Epic Running Adventures • Grand Canyon • Nov. 10-13 2022

The Grand Canyon 2022 EPIC RUNNING ADVENTURES launched guided running adventure trips with the goal to bring outdoor enthusiasts on doable challenges to some of the world’s most beautiful, majestic locations in the world, starting with Arizona’s breathtaking Grand Canyon. Join your guide and avid masters runner Melissa Gacek on a tour where you’ll find: a change of pace + a change of place = a new perspective.

THE CANYON CALLED: Exhausted with pandemic shutdowns and the stress of world tension, and enticed by the challenge of doing a run outside her comfort zone, Melissa Gacek signed up to run the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim. She had never trained for Grand Canyon elevations or mountain terrains, but she had faith, knowing her grit, determination and sheer will would get her through the Canyon safely.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!–JOIN US FOR THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME! This running/hiking adventure will take you through varied ecosystems, 60-degree temperature swings and elevation changes equal to climbing the Empire State Building three times. Steep drop-offs and barriers to hurdle throughout more than half of the course, you will find yourself challenged and liberated in new ways.

THE GRAND CANYON IS CALLING YOU: Are you a recreational runner/hiker/walker, in good shape, and who is strong in mind and body? Do you want to get away for a few days to get back to the basics of nature, beauty, fresh air, and to feel fully alive, yet enjoy the luxuries of amazing accommodations, food, drink and spa offerings? Are you looking to meet a challenge that excites you—maybe even scares you—but is completely doable? Honestly, you don’t need a reason! You don’t have to be a fast or professional runner to do this!

Just join us to challenge yourself to reach new heights and meet new goals in the Grand Canyon! Let us do the planning and you just do the preparations of mind and body.

THE COURSES: You decide how you want to challenge yourself. Hike the entire course, or run/hike it at your pace. Either way, you’ll have teammates alongside you supporting you! Once you sign up, we can decide the best fit for you and your journey, with maps/details.

Course A: You cover the majestic hybrid version of Rim to Rim (14-18 miles) in daylight. Watch the sunrise, head down the South Kaibab Trail, enjoy the river views, spend time at Phantom Ranch and return up Bright Angel. You don’t need to be a runner to do this, but a strong hiking/walking and strength program is advised as there is a lot of stepping up and down.

Course B: Follow the same plan as Course A but you will continue to Ribbon Falls and return up Bright Angel. This can be done in daylight but you should plan to run 10-13 of this 28-31 mile (50K) breathtaking course. You should plan to train on trails and stair climbing, you don’t need to be fast, but strong minded and able to keep moving.

****Guided R2R2R: Doing the full R2R2R in one day is available upon request, but you will need to be pre-qualified as this feat is an incredible accomplishment yet extremely difficult. You must be a serious, strong runner/trail runner, with a strong will and determination to succeed to complete this. Please email:runningdesigns@hotmail.com or text 612-306-5405.*****

THIS GUIDED GRAND CANYON TRIP INCLUDES: • Travel planning (suggested flights, lodging, car support/drop and pick up during the run) • Trip itinerary • Packing/gear list • Maps and course planning • Customized training plan for running and strength training • Three 20-minute individual coaching calls leading up to the trip • Group calls prior to trip • Your leader: Melissa Gacek, certified running coach, masters runner, world and national champion • Team Captains: We will have experienced runners on hand to help co-captain and support • A team to travel together. Each trip will host up to 10 participants, so you have a partner to work with–everyone brings their own strengths, and you support each other at different times • Luxury lodging, choose a shared queen double room or upgrade to solo room. • Food, beverages and snacks, including beer and wine at night. Depending on the schedule, we will eat at our favorite restaurants in AZ, take out for some meals and quick eats as needed. Dietary restrictions will be accommodated as best as possible! Our goal is to eat amazing food on this trip. • Swag bag (sent ahead so you can prepare): - One-pair of Hoka, Altra or Nike trail shoes (submit size/desired brand) - Singlet and long sleeve (submit size) - Surprises and samples from our sponsors :)

• Swag received on trip or after: - Finisher award - Snacks and product samples for the run/hike, you are welcome to bring your own favorites of course - A few more surprises • Airport Transfers Thursday from Phoenix Airport to Grand Canyon and Sunday return flight • Trip can be extended to Monday if desired by group • Grand Canyon hike run adventure • Guided group hike • Opportunity to add on spa services

Luxury Accommodations

ARRIVE THURSDAY Travelers should arrive by Thursday pm to the Phoenix airport. On Thursday night we will stay in Scottsdale/Phoenix at a luxury resort followed by a luxury hotel in the Grand Canyon Friday and Saturday night.

FRIDAY We will do a hiking adventure in Sedona on Friday to test out poles and packs. We will do the Grand Canyon adventure on Saturday. Note: we will be watching the weather closely leading up to the trip and details are subject to change if weather pops up.

SATURDAY After a day of exploring one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the country, retire to your welcoming and upscale accommodations. All rooms offer you the comforts and amenities of a home away from home to ensure your visit to the Grand Canyon is truly a vacation to remember. Your room will be the perfect retreat to complete your adventure to the Grand Canyon.

Itinerary:

THURSDAY ARRIVAL INTO PHOENIX • Airport pick-ups • Group dinner–Opening ceremony 6PM • Travel to our accommodations (TBD Flag, Sedona, or GC luxury hotel)

FRIDAY

• Breakfast on your own at resort or nearby • Lunch provided on the go • Shakeout run/hike Sedona, test gear (poles/bags/shoes) • Group Dinner • Head to hotel, team meeting and pack for am adventure!

SATURDAY–THE BIG ADVENTURE DAY! • Breakfast from suite or on own • Leave to see sunrise • Start your Grand Canyon Adventure! • Finish! • Enjoy celebration dinner, share stories and bragging rights

SUNDAY • Breakfast set-up in suite in am (coffee/tea of course!) • Head towards airport • Lunch on your own on the go • Get to airport

Cost: $4,000 Special Early Bird Price: $3,200 through May 12 Payments: $500 is due to hold your spot. $900 is due by June 1, 2022. $900 is due by July 1, 2022. $900 is due by August 1, 2022. You will receive a 5% discount if you pay in full by June 1, 2022. (If you physically can’t make the trip, can fill spot with someone else or put $ towards future trip).

I’m in, what are the next steps? 1) Register for your event ticket and pay the $500 deposit. 2) Sign the emailed waiver and getting to know you form, which will include shoe size for your shoes. 3) Sign up for your first coaching call and the trip overview informational call 4) Invite your friends! 5) Start to get excited and train!

"I had the honor of doing the first Running Adventure Trip with Melissa to the Grand Canyon. This was honestly the best day of my life, an adventure I will cherish and never forget. Melissa is a rare gem and so fun to travel with. She's a natural leader and coach. I encourage everyone to travel on one of her trips, she thinks of every detail and leads with so much joy and enthusiasm." Kris, Epic Running Adventures 2021 2-Time Finisher, R2Ribbon Falls, R2R and Team Captain

""I decided to sign up for the Rim 2 Rim Epic Running Adventure to kick off my 40th birthday year. I wanted to immerse myself in nature and push my physical limits to set the tone for the next decade. Not only did this adventure deliver that, but it also gifted me with a beautiful bonding experience with incredible women. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity and I cannot recommend it enough!" Lindsay, Epic Running Adventures Trip 2021, R2R Finisher

"I wanted to do R2R2R for some time but the logistics of the attempt always seemed overwhelming. Then Running Designs offered an opportunity where all I had to do was show up fully trained to take on the adventure. I knew the Grand Canyon would be amazing and it exceeded all of my expectations, but I was also thrilled that on the trip I met a group of wonderful people, laughed a lot and never had to worry about things like parking permits, hotels or meals. It was wonderful to have everything taken care of and to not have to think, and I was especially thankful for this when I came out of the Grand Canyon, because I might have curled up and fallen asleep next the Bright Angel sign if left to my own devices. So grateful to have had such a memorable, challenging and fun experience." Angela, Epic Running Adventures Trip 2021, R2R2R2 Finisher