You will be logging between 2-5 miles depending upon your training level. Here's a link to the course map for your reference-
Tuesday's Golden Gate Park Run
We will actually be launching from the top of the staircase that leads down to the ballfield and heading WEST on Martin Luther King. This course will follow Martin Luther King for the first 2 miles out.
Continue running on the paved path on the RIGHT side of MLK towards the direction of 19th Avenue. Once you reach the intersection of MLK and 19th Ave, wait for the light to turn green and head straight across and continue running on the paved path on the RIGHT side of MLK.
Once you reach the paved path on the other side of the intersection, you will have logged 1 MILE. Look for chalk indicating 'MM 2'.Beginner runners will turn around here and head back for 2 MILES!
Everyone else will continue running along the paved path parallel to MLK. Roughly half a mile later you will see a 'MM 3' in chalk on the path. Intermediate runners will turn around here and head back for 3 MILES!
Advanced and Race level runners will continue along MLK until you reach the intersection of MLK and Sunset Boulevard. This is 2 MILES. Look for a 'MM 4' in chalk on the ground. Advanced runners will turn around here and head back for 4 MILES!
Race level runners will turn LEFT onto Sunset and run on the paved sidewalk on the RIGHT of Sunset Boulevard.
Continue running along Sunset until you reach the intersection of Sunset and Lawton. This is roughly 2.5 miles. Race level runners will turn around here and head back for a total of 5 MILES!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Sunday Long Run Description (1/19/12)
OK, folks. I think we’re ready for a slight change of scenery. We'll be launching from the Beach Chalet parking lot @ 1000 Great Highway and running through Golden Gate Park. a few things to keep in mind before I dive into the details:
1)You will be running gradually uphill for the first half of your run! This course isn't terribly steep, but there is a GRADUAL uphill for much of the first half of the run. Keep this in mind as you may need to dial back your pacing a bit when you head out.
2)Watch your footing! There's a reasonable amount of this run that will take place on a dirt path/fire road. This means small rocks, tree roots (sometimes), and uneven ground at times. I don't want to see anyone take a tumble. Stay tuned in! This is particularly important for those of you who wear MP3 PLAYERS! Stay particularly alert on the RETURN when you will likely be a bit fatigued and traveling gradually DOWNHILL!
3)Water Stops. Roughly a mile into the run (not too far after you pass the Bison Paddocks on the left) there is water fountain on the LEFT adjacent to Lake Spreckles. Also there is a water fountain at the intersection of JFK/Transverse on the LEFT side of JFK. These descriptions will make more sense once you read my course description below.
Ok, enough of the preamble. Let's get down to it! Here's a link to the course map-
Sunday’s Golden Gate Park Run!
B-5 MILES. Beginners will head NORTH from the Beach Chalet and promptly take a right turn to get onto JFK. You will run along the dirt path for about a quarter of a mile until you come to a stop sign. Turn LEFT at this stop sign at the pedestrian crosswalk onto the dirt path running along JFK.
You will continue running along this path for some time. As you close in on the first mile you will see the 'Bison Paddock' on your left. Shortly after you pass the paddock, you will see Lake Spreckles on the left. If you need water, cross the pedestrian crosswalk over to Lake Spreckles and you will see the water fountain on your left.
Continue running on the dirt path for close to a mile and you will eventually come to a 4 way stop at the intersection of JFK/Transverse. This is roughly 2 miles. If you cross over to the LEFT side of JFK, you will find another water fountain. *NOTE-IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU STAY ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE PATH FOR THIS RUN! IT IS OK TO CROSS OVER TO THE LEFT FOR H20, BUT GET BACK OVER TO THE RIGHT SIDE TO CONTINUE YOUR RUN!
Continue running on the RIGHT side of the dirt path past JFK/Transverse for roughly half a mile. You will see a large funky looking building approaching on the right. This is DeYoung Museum. Additionally, you should see a crosswalk cutting across JFK. Keep your eyes peeled for a ‘MM 5’ in the middle of the paved path you’re on. This is the 2.5 miles! Turn around here and head back to the Beach Chalet for 5 MILES!!
