Grand Canyon, widely regarded as one of the greatest natural wonders in the world, is a definite bucket-list item for a lot of people. Just seeing this vast spectacle, though breath-taking, is only the beginning. On April 16th a group of 19 members and coaches from IF Vancouver, IF Kits, IF West Vancouver and IF Toronto flew to Arizona to conquer the unthinkable: a whole 26km trek, to the bottom and back up the Grand Canyon, in one day. The group trained for months previous to the hike, hiking Baden Powell, BCMC and hitting up the stairs at UBC’s Wreck Beach in preparation for this phenomenal adventure.
Outside of the groups’ control, however, was the thin layer of snow that paved their way to the hike, early Friday morning. Despite the below-freezing temperature, IF members and coaches started the journey down the canyon, taking lots of pictures and, eventually, removing mittens and hats as it got warmer. At the bottom of the Canyon, the group took a break for lunch and stuck their feet in the Colorado River that runs throughout the Canyon. There is nothing quite like sitting in the middle of such a huge rock valley and looking up at the surrounding land– truly remarkable.
After lunch, the group separated into smaller teams as they made their way back up. It took between 4 and 6 hours to reach the top – making it for a total hike time of 7-9 hours! Though exhausting, every IF member and coach made it to the top just in time for some well-deserved beers and burgers. Here’s what some of our members had to say about the trip:
Hiking the Grand Canyon was an experience of a lifetime for me. The hike itself was exhilarating, what also added to the great experience was the group of people. From trainers to guests new friendships were forged. Thank you Camille and Innovative Fitness. Looking forward to more adventures.
– Maria
“Hiking the Grand Canyon was spectacular! We loved experiencing the two different perspectives of hiking down the Kaibab Trail and up the Bright Angel Trail; vistas on both trails were beyond description! It was a fantastic feeling of accomplishment to make it all the way down to the Colorado River and all the way back up to the rim in one day. We loved getting to know our fellow hikers- a super group of people. Hiking the Grand Canyon with Innovative Fitness gave us confidence to try other adventures in the future!”-Lucy & Jason
“I had so much fun in the trip! I am so glad that I got to meet such amazing people! I hope to be included in future trips! Too bad I won’t be in town for the next dinner but hope you guys all enjoy!”
– Kiran
“I’m exhausted but on a mental high reliving this past weekend in my mind. Once again, another successful IF trip. Can’t wait for the next adventure!”
-Sylvie
All in all, the trip was amazing – following the hike, the group enjoyed a lovely stay at the FireSky Resort, where the group relaxed by the pool, shopped and enjoyed some post-recovery meals in Scottsdale. If you’ve been thinking of trying something new, talk to your coach, there’s always another International adventure being planned; why not plan it with IF?
19 members and coaches just checked a big item off of their Bucket Lists. What IF you could?
Camille Hindley
Professional Training Coach
Innovative Fitness Vancouver
www.innovativefitness.com
