You can order the Dr. Leo Kormanik's book Faster Without Fail on Amazon at https://amzn.to/4eEsB7M.
Be sure to also check out Dr. Leo's Running Rehab YouTube page at www.YouTube.com/@RunningRehab.
In this episode of the MindBodyMarathon, host Dr. Leo Kormanik, Zach Goulet and Adam Stackpole share their experiences hiking the Grand Canyon, specifically the Rim to Rim to Rim (R3) trek. They highlight the challenges they faced, including inadequate preparation and physical difficulties throughout the journey. The episode aims to inform and guide listeners interested in undertaking similar hikes, detailing their route and the lessons learned along the way.
Key points include:
1. Experience Overview: They recount their challenging yet rewarding hike, discussing the distance they covered (approximately 45-46 miles) and the time taken (about 15.5 hours).
2. Preparation: Both admit to being underprepared, with only a few months of casual training leading up to the hike. They emphasize the importance of being adequately trained for such strenuous activities.
3. Trail Details: They describe their route, which included the South Kaibab Trail down to Phantom Ranch, then up the North Kaibab Trail, and back down via Bright Angel. The choice of trails was strategic, as Bright Angel provides more water stops.
4. Mental and Physical Challenges: The hosts discuss the emotional highs and lows experienced during the hike, illustrating how each member of the group faced their own struggles at different times.
5. Injury and Resilience: Dr. Leo shares his experience of falling and injuring his knee, highlighting the mental toughness required to continue despite pain. The discussion reveals the importance of camaraderie and support among hiking partners.
6. Trail Conditions: They mention the unique challenges of the canyon’s terrain, including the need for careful footing due to boulder placements and elevation changes.
Overall, the episode blends humor and seriousness as they reflect on the grueling nature of the hike, the camaraderie formed, and the valuable insights gained for anyone considering a similar adventure.
In this discussion, the hosts recount their grueling experience hiking the Rim to Rim to Rim (R-III) route in the Grand Canyon during an exceptionally hot week in October. They delve into various challenges they faced, including inadequate preparation, navigating difficult terrain, and the emotional and physical toll of the hike.
Key points include:
Extreme Heat: They discuss the weather conditions, noting it was the hottest week of October on record, with temperatures reaching at least 105 degrees. The heat was particularly brutal when they exited Phantom Ranch.
Navigation Mistakes: They recount a significant mistake early on where they followed an incorrect path, wasting time and distance. This misstep was attributed to following a Spanish tour guide, which led to frustration and added mileage.
Trail Conditions: The hosts describe the technical difficulties of the South Kaibab Trail, emphasizing the steepness and challenging footing, which contributed to physical exhaustion.
GPS Reliability: They discuss the inadequacies of their GPS devices, which sometimes provided inaccurate readings, particularly in the canyon's confined areas. They stress the importance of trusting ranger guidance and established trail information over GPS data.
Mental Resilience: The conversation highlights the mental challenges of long-distance hiking, including dealing with discouraging news about remaining distances and the need for perseverance. They emphasize the importance of focusing on one step at a time, particularly during tough moments.
Overall Experience: Despite the hardships, they reflect positively on the experience, noting that overcoming such challenges makes everyday life feel less stressful. They encourage others to tackle the Grand Canyon hike for its unique beauty and rewarding experience.
Overall, the discussion serves as a candid reflection on the physical and emotional struggles faced during the hike, along with valuable lessons learned about preparation, navigation, and mental toughness.
In this conversation, the hosts share their personal low points and challenges during their Rim to Rim to Rim hike in the Grand Canyon. Key highlights include:
1. Preparation Issues: One host experienced a panic moment realizing he forgot to put in his contacts before the hike, but ultimately found wearing glasses was manageable due to the dry conditions.
2. Ascend Challenges: The ascent to the North Rim was described as unexpectedly difficult, with one host considering abandoning the hike. They noted how a fellow hiker's comment about the difficulty added to their struggle, but they found motivation in glimpses of blue sky during the climb.
3. Team Dynamics: Another host praised a teammate, Zach, for maintaining a positive energy throughout the hike, even when others felt fatigued and overwhelmed.
4. Mental Resilience: The group discussed the mental toll of the hike, recognizing that despite being afraid of heights, they focused on the journey rather than the danger. They described moments of vulnerability and the realization that they were close to finishing the hike provided encouragement.
5. Physical Struggles: They detailed various physical challenges, including blisters, chafing, and fatigue. One host, Adam, who is type 1 diabetic, shared his experience managing his condition during the hike, emphasizing the importance of careful nutrition and hydration.
6. Canyon Experience: The hosts reflected on the humbling nature of the Grand Canyon, noting how it offered moments of reprieve, such as finding a stream that provided relief. They concluded that despite the challenges, the experience was rewarding and encouraged others to be observant and prepared for such an endeavor.
Overall, the conversation captures the physical, mental, and emotional trials of the hike, the camaraderie among the group, and the valuable lessons learned from the experience.