I-6 MILES. Same course as beginners, but continue running on the RIGHT side of the dirt path past the ‘MM 5’ for roughly half a mile. You will see a stop sign and traffic joining JFK from 'Conservatory Way'. (this is just prior to the Flower Conservatory) here is a pedestrian crosswalk here. THIS IS 3 MILES! LOOK FOR A 'MM 6' IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PATH (The path is paved at this juncture). Turn around here and head back to the Beach Chalet for 6 MILES!!
A-7 MILES. Same course as the Intermediate runners, BUT CROSS OVER TO THE LEFT SIDE OF JFK AT THE 'MM 6' MARK. Run past the Flower Observatory and follow JFK all the way to STANYAN. This is a controlled intersection with traffic lights. Once you get to JFK/Stanyan, this is 3.5 miles. Turn around here and head back to the Beach Chalet for 7 MILES!
R-8 MILES. Race level runners will run through the intersection of JFK/Stanyan and onto the panhandle (the strip of land that runs between Oak/Fell). Run on the RIGHT side of the Panhandle! You will run along the panhandle for roughly half a mile along OAK. One block PAST Oak & Masonic (again, this is a controlled intersection with stoplights), keep your eyes peeled for OAK and CENTRAL. This is 4 miles. Turn around here and head back to the Beach Chalet for 8 MILES!
1)You will be running gradually uphill for the first half of your run! This course isn't terribly steep, but there is a GRADUAL uphill for much of the first half of the run. Keep this in mind as you may need to dial back your pacing a bit when you head out.
2)Watch your footing! There's a reasonable amount of this run that will take place on a dirt path/fire road. This means small rocks, tree roots (sometimes), and uneven ground at times. I don't want to see anyone take a tumble. Stay tuned in! This is particularly important for those of you who wear MP3 PLAYERS! Stay particularly alert on the RETURN when you will likely be a bit fatigued and traveling gradually DOWNHILL!
3)Water Stops. Roughly a mile into the run (not too far after you pass the Bison Paddocks on the left) there is water fountain on the LEFT adjacent to Lake Spreckles. Also there is a water fountain at the intersection of JFK/Transverse on the LEFT side of JFK. These descriptions will make more sense once you read my course description below.
Ok, enough of the preamble. Let's get down to it! Here's a link to the course map-
Sunday’s Golden Gate Park Run!
B-5 MILES. Beginners will head NORTH from the Beach Chalet and promptly take a right turn to get onto JFK. You will run along the dirt path for about a quarter of a mile until you come to a stop sign. Turn LEFT at this stop sign at the pedestrian crosswalk onto the dirt path running along JFK.
You will continue running along this path for some time. As you close in on the first mile you will see the 'Bison Paddock' on your left. Shortly after you pass the paddock, you will see Lake Spreckles on the left. If you need water, cross the pedestrian crosswalk over to Lake Spreckles and you will see the water fountain on your left.
Continue running on the dirt path for close to a mile and you will eventually come to a 4 way stop at the intersection of JFK/Transverse. This is roughly 2 miles. If you cross over to the LEFT side of JFK, you will find another water fountain. *NOTE-IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU STAY ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE PATH FOR THIS RUN! IT IS OK TO CROSS OVER TO THE LEFT FOR H20, BUT GET BACK OVER TO THE RIGHT SIDE TO CONTINUE YOUR RUN!
Continue running on the RIGHT side of the dirt path past JFK/Transverse for roughly half a mile. You will see a large funky looking building approaching on the right. This is DeYoung Museum. Additionally, you should see a crosswalk cutting across JFK. Keep your eyes peeled for a ‘MM 5’ in the middle of the paved path you’re on. This is the 2.5 miles! Turn around here and head back to the Beach Chalet for 5 MILES!!
I-6 MILES. Same course as beginners, but continue running on the RIGHT side of the dirt path past the ‘MM 5’ for roughly half a mile. You will see a stop sign and traffic joining JFK from 'Conservatory Way'. (this is just prior to the Flower Conservatory) here is a pedestrian crosswalk here. THIS IS 3 MILES! LOOK FOR A 'MM 6' IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PATH (The path is paved at this juncture). Turn around here and head back to the Beach Chalet for 6 MILES!!
A-7 MILES. Same course as the Intermediate runners, BUT CROSS OVER TO THE LEFT SIDE OF JFK AT THE 'MM 6' MARK. Run past the Flower Observatory and follow JFK all the way to STANYAN. This is a controlled intersection with traffic lights. Once you get to JFK/Stanyan, this is 3.5 miles. Turn around here and head back to the Beach Chalet for 7 MILES!
