Mill Valley, CA
Run: 1:04:37 ( 9:23 per mile avg)
Run: 1:04:37 ( 9:23 per mile avg)
First run in 1905, the Dipsea is the oldest trail race in America. The 7.4 mile course from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach is considered to be one of the most beautiful courses in the world, but this beauty comes at a price. The trail includes uneven footing, single-track footpaths, and almost invariably steep terrain, featuring about 4,000-foot (1219 m) elevation gain and loss over the course. The uniqueness of the Dipsea Race course owes largely to the opportunity for competitors to choose from any of several alternate routes on diverging and converging trails, adding a competitive premium for strategy, experience, and familiarity with the course.
After a great race last year in the heat I was able to earn a spot as an invitational runner. No more lotteries, no late start, just racing. My goal this year was to try and finish sub 60 minutes, which should earn me a spot in the top 100.
After a great race last year in the heat I was able to earn a spot as an invitational runner. No more lotteries, no late start, just racing. My goal this year was to try and finish sub 60 minutes, which should earn me a spot in the top 100.
I started the race strong. Last year year it took me 42:58 to complete the first 4.2 miles of the race (Depot to Cardiac), but this year was able to reduce that to 41:50. A full minute + faster. After reaching cardiac it all went downhill though. Not sure if the mud was just too sketchy for me but I was pretty hesitant / nervous passing people on the slippery steps and steep descents. This led to me being a full minute and a half slower on the final 2.8 miles to the finish. ( Cardiac to Stinson Beach ).
No dice this year with my goals. Last year I had the advantage of running a full fledged practice race two week prior to help with my pacing, but this year was too caught up with Team bike challenge to fit in proper run training. I thought biking 200 miles a week, and throwing in 2 runs a week would be enough. I was wrong.
Click here see this race in Strava.