The Dipsea Trail

Thousands of steps to climb, and we've barely started.

Shouldn't every running trail have signage this good?

We didn't see another runner during the entire journey.

Mostly I was hanging on for dear life trying to keep up with Steve.

Note that Steve hasn't even broken a sweat after 1,500 feet of climbing!

Warning: I brake for banana slugs

Descending down to Stinson Beach, just before ducking off the road for one of the secret short cuts, which are entirely legal in the race.

It might look like Runner's High, but actually I'm just thrilled that I get to ride home in the front seat of a car!

While on vacation in Marin County this summer, I had the good fortune to get a guided tour of the Dipsea Trail from my friend Steve Romjue. If you're not familiar with this famous route, it's the home of the Boston Marathon of trail runs, the Dipsea Race. Next year will mark the 100th running of that event, and I can tell you after running the trail, I'm going to do whatever I can to get one of the coveted 1,500 slots in the race.

The trail leaves right from the middle of Mill Valley and travels about 7.5 miles over the shoulder of Mt Tamalpais, ending at Stinson Beach. It features many, many flights of steps, crazy "insider" short cuts, treacherous descents and mind-blowing scenery. I was sweating profusely trying to keep up with my uber-fit friend Steve, but still managed to snap a few photos during our journey. Next time you're in the San Francisco Bay Area, I highly recommend making time for this run.

Peter