From owner-ius-l@AMERICAN.EDU Tue Dec 3 18:03:02 1996 Date: Tue, 03 Dec 1996 12:37:02 -0800 From: Pat Wellington To: ius-l@AMERICAN.EDU Subject: Quad Dipsea-From the Rear The Quad Dipsea (28.4 miles from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach and back twice) held Thanksgiving weekend is not like other runs where "time off" sometimes works to the advantage. Rather, it is a very steep step climbing specific run. The ability to climb decides this race, and it helps to be part billy goat as well. I haven't been able to run in Sept/Oct due to a posterior tibial tendon problem, but have done several long trail runs in November. I sure didn't have enough in the bank for Quad Dipsea hill climbs though. I knew from the first 672-step climb out of Mill Valley that my quads were not happy campers, but I intended to finish if I made the cutoff. The 672 steps out of Mill Valley are hard, but "achievable." It's those quad killing stone steps out of Stinson Beach that make the difference! This year I had to wait after every step out of Stinson Beach until my quads stopped "shaking" before I could proceed. When I face those stone steps, I always feel like I'm in a scene from "The Incredible Shrinking Woman" where I have to get on all fours and "hoist" myself up every step (My driver's license says I'm 5'1" but I'm really 5'1/4"--and they call Suzi T short at 5'4") Excuses...Excuses. Enjoyed running part of the first and second legs with Wini and then the ever-ebullient Lee Jebian (Lee, we expect to hear from you on your running adventures any day now). Wini and I made some interesting observations as I noted that she of long legs easily climbed up those stone steps out of Stinson Beach, but then hesitated and slowed down on the downhill; whereas, I was just the opposite. Even undertraining can't hinder my downhill charge. I knew if I could just get back up those steps out of Mill Valley the second time that I would finish. Heck, I was already in "just deal with it" mode. I didn't really feel bad; my quads were just not cooperating. The great thing about this run is you get to see other runners coming and going and there's Stan Jensen yelling, "Hey Pat, How about those rocks!" on every trip. Will I never live my CAL50 rock story down? To add insult to injury, my nemesis Power Walkin' Dave Littlehales was on my heels every step of the way (and actually in front of me at one point). Just when I thought I had made headway and lost him with the downhill, there was this voice calling from behind, "Ohhh, TrailPatty." Of course, I did take several pit stops which involved taking off my water bottle pack and taking down tights, etc. etc. Excuses...Excuses. At least my hydration system was working properly. When Power Walkin' Dave caught up with me again just before the final trip back down the steps to Old Mill Park, I cried "Uncle" and advised him it would not be a good idea for him to finish ahead of me. And, being the gentleman that he is, he let me finish first :-) It's been three days since the run and my quads still haven't forgiven me, and am I ever thankful for the wheelchair access routes on curbs. But, hey, no bra burn! Pat Wellington San Francisco TrailPatty@aol.com