R-8 MILES. Race level runners will run through the intersection of JFK/Stanyan and onto the panhandle (the strip of land that runs between Oak/Fell). Run on the RIGHT side of the Panhandle! You will run along the panhandle for roughly half a mile along OAK. One block PAST Oak & Masonic (again, this is a controlled intersection with stoplights), keep your eyes peeled for OAK and CENTRAL. This is 4 miles. Turn around here and head back to the Beach Chalet for 8 MILES!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Tuesday Golden Gate Park Run (3/8/16)
You will be logging between 2-5 miles depending upon your training level. Here's a link to the course map for your reference-
Tuesday's Golden Gate Park Run
We will actually be launching from the top of the staircase that leads down to the ballfield and heading WEST on Martin Luther King. We will run along Martin Luther King for roughly a quarter of a mile before turning RIGHT onto Music Concourse Drive.
We will run along the sidewalk in front of the California Academy of Science and get a nice view of the Music Concourse and the DeYoung Museum. We will follow this sidewalk past the California Academy of Science as it heads towards JFK. The path will run directly into JFK. At this point turn RIGHT ONTO JFK. This is roughly 1/2 mile into our run.
Continue running on the right side of JFK on the sidewalk for roughly another 1/2 miles and you'll run into the intersection of JFK and MIDDLE DRIVE. This is right in front of the tennis courts. This is 1 mile from the start. Beginner runners will turn around here and head back to the ballfields for 2 MILES!
Everyone else will cross over to the LEFT side of JFK at this intersection and continue running towards Stanyan. You will eventually hit the intersection of JFK/Stanyan. This is a conspicuous, controlled intersection with 4 way stoplights. This is just over 1.25 miles into your run.
Cross Stanyan and cross over onto the panhandle which runs parallel to Oak/Fell street. Stay on the RIGHT side on the panhandle. As you are running along the 'Oak' side of the panhandle, pay attention to the cross streets.
Once you reach Oak and Cole Street you have logged 1.5 miles. Intermediate runners will turn around here and head back to the ballfields for 3 MILES!
Advanced and Race level runners will continue running along the 'Oak' side of the panhandle. Once you have reached Oak and Lyon Street, you have logged 2 miles. Advanced runners will turn around here and head back to the ballfields for 4 MILES!
Race level runners will continue running along the Oak side of the panhandle until Oak runs into Baker Street. This is effectively where the panhandle ends. Turn LEFT on Baker Street and then take another LEFT on Fell Street and continue running on the 'Fell' side of the panhandle.
You will run all the way to the intersection of Fell and Ashbury. This is 2.5 miles. Turn around here and head back to the ballfields for 5 MILES!
Tuesday's Golden Gate Park Run
We will actually be launching from the top of the staircase that leads down to the ballfield and heading WEST on Martin Luther King. We will run along Martin Luther King for roughly a quarter of a mile before turning RIGHT onto Music Concourse Drive.
We will run along the sidewalk in front of the California Academy of Science and get a nice view of the Music Concourse and the DeYoung Museum. We will follow this sidewalk past the California Academy of Science as it heads towards JFK. The path will run directly into JFK. At this point turn RIGHT ONTO JFK. This is roughly 1/2 mile into our run.
Continue running on the right side of JFK on the sidewalk for roughly another 1/2 miles and you'll run into the intersection of JFK and MIDDLE DRIVE. This is right in front of the tennis courts. This is 1 mile from the start. Beginner runners will turn around here and head back to the ballfields for 2 MILES!
Everyone else will cross over to the LEFT side of JFK at this intersection and continue running towards Stanyan. You will eventually hit the intersection of JFK/Stanyan. This is a conspicuous, controlled intersection with 4 way stoplights. This is just over 1.25 miles into your run.
Cross Stanyan and cross over onto the panhandle which runs parallel to Oak/Fell street. Stay on the RIGHT side on the panhandle. As you are running along the 'Oak' side of the panhandle, pay attention to the cross streets.
Once you reach Oak and Cole Street you have logged 1.5 miles. Intermediate runners will turn around here and head back to the ballfields for 3 MILES!
