2. Preparing To Train
Think Like An Athlete!
THANK YOU for submitting your initial self-evaluation and adventure registration form.
Bookmark Table of Contents NOW, so you can easily locate information throughout your training program.​
Now that you are registered and getting your mind and body ready to hike in the crown jewel of North America, the Grand Canyon, we want to immediately settle any misgivings or nervousness you may have about taking on such a daunting task.
First, you will be with a team of like-minded hikers who are here to support a cause you mutually love.
Second, you will be accompanied by a professional guide, that is making your safety and enjoyment their top priority.
We have implemented a proven program that will challenge the most seasoned hikers yet provide access to a fun and relaxing adventure for those who chose that option.
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How To Use This Guide
This Guide is written exclusively for Spina Bifida iConquer participants. It is designed to help you achieve success in your training program and during your visit to Grand Canyon. Your visit here is short, so the schedule is intense to make the most of your time. It is the same with this online training guide. We know you have a busy life so our goal is to help you get started with a training program that is efficient, and provides you with the information you need over the next 8 weeks so that when you arrive in Arizona, YOU'RE READY.
We have four types of participants on Team Spina Bifida: Hiking Participants, Walking Participants, Wheelchair Participants, and Caregiver/Assistant Participants. Each group has the same goal, but slightly different paths to get there. The next 15 pages contain general information that will benefit all four groups and we encourage you to read them all. Many of the pages also contain more specialized information that is suited to members of one specific group. Again, to follow our team approach to your adventure, please read all of the available information for all groups. That way, when you are on the trail, you will have a greater understanding of your teammates' journey too!
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Color Code For Training Purposes:
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General information suitable for ALL participants is in this color throughout the site.
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Wheelchair Participants - Rim Trail - Headlines and some text in this color are for you.
iConquer Wheelchair Participants will all be on the Rim Trail Roll. This is an out and back paved trail that follows Grand Canyon's rim for up to 5 miles. The hike is uphill with a gentle rise of 400'. Your training focus will be on balance, endurance, strength and flexibility. Please follow the links for information specific to those items.
Walkers OR Caregivers/Assistants - Rim Trail - Headlines and some text in this color are for you.
Walkers will hike a short distance beneath the Rim on the Bright Angel Trail. This will be a casually paced hike on an out and back trail. The team will follow the path into the canyon based upon the interests and team abilities. We will return to the rim and after a short break, head along the Rim Trail toward Yavapai Point and the Geology Museum. Again, distance will depend on the interest of the team, eventually returning to Bright Angel Trailhead and Lodge. Your training focus should be on commitment, enduarance and strength. We have developed an 8-Week Training Schedule to help you build all three.
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Caregivers and Assistants will all be on the Rim Trail Roll. This is an out and back paved trail that follows Grand Canyon's rim for up to 5 miles. The hike is uphill with a gentle rise of 400'. Your training focus should be on commitment, endurance and strength. We have developed a specific 4/8 Week Training Schedule to help you build all three.
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Hikers (In-Canyon) - Bright Angel Trail - Headlines in this color are for you.
iConquer In-Canyon Hike Participants will hike the Bright Angel Trail. This is a down and up trail. Based upon the makeup of the team, you will hike up to 3 miles round-trip, with up to 1000' of elevation change. Your training focus will be on endurance, strength, understanding the elements and commitment to success. We have developed a specific 4/8 Week Training Schedule to help you build all three.
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A special note to our wheelchair participants and caregivers/assistants.
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iConquer is proud to host you, your families, friends and caregiver assistants to Arizona and Grand Canyon. We have been conducting adventures into and around Grand Canyon since 2001. Since then, we have had the pleasure of servicing several teams of wheelchair participants, namely the Reeve Foundation and Hope For The Warriors.
iConquer Adventures was born out of the passion of its owners for sharing their love of hiking and thus started as a company whose mission was to service only guests and hikers who could fully walk some of the most challenging paths in the world. Now, as more and more people are learning to live an outdoor lifestyle and as more and more destinations around the world begin to recognize and open their doors to people with different mobility levels, new and fantastic venues are becoming more accessible, and developing information on how to train and prepare for such adventures is becoming more available.
We know we have just begun to scratch the surface with our training information and program for you with this adventure. We very much appreciate your willingness to participate in our evolving program with the understanding that we are the very first company to operate a guided and hosted wheelchair adventure for a major national non-profit organization such as SBA at Grand Canyon.
As important as your participation in this event is for SBA, of equal importance is that you bring your sense of adventure with you, and then help us learn and understand what your experience was like with the program. Let us know how we can continue to improve as we continue to host and support the SBA mission.
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Preparing To Train For iConquer - Grand Canyon!
The first 4-Pages of this guide contain important information that will help get you started on one of the best experiences of your life. Read each page carefully and do not hesitate to contact iConquer if you have any questions or comments.
From now until the end of your
adventure, you will hear a few
statements from us, over and over.
The first thing you will hear a lot is,
THANK YOU! The iConquer Adventures
team and the Spina Bifida Association
are committed to making this an
adventure and experience you will
remember for a lifetime. We will do
everything in our power to create a
rewarding, fun and safe adventure for
you every step of the way.
The second words or phrase you will
hear frequently - Safety, Safely &
BE SAFE!
Our number one priority is clear. The
iConquer team has led many walking
and hiking adventures the world over
and we have maintained an impeccable safety record. We are proud not only of this record, but in the risk management programs that we developed and operate in conjunction with our resident teams in all of the venues we serve. You can read more about them on the following pages.
The last item you will hear often is the word "TEAM"! During your training and while you are on-site during your adventure, we ask that you always keep in mind that you are on a team. Sometimes it is a team of just two people on a training hike together. Sometimes it's a larger group hike, training clinic or fundraising event. In both cases you will be part of a team comprised of people just like you who have raised money in support of this mission.
Keep in mind that while you are hiking with iConquer Adventures in the Grand Canyon, you probably won't be the fastest or slowest. Our hikes are never about speed. If you are quicker than some, be patient and consider slowing down and helping someone who may need it. If you are slower than some, be patient with yourself. There is no harm in trying to push yourself a bit, but understand that enjoying your adventure safely is the top priority. While you train, set a goal and always stick to your plan.
Please follow these links and read each page carefully BEFORE you start your training program.
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