In this discussion, a group of hikers reflects on their experiences during a challenging Rim to Rim to Rim hike in the Grand Canyon, sharing lessons learned about preparation, nutrition, and technique.
1. Checkpoints for Anxiety Relief: One hiker felt reassured by the presence of checkpoints, which helped alleviate anxiety during the hike. However, excitement at a checkpoint led to overexertion later.
2. Nutrition and Hydration: The hikers emphasized the importance of proper nutrition. One hiker regretted packing only sugary snacks, which resulted in dizziness and lightheadedness. They recommended including real food for longer hikes to maintain energy levels.
3. Physical Challenges: They discussed the intense physical demands of the hike, particularly the steep ascents. One hiker noted that conventional gym workouts couldn't adequately prepare them for the specific strain of the trail.
4. Technique and Teamwork: Observing each other's techniques, such as using trekking poles effectively and maintaining momentum, was crucial. They highlighted the importance of keeping teammates in sight and supporting one another throughout the hike.
5. Rhabdomyolysis (Rhabdo): A serious topic arose regarding the risk of rhabdo, a condition caused by extreme exertion leading to muscle breakdown and kidney damage. One hiker experienced symptoms and stressed the need for hydration and awareness of the condition’s signs.
6. Electrolyte Balance: The group discussed electrolyte management, emphasizing the necessity of sodium to maintain hydration. They advocated for using products like Element, which contains a balanced ratio of sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
7. Food Recommendations: They concluded that packing substantial, non-sugary foods like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and salty snacks would be beneficial for future hikes. The importance of consuming solid food during long hikes was reiterated, contrasting with road marathons where fueling is different.
Overall, the conversation serves as a valuable guide for hikers, highlighting the significance of preparation, proper nutrition, and the need for teamwork in tackling demanding trails.
The discussion revolves around the experiences and lessons learned from running a challenging ultra-marathon in the Grand Canyon. The speaker reflects on their nutritional choices, mentioning that foods like chips, pickles, and ginger candies helped with nausea and energy during the race. They recount a specific moment when they failed to eat properly after reaching Phantom Ranch, which led to nausea later on.
The importance of teamwork and having a supportive group is emphasized, with the speaker recalling the camaraderie and shared challenges they faced during the run. They also discuss footwear, comparing different shoes and their impacts on performance and comfort during the race. The Nike Ultra Fly shoes, while effective in some respects, were noted to cause issues on descents, while the Ultra Experience Wilds provided better support and comfort for one of the runners.
Additional insights include the challenges of the terrain, particularly navigating sections of the trail that were tricky or misleading, and the humorous camaraderie among the group, evidenced by their playful trail names. The overall message highlights the value of preparation, the necessity of proper nutrition, and the significance of team dynamics in overcoming the hardships of ultra-endurance events.
The conversation revolves around a group of friends reflecting on their challenging experience of running the Rim to Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon. They discuss the strengths and potential of one member, Zach, who is seen as a source of positivity and encouragement throughout the trek. Despite their shared anxieties, particularly one member's fear of the heat and potential heat stroke, they each recognize their personal struggles and achievements during the run.
The group humorously compares themselves to characters from "Seinfeld," highlighting their different personalities and how they coped with the physical and mental challenges of the run. One member experienced hallucinations due to exhaustion and dehydration, adding a surreal aspect to the journey. They recount moments of camaraderie, support from fellow hikers, and the uplifting energy exchanged along the trail.
The friends appreciate the kindness of others they encountered, who offered encouragement and motivation, emphasizing the sense of community among those tackling such a strenuous challenge. Ultimately, they express gratitude for the experience, recognizing how overcoming such obstacles puts everyday challenges into perspective. Their shared laughter and stories reflect the bonds formed through their adventure and the lessons learned about resilience and teamwork.
In their reflection on their recent Rim to Rim to Rim run in the Grand Canyon, a group of friends shares insights about the experience and what they would do differently. They found the day to be epic and noted the kindness of fellow hikers, which highlighted the best in people during challenging times.
Overall, they express a sense of accomplishment from completing the trek, with many considering it one of their greatest athletic achievements, despite the physical challenges faced. They plan to apply their lessons learned for a potential future attempt at the run.
In their discussion about their recent Rim to Rim to Rim run in the Grand Canyon, the group reflects on their physical preparation and the importance of strength training for such a demanding activity. One member acknowledges that while their cardiovascular fitness was adequate, incorporating strength exercises could have better prepared them for the physical challenges faced during the run. They emphasize the need for strong core and leg muscles to handle the uneven terrain and elevation changes.
Looking ahead, they express confidence in their potential to improve their time on a future attempt, suggesting that with better training and experience, they could complete the hike in a faster timeframe. The group is excited about the possibility of returning, armed with lessons learned from their recent experience.
Overall, the speakers encourage others to undertake similar adventures, emphasizing the lessons learned and the personal transformation that can result from facing hardships in nature. They invite listeners to reach out for advice or share experiences as they prepare for their own journeys.