Advanced and Race level runners will continue running along the 'Oak' side of the panhandle. Once you have reached Oak and Lyon Street, you have logged 2 miles. Advanced runners will turn around here and head back to the ballfields for 4 MILES!
Race level runners will continue running along the Oak side of the panhandle until Oak runs into Baker Street. This is effectively where the panhandle ends. Turn LEFT on Baker Street and then take another LEFT on Fell Street and continue running on the 'Fell' side of the panhandle.
You will run all the way to the intersection of Fell and Ashbury. This is 2.5 miles. Turn around here and head back to the ballfields for 5 MILES!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Sunday Long Run Description (01/15/12)
You will be logging between 4-7 miles depending upon your training level. Here's a link to the course map for your reference-
Sunday's Long Run
Everyone will launch from the paved path to the RIGHT of the ballfield. You will follow this path behind the ballfield(s) and turn RIGHT onto Middle Drive East.
You will follow Middle Drive East towards John F. Kennedy Drive (the main drag in Golden Gate Park). Once you reach the intersection of Middle Drive East and JFK, you will cross over to the RIGHT side of JFK via the pedestrian crosswalk and turn LEFT on JFK.
From here, the rest of the run is pretty straightforward. Follow JFK past the intersection of JFK/8th Ave. Just past this intersection, there is a pedestrian crossing on your LEFT that is adjacent to Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. This is 1 MILE.
Everyone will continue running along JFK into Golden Gate Park. Eventually you will pass the Stow Lake Pavilion which is on the LEFT off of Stow Lake Drive. Once you pass Stow Lake Drive you will see a YELLOW sign indicating '13'0 Clearance'. This is 1.5 miles
Continue running along JFK underneath the overpass and through the intersection of JFK/Transverse. At this intersection there is a water fountain if you need it. Shortly after you run through this intersection, you will pass 'Lloyd Lake' on your RIGHT. Just past this lake you will see a sign/banner for 'SF Rec & Park'. Look for a chalk marking indicating 'MM 4' on the path. BEGINNER runners will turn around here and head back to the ballfield for a total of 4 MILES!
Everyone will continue running for another half mile until they approach Lake Spreckles on the RIGHT. As you approach Lake Spreckles, look for a chalk marking indicating 'MM 5' on the path. INTERMEDIATE level runners will turn around here and head back to the ballfield for a total of 5 MILES!
Advanced and Race level runners will CROSS over to the LEFT side of JFK. This side of JFK is a dirt path that gets a bit rocky at times, so please watch your footing carefully! You will be running slightly downhill for the next half mile until you reach the intersection of JFK and Chain of Lakes Drive East.
This is a controlled, four way stop intersection. This is 3 MILES from where we started. ADVANCED level runners will turn around here and head back to the ballfield for a total of 6 MILES!
Race level runners will run through this intersection and continue on the left side of JFK until you reach the intersection of JFK runs into South Fork Drive. You will turn RIGHT to continue on JFK (but you will again be on the dirt path on the LEFT of JFK) until you reach the parking lot area for the BEACH CHALET SOCCER FIELDS ON YOUR LEFT.
There is a sign here for your visual cue. This is 3.5 miles. Turn around here and head back to the ballfield for 7 MILES!
Sunday's Long Run
Everyone will launch from the paved path to the RIGHT of the ballfield. You will follow this path behind the ballfield(s) and turn RIGHT onto Middle Drive East.
You will follow Middle Drive East towards John F. Kennedy Drive (the main drag in Golden Gate Park). Once you reach the intersection of Middle Drive East and JFK, you will cross over to the RIGHT side of JFK via the pedestrian crosswalk and turn LEFT on JFK.
From here, the rest of the run is pretty straightforward. Follow JFK past the intersection of JFK/8th Ave. Just past this intersection, there is a pedestrian crossing on your LEFT that is adjacent to Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. This is 1 MILE.
Everyone will continue running along JFK into Golden Gate Park. Eventually you will pass the Stow Lake Pavilion which is on the LEFT off of Stow Lake Drive. Once you pass Stow Lake Drive you will see a YELLOW sign indicating '13'0 Clearance'. This is 1.5 miles
Continue running along JFK underneath the overpass and through the intersection of JFK/Transverse. At this intersection there is a water fountain if you need it. Shortly after you run through this intersection, you will pass 'Lloyd Lake' on your RIGHT. Just past this lake you will see a sign/banner for 'SF Rec & Park'. Look for a chalk marking indicating 'MM 4' on the path. BEGINNER runners will turn around here and head back to the ballfield for a total of 4 MILES!
