Thanks

I have to say your advice from the beginning was correct.
I was the only one new to the Grand Canyon, not surprised as to the hiking conditions.

We got some funny nicknames out of this.
"Wrong way Roger"
"Turnaround Josh"
"Halfway Josh"
"Every 15mins Pooper"

One thing that did caught me off guard was the 6,700 above sea level.
I was at the side of the road walking to the Trail head and I had shortness of breathe in which, after a little while I was ok.

The Plan is to do more body building as in Stair climbers, Lunges, Leg Press and alternating Cardio.