Dustin’s 25th birthday was this past weekend and he wanted to go out and do something special for it. So he hit up the Grand Canyon crossing, running Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim. A challenging experience where he ran over 45 miles and hit over 12,000 ft of elevation gain.

Before this adventure we chatted with Dustin on his GEAR choices and how he was preparing. See that post HERE.

Now we’re checking back with Dustin for a little Q&A on how it all went.

So overall, what went well and as planned? And… not so well?

The packs I brought were planned out well (hydration vest & waist pack). They offered plenty of storage space for everything I needed and more. The calories I chose to bring worked well for me. Especially the GU Roctane, Tailwind, Stroop waffles and natures valley oat bars. Plus no chafing issues.

The main thing that didn’t go well was just forgetting my liquid skin or something similar that would help with blisters.

Did you have any low points along the way? Or worries about not making it?

Definitely had some low points during the run. I had a blister pop with 17 miles to go and had to use a hobbling stride until my foot was numb and then I could use my normal stride again.

I was never truly worried about making it because I knew there was no other option!

Any snow out there and what was navigating that like?

There was snow, but had zero difficulty. It was all packed down and no spikes were needed or anything like that.

If you did it again, what would you do differently?

Only thing I would change is take slightly less calories with me. (Dustin took out about 5,000 calories). I way overpacked and didn’t even use half of what I had.

“I’d also recommend a lot more downhill running work.“

How was your fueling?

Fueling was great. And water wasn’t an issue with the weather even though multiple water spigots were turned off. The only part that was a little concerning regarding water was that most people go out of Bright Angel but it’s closed till mid-April and Bright Angel has water spots. So I had to go the South Kaibob trail which doesn’t have the water options. And going up the South Kaibob trail is slow and an absolute death march.

Did you see any wildlife or other people out on the trails this time of year?

Not a ton of wildlife out there, but a decent amount of people doing the whole thing. I met up with a group and climbed out of the North Rim with them before turning back around solo.

What would you say was the Best Part? And, the Worst Part?

The best part had to be just out there alone in the middle of the Grand Canyon. Taking in the views.

“It was like being on another planet by yourself“

The worst part was the blisters. Those made it rough on downhills for multiple miles.

Did you take headphones and listen to anything?

No headphones or anything. Just went out there and enjoyed nature and the views and running it solo. Would be awesome with a group and it was nice at times when I was running with others.

But going solo is its own surreal experience.

Do you have any tips or advice for someone going out for their first time?

The main thing I’ll say is to go out and enjoy the moment. Stop and take in the views when you want to. Stop at Phantom Ranch for lemonade on the way back. And don’t be so ready to get it over with. It’s a long day and an amazing adventure. Just take it all in.

And if anyone has more questions or advice, definitely reach out to me. I’d love to talk with and help out anyone going out there.

You can find Dustin at the Tough Mudder Infinity event later this April in St. Louis.
Beyond that he’s going with the flow. But will likely hop into some Spartan and Deka events.
Be sure to follow and keep up with him on Instagram at drutter88
Pictures were taken and provided by Dustin.