Everyone will continue running for another half mile until they approach Lake Spreckles on the RIGHT. As you approach Lake Spreckles, look for a chalk marking indicating 'MM 5' on the path. INTERMEDIATE level runners will turn around here and head back to the ballfield for a total of 5 MILES!
Advanced and Race level runners will CROSS over to the LEFT side of JFK. This side of JFK is a dirt path that gets a bit rocky at times, so please watch your footing carefully! You will be running slightly downhill for the next half mile until you reach the intersection of JFK and Chain of Lakes Drive East.
This is a controlled, four way stop intersection. This is 3 MILES from where we started. ADVANCED level runners will turn around here and head back to the ballfield for a total of 6 MILES!
Race level runners will run through this intersection and continue on the left side of JFK until you reach the intersection of JFK runs into South Fork Drive. You will turn RIGHT to continue on JFK (but you will again be on the dirt path on the LEFT of JFK) until you reach the parking lot area for the BEACH CHALET SOCCER FIELDS ON YOUR LEFT.
There is a sign here for your visual cue. This is 3.5 miles. Turn around here and head back to the ballfield for 7 MILES!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Saturday Long Run Description (6/18)
We'll be running through Golden Gate Park for Saturday's run. a few things to keep in mind before I dive into the details:
1)You will be running gradually uphill for the first half of your run! This course isn't terribly steep, but there is a GRADUAL uphill for much of the first half of the run. Keep this in mind as you may need to dial back your pacing a bit when you head out.
2)Watch your footing! There's a reasonable amount of this run that will take place on a dirt path/fire road. This means small rocks, tree roots (sometimes), and uneven ground at times. I don't want to see anyone take a tumble. Stay tuned in! This is particularly important for those of you who wear MP3 PLAYERS! Stay particularly alert on the RETURN when you will likely be a bit fatigued and traveling gradually DOWNHILL!
3)Water Stops. Roughly a mile into the run (not too far after you pass the Bison Paddocks on the left) there is water fountain on the LEFT adjacent to Lake Spreckles. Also there is a water fountain at the intersection of JFK/Transverse on the LEFT side of JFK. These descriptions will make more sense once you read my course description below.
Ok, enough of the preamble. Let's get down to it! Here is a link to the course map-
Saturday's Long Run Course Map
Below is a description of the route:
B-6 MILES.
Beginners will head NORTH from the Beach Chalet and promptly take a right turn to get onto JFK. You will run along the dirt path for about a quarter of a mile until you come to a stop sign. Turn LEFT at this stop sign at the pedestrian crosswalk onto the dirt path running along JFK.
You will continue running along this path for some time. As you close in on the first mile you will see the 'Bison Paddock' on your left. Shortly after you pass the paddock, you will see Lake Spreckles on the left. If you need water, cross the pedestrian crosswalk over to Lake Spreckles and you will see the water fountain on your left.
Continue running on the dirt path for close to a mile and you will eventually come to a 4 way stop at the intersection of JFK/Transverse. This is roughly 2 miles. If you cross over to the LEFT side of JFK, you will find another water fountain. *NOTE-IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU STAY ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE PATH FOR THIS RUN! IT IS OK TO CROSS OVER TO THE LEFT FOR H20, BUT GET BACK OVER TO THE RIGHT SIDE TO CONTINUE YOUR RUN!
Continue running on the RIGHT side of the dirt path past JFK/Transverse for roughly a mile. You will see a stop sign and traffic joining JFK from 'Conservatory Way'. (this is just prior to the Flower Observatory) There is a pedestrian crosswalk here. THIS IS 3 MILES! LOOK FOR A 'FF 6' IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PATH (The path is paved at this juncture). Turn around here and head back to the Beach Chalet for 6 MILES!!
I-7 MILES.
Same course as beginners, BUT CROSS OVER TO THE LEFT SIDE OF JFK AT THE 'FF 6' MARK. Run past the Flower Observatory and follow JFK all the way to STANYAN. This is a controlled intersection with traffic lights. Once you get to JFK/Stanyan, this is 3.5 miles. Turn around here and head back to the Beach Chalet for 7 MILES!
