Watch Out Boys

When I was in first grade I recall playing football during recess. Screw the monkey bars, I wanted to run, throw, and maybe overall just try to impress (or better put conquer) the boys. This probably lasted two weeks and then I realized my weak arms couldn't throw and the boys often refused to pass to the slowest runner. I went back to jump roping and hand clapping Miss Sue. I still deeply wanted to prove that I could be just as strong as those boys. Twenty-three years later on July 3rd at PCTR's Pacifica 50k I got to beat the boys. I showed up at the race planning to use it as a long training run. I started off at a pleasant pace and to my surprise I came through the 21k mark at 1:48 (just 3 minutes slower than my 21k PR on that course). My body felt extremely rhythmic and I was in my element. The climbs were hardly the effort of Mt. Washington, which was just two weeks prior. My body was happy and I was happy to be enduring my favorite distance in a beautiful place. Around 30K I started to wonder if I could take down the men's course record, but then thought "don't get greedy Caitlin." I went on enjoying myself. I was smiling with the exception of the second climb up Montara when my water bottle sunk to empty. Ok maybe I had a slight smirk even then. I came cruising into the finish in 4:27! 2 minutes faster than the men's course record! I enjoyed a post race beer, hot dog, and a huge smile when I found out I was 42 minutes in front of the next guy. I am not trying to break any egos, but I do like when women can kick a man's bootie... just saying... now who wants to go throw around a football? Screw that who wants to hit the trails?!