Soft Sand, Ladders & Magic of the Antelope Canyon 70K

Some races test your endurance. Others test your patience. And then there’s the Antelope Canyon 70K, which tests your ability to climb an insane number of ladders while covered in sand, wondering how you got here in the first place.

Like any good ultra, it all started with packet pick-up and the sacred ritual of drop bag prep.

Packet Pickup: Where Self-Control Goes to Die

Packet pickup. A simple, straightforward process, right? Nope.

First, I grabbed the bib — OMG… the bib!

When I saw my number, I had to do a double take. It was pretty much my birthday… BACKWARDS for a race on my birthday weekend. If that’s not the universe winking at me and saying, “You’re about to have an epic day,” I don’t know what is. It was basically a celestial high-five.

I walked in with the intention of grabbing my bib and getting out. But the moment I stepped on the grass of the Page Sports Complex, I slid into my normal Gizmo-fed-after-midnight mode and became a gear-buying gremlin. Suddenly, I needed another hoodie (because you can never have too many), a commemorative race shirt with my name on it (because what if I regret not getting it?!), and a crew neck sweatshirt because they didn’t have what I really wanted (a long-sleeved t-shirt).

So, with my arms full of unnecessary but essential race swag and my cosmically-aligned bib in hand, I knew—this race was going to be legendary.

Drop Bag Mastery

I meticulously packed my bags with the precision of an elite squad member—socks, snacks, electrolytes, and emergency morale boosters (aka candy – and because Easter was the next holiday corporate America exploits, Cadbury Mini Eggs and Reese’s Eggs were available – YAAASSSS!!!!). Knotted, loaded, and ready for whatever the desert threw at me.

And to top it all off? Pancakes for dinner. Because if I was going to top off my glycogen stores, I was going to do it properly.

The Early Bird Gets the Furthest Parking Spot

The 3 AM wake-up was brutal, but I rolled out of bed like a dedicated trooper, fueled by sheer determination (and maybe a little panic about being late). Even with the groggy shuffle to get ready, I still made it out the door right on time, feeling smug about my punctuality.

But the race had other plans.

Despite my elite-level time management, I was promptly directed to the furthest parking lot known to mankind. Like, was this even in the same state? I mean, Utah really is right there! It felt like they took one look at me and said, “Ah yes, this one’s doing the 70K but not the 50-mile event. Let’s give her a bonus warm-up.” So, there I was, hiking before the race even started, already questioning my life choices but too committed to turn back.

At least I had plenty of time to review my race strategy… you know, during my pre-race trek to the actual start line.

Into the Wild: The First Miles

The race started. I set off, embracing the early miles, not racing the race, just vibing with the desert. Everyone was wogging along with their headlamps. The terrain was most likely stunning, but it was still dark. The soft sand you could see with your headlamp was, well, soft… and red. The rocks you could see while climbing up them on your hands and knees were sparkly, and for a moment, I thought, Hey, this isn’t so bad!

Running into the first slot canyon in the dark felt like dropping into a covert Iron Force 99 night op—except instead of tactical gear, we were armed with headlamps and sheer determination. Dust kicked up with every step, the air thick with the sound of footfalls and steady breathing. For a moment, it was hard to tell if we were racing or scouting enemy territory. And with the eerie silence of the canyon filled with so many runners, I half-expected Tusken Raiders to pop out from behind the rock formations, waving gaffi sticks and making that terrifying battle cry. One thing was clear—there was no turning back. The mission? Keep moving forward and hope the Sand People don’t ride single file to ambush us.

As the sun rose, we approached Sand Dune Canyon. The walls of Sand Dune Slot Canyon twisted and curved around me, glowing with that perfect morning desert light. Every step felt like my legs were auditioning for a slow-motion action sequence, sinking just enough to make me realize that it’s been 13 miles of soft sand already.

Then the ladders started.

Ladders. So Many Ladders.

