Did you know I don’t run all the races in my neighborhood? Last weekend was the Dipsea Race. Its run just north of San Francisco on a trial that winds from a start just over the Golden Gate Bridge to a place called Stinson Beach. Randall and I pass the course start on a regular basis as it’s close to where we keep the boat. Funnily enough he mentioned the race to me the other day, asked if I was going to enter.
I snorted.
I laughed.
I said no.
I’ve WALKED the Dipsea Trail and that was enough of an ass kicking for me.
Take a look at this elevation map. And to top it all off, the entire thing is run on dirt trails. It may only be 7.5 miles but it’s not for the faint of heart.
But we’re made of sterner stuff here in the Bay area. This race has been run since 1905; it’s actually the oldest trail race in America.
So why am I going on about this race? A race I didn’t even run?
Well the winner this year was a young lady called Reilly Johnson. No big deal right, we girls can run fast right? Well Reilly is 8. Yes, 8 years old.
How cute is she with her trophy and her finisher's shirt?
Now let me clarify. The race organizers have this whole handicap program that gives runners a head start based on age factors so little Reilly did get a 25 min head start. But still, she beat out 1399 other runners….I’m impressed either way.
As you all know, I’m working on becoming a faster runner. Reilly inspired me today to try and work harder. This isn’t the first time (or the last I’m guessing) she’s run this course. She was six the first time.
Wow.
Go Reilly.
Now I gotta go run…
*thanks to the Dipsea folks for all the lovely pics.
Comments