A-8 MILES.
Advanced runners will run through the intersection of JFK/Stanyan and onto the panhandle (the strip of land that runs between Oak/Fell). Run on the RIGHT side of the Panhandle! You will run along the panhandle for roughly half a mile along OAK. One block PAST Oak & Masonic (again, this is a controlled intersection with stoplights), keep your eyes peeled for OAK and CENTRAL. There will be a 'FF 8' in chalk in the middle of the road. Turn around and head back to the Beach Chalet for 8 MILES!
R-9 MILES W/5 MILES @ TARGET PACE.
Race level runners will continue running along Oak Street to the end of the Panhandle. From here you will continue running along the sidewalk on Oak Street until you reach the intersection of Oak/Scott. Turn around here and head back to the Beach Chalet for 9 MILES!
1)You will be running gradually uphill for the first half of your run! This course isn't terribly steep, but there is a GRADUAL uphill for much of the first half of the run. Keep this in mind as you may need to dial back your pacing a bit when you head out.
2)Watch your footing! There's a reasonable amount of this run that will take place on a dirt path/fire road. This means small rocks, tree roots (sometimes), and uneven ground at times. I don't want to see anyone take a tumble. Stay tuned in! This is particularly important for those of you who wear MP3 PLAYERS! Stay particularly alert on the RETURN when you will likely be a bit fatigued and traveling gradually DOWNHILL!
3)Water Stops. Roughly a mile into the run (not too far after you pass the Bison Paddocks on the left) there is water fountain on the LEFT adjacent to Lake Spreckles. Also there is a water fountain at the intersection of JFK/Transverse on the LEFT side of JFK. These descriptions will make more sense once you read my course description below.
Ok, enough of the preamble. Let's get down to it! Here is a link to the course map-
Saturday's Long Run Course Map
Below is a description of the route:
B-6 MILES.
Beginners will head NORTH from the Beach Chalet and promptly take a right turn to get onto JFK. You will run along the dirt path for about a quarter of a mile until you come to a stop sign. Turn LEFT at this stop sign at the pedestrian crosswalk onto the dirt path running along JFK.
You will continue running along this path for some time. As you close in on the first mile you will see the 'Bison Paddock' on your left. Shortly after you pass the paddock, you will see Lake Spreckles on the left. If you need water, cross the pedestrian crosswalk over to Lake Spreckles and you will see the water fountain on your left.
Continue running on the dirt path for close to a mile and you will eventually come to a 4 way stop at the intersection of JFK/Transverse. This is roughly 2 miles. If you cross over to the LEFT side of JFK, you will find another water fountain. *NOTE-IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU STAY ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE PATH FOR THIS RUN! IT IS OK TO CROSS OVER TO THE LEFT FOR H20, BUT GET BACK OVER TO THE RIGHT SIDE TO CONTINUE YOUR RUN!
Continue running on the RIGHT side of the dirt path past JFK/Transverse for roughly a mile. You will see a stop sign and traffic joining JFK from 'Conservatory Way'. (this is just prior to the Flower Observatory) There is a pedestrian crosswalk here. THIS IS 3 MILES! LOOK FOR A 'FF 6' IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PATH (The path is paved at this juncture). Turn around here and head back to the Beach Chalet for 6 MILES!!
I-7 MILES.
Same course as beginners, BUT CROSS OVER TO THE LEFT SIDE OF JFK AT THE 'FF 6' MARK. Run past the Flower Observatory and follow JFK all the way to STANYAN. This is a controlled intersection with traffic lights. Once you get to JFK/Stanyan, this is 3.5 miles. Turn around here and head back to the Beach Chalet for 7 MILES!
A-8 MILES.
Advanced runners will run through the intersection of JFK/Stanyan and onto the panhandle (the strip of land that runs between Oak/Fell). Run on the RIGHT side of the Panhandle! You will run along the panhandle for roughly half a mile along OAK. One block PAST Oak & Masonic (again, this is a controlled intersection with stoplights), keep your eyes peeled for OAK and CENTRAL. There will be a 'FF 8' in chalk in the middle of the road. Turn around and head back to the Beach Chalet