Look, I expected some climbing, but nobody warned me this would be a multi-level obstacle course designed by a ladder enthusiast on a mission. Each one was a new challenge—some short and sassy, some long and taunting, and some appearing out of nowhere like, Surprise! Time to ascend (or descend)!

At some point, I stopped counting. The ladders were inevitable. I accepted my fate.

And just when I thought I had conquered the vertical battlefield and reached the top—victorious, ready to bask in my elevation—the canyon had other plans. The real fun was just beginning. Suddenly, the climb gave way to narrow, twisting rock corridors where the only way forward was to turn sideways, suck in, and slither through like a determined desert snake. There was no dignity, only strategy. Arms up? Arms down? One foot at a time? At this point, I was just in awe of the canyon’s beauty and trying to not get wedged like an overconfident piece of luggage.

But hey, this is Iron Force 99 territory. Adapt, move, and embrace the madness. Because the only way out? Keep going.

The Real Fun: Aid Station 2 Through 5

After realizing I had unknowingly signed up for a running-climbing hybrid sport, I fully committed to the experience. And let me tell you—aid stations 2 through 5 were absolute paradise.

Each one was an oasis in the desert, stocked with fuel, friendly faces, and the kind of snacks that instantly restore your will to live. I took my time, soaked in the vibes, changed my socks at every opportunity and enjoyed the journey rather than my usual M.O., obsessing over pace.

Horseshoe Bend: Not Sand Dune Canyon, But Still Amazing

This was an entirely different kind of jaw-dropping beauty—a sweeping, panoramic view that looks like it was hand-painted by the soft sand goddess herself. The sheer scale of it messes with your brain. The terrain shifts, the energy changes, but the magic? Still there. Every step along the rim felt like moving through a postcard—if postcards came with Mile 40 legs and a heart full of adventure.

The Grand Finale: Just Enjoying It

Some races are about pushing limits. This one? This one was about embracing the adventure. I didn’t chase a time. I didn’t stress the details. I just ran, climbed, laughed at the sheer ridiculousness of it all, and soaked in every wild, sandy, ladder-filled moment.

Antelope Canyon 70K? Absolutely bananas. 10/10. Would climb all the ladders again.

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Welcome to Iron Force 99: Move, Train, Thrive

At Iron Force 99, we believe training isn’t just about workouts—it’s about creating a sustainable, powerful lifestyle. Whether you’re here to run stronger, recover better, or find balance, we’re here to help you move with purpose. We’re redefining strength and endurance by blending endurance mentoring, yoga, and mindfulness practices to help you unlock your full potential—physically and mentally.

Whether you’re training for endurance, seeking mental clarity, or optimizing recovery, Iron Force 99 has the tools and programs to support your journey:

Guided Meditation

Tap into your inner strength through guided meditation. Cultivate adaptability, focus, and resilience to ground your mind and sharpen your awareness—whether you’re training or simply seeking balance. True strength starts with mindfulness.

Mindful Eating

Fuel your body like an elite squad member. Our mindful eating program helps you tune into your body’s needs, eat with intention, and recover like a pro—because every mission requires the right fuel.

Endurance Mentoring

Our tailored endurance mentoring program combines structured workouts, mental conditioning, and recovery strategies to help you conquer challenges, build resilience, and push your limits—physically and mentally. The mission is endurance. The mindset is everything.

IF99 Test Kitchen

Fuel your training and races with nutrient-dense, science-backed recipes from our IF99 Test Kitchen. Bold flavors and strategic fueling optimize recovery, stamina, and performance—because every mission demands the right fuel.

Yoga

Find balance and strength with IF99 Yoga. This practice blends mobility, mindfulness, and breath work to enhance endurance, recovery, and mental focus—helping you move with precision, flow through challenges, and build strength without rigidity.

Stay tuned for expert tips, workouts, and insights to help you become the strongest version of yourself—inside and out.

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