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==Introduction==
The double crossing took about 14 hours, with temperatures ranging from [[Running in the Cold|freezing ]] to [[Running in the Heat|horribly hot]], but it was outstandingly beautiful. Preparation is key to this run, as you are self supported. It is also important to choose the time of year carefully and plan to be able to run on one of several days. Bad weather can make this trip dangerous! The main danger is the heat, which can be intense, especially if it is unseasonably hot. The other issue is with water. There are several water opportunities on the run, but the pipes fail quite often. You need to be able to postpone the run a day or more to allow for repair time.
You should read the article on running the double crossing in the April 2008 edition of Ultrarunning magazine.
==Gallery==
[[File:DSCF0323-317990740-O.jpg|left|thumb|500px|My wife dropped me off at the Bright Angel Trailhead on the South Rim, the start of the 50 mile rim-to-rim-to-rim run. I was very grateful for her getting up this early.
The run started at 3:15am; the start time is a compromise. You want to start early to avoid the heat later, but running the bright angle trail in [[Running in the Dark|the dark ]] is tough. The combination of what appears to be a bottomless abyss to one side, combined with the knowledge of deep puddles of concentrated mule urine make you cautious. There are many logs across the path to prevent water erosion, but these steps make the decent more interesting.
I considered the South Kaibab trail, which is shorter & steeper, but prettier. However, given that I would be at the bottom but sunrise, it seemed pointless. Coming up the South Kaibab trail is a Really Bad Idea, as there is no water.]]
[[File:DSCF0355-317994769-O.jpg|left|thumb|500px|This is one of the cabins available at the Phantom Ranch in the bottom of the canyon for hikers that don't want to camp. You have to book up way in advance. Phantom Ranch also has a cafeteria where those that stay in the cabins can buy breakfast, lunch, and dinner.]]
[[File:DSCF0323DSCF0363-317990740317995675-O.jpg|left|thumb|500px|This is a view of a box canyon on the path up to the North Rim. The box canyon is quite pretty, but feels like it goes on forever. The slope is gentle, so you can make good progress both up and down.
The box canyon traps the heat, making it quite oppressive on the way back.]]
The feet were up to improve blood pressure; hydration had gone well, but there was still a little dehydration. I did not stay long in this position due to hunger. The double crossing is self supported; there is a shop at phantom ranch you can by a few snacks at on the way back (not open by the time you go by on the way out), but you have to carry nearly all your calories. When he was ready we went to the cafeteria for dinner - no camp food tonight! ]]
[[File:DSCF0323Double+Crossing-317990740325974603-O.jpg|left|thumb|500px|This is the record taken from my Polar RS800 HRM. You may need to view this at 'original' size to see the text. As you can see, there are just two hills ;} ]]