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:...