Double Dipsea

Another gorgeous day in beautiful Stinson Beach for this year's Double Dipsea. Carpooled over early with Helen and Tina, meeting up with fellow Endurables Larissa, Amy, Kevin and Ken. Having done this race solo the last 3 years it was great to have friends along. I was first to start, heading straight up out of the fog as it went from shivering cold to warm in mere minutes.

I'd had serious stomach issues the night before and was concerned how I'd fare but despite a weak stomach, my legs felt strong and soon enough my breathing was under control and I was in my zone. Found my way to some of the shortcuts, (the Double Dipsea follows the Dipsea Trail from Stinson Beach to Mill Valley but shortcuts are allowed - if you know where to find them), took in the views of the coastal fog as we ran high above and took the time to say "nice job", "looking good" or "how many Doubles is this for you?" as I passed people from older age groups ahead of me. One man said he'd run all but 2 - that's 38 total! I think he was about 75 years old. The aid stations came quickly, my downhill pace felt loose and soon enough I was running down the 670+ stairs to the turnaround.

Heading back up the stairs I saw Larissa first looking super strong, then the rest of the gang. Was great to high-five my peeps along the way! Little boosts of pep as I slogged uphill. It was a long climb back up that 2nd half so I slowed to a run/walk/run until it relaxed a bit and then I settled into a pretty good cruise pace that would take me home. Down 2 fast shortcuts off the road and a final turn to the end, I came through the finish in 2:47. I'm not sure if that was my best time ever, but it was certainly the best I felt ever.

Larissa was already done (taking 3rd in her AG) so we waited and cheered as the rest of our posse came in, all smiles, everyone having a good day. And it was. As always. The morning began with fog on the beach, the sun baked the course, and as we finished the fog was just beginning to dissipate. As we watched the awards ceremony (i took 2nd in the Marsha Mancit category; the, ahem, big girl division), we marveled at the number of older people who'd run. Men in their 70's; men who'd been running the Dipsea races since they began; women in their 50's placing top ten overall and looking a dozen years younger - the absolute picture of strength and health. And everyone generally just really nice. That must be the trail running euphoria zone: runner's high + stunningly beautiful scenery with a considerable amount of sweat and dirt mixed in.

Footnote: Anita Ortiz placed first woman and top ten overall at the Western States 100 that just wrapped today. She's 45. Boo ya.