Three days from now is the 2013 Dipsea Race, one of the most difficult and challenging races -- and also one of my all-time favorites. Uniquely handicapped, 1-minute start intervals give everyone (if they are at the top of their game by age and gender) a chance to win the race. My goals are modest -- doing better than last year (and qualifying for the 2014 Invitational).
The oldest trail race in the US, the 7.4 mile course features a tough elevation gain of 2,000 feet, and 688 steps just to get you going. Like any race, the key is to go for it and cross the finish line with nothing 'left in the tank.' Given narrow and sometimes treacherous trail, and runners who started ahead, it takes constant focus to run your own race, keep your effort at maximum, and pass everyone you can.
Most of my fast-and-talented Pelican Inn Track Club buddies pass me before I reach the finish, so also I get to cheer on friends while running. Maybe we'll even win the Team Trophy again this year (lowest team total of the top 5 teammate finisher places).
Last year's Dipsea Race was 1st of the 10 events that began my 'Comeback 65' journey. The year has flown by.
I'm grateful to be running and also able to again enjoy the trails (a rarity most of last year, while training for swimming, biking and triathlon/marathon running on roads).
Paraphrasing the quote in the June 2013 AARP Bulletin (or their Feature Editor's blog), just thinking about getting fit won't help. No matter the activity you choose, it's time to get started - no excuses. You owe it to yourself.
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| Pacific Ocean, Marin County CA |
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