By Ray Yokoi

Reaching the top of Coastal trail, the first main climb of the race

By way of background, I started running in high school, took a break for a while and then started participating in Ironman triathlons in my mid-twenties, including the Ironman World Championships in Kona – with the urge to try new challenges.  From triathlons I flowed into ultra running.  I fell in love with trail running while training for and completing the Western States 100.  For me, nothing bridges the gap between the mind and body better than trail running.  The natural aspect of it promotes joy and challenge and no course or trail is ever the same.  Trail running allows one to see the surrounding beauty that otherwise might go unnoticed if one never leaves the main roads.

The XTERRA Marin Headlands Race, June 13, 2009 :

The course was very difficult and challenging; while I have run the Dipsea trail numerous times, this course was challenging with the constant ascending and descending on the hills. The race started out under perfect weather conditions – a blue sky and slight breeze.  Starting on a hill is always an exciting way to begin.  Brendon Mahoney (who placed first) and I took off together from the start.  Usually the lead pack is a little larger, but I was not complaining.  The first mile being completely uphill was a surprise – but a pleasant one – as I fell that I run strong on the hills.  Brendon and I managed to stay together for about two miles, then he pulled ahead.

After the initial hill the course leveled off a bit and I could enjoy the sweeping coastal views.  The next four or five miles were up and down, until we came to Pirates Cove, which by the way was yet another breathtaking view – the ocean was below on our right as we ran along the cliffs; that alone was worth the effort and money.  At that point I found myself closing in on Brendon.  He saw me and picked up speed and at mile eight or nine he pulled ahead again.

Heading down Wolfback Ridge on my way to Miwok

From there it was beautiful run back down into Tennessee Valley, with a bit of dread knowing we had to climb back up before we ran down to the finish at Rodeo Beach.  That last mile climb up was a back breaker.  This course definitely spared no punches and made us earn every mile.  At the top of the hill, before heading to the finish I picked up my pace as I saw Brendon ahead and assumed he thought he had the race.  As we got to the last half mile or so I was closing in and he heard my footsteps and he surged – he ended up ahead by 6 seconds and it was great to have a race last until the very end.

Goals:  I was aiming for the series win and to win my age group.  I am planning to race at the XTERRA Nationals on September 13, set to occur in Bend, OR.

Generic Events put on another great XTERRA race.  They provided great trail course markings, mile markers and aid station support. The pre and post race festivities engaged the crowd while we celebrated our race finish.  Along with great prizes and food, the enthusiasm of the runners is what I noticed stood out the most.  Thank you to the organizers and congratulations to all runners.

-Ray

Ray Yokoi is a trail runner and triathlete living in the San Francisco Bay Area.  He finished First Overall in the 2009 XTERRA Nor Cal Race series and plans on running at the XTERRA Nationals in Bend Oregon on September 13.

A Finish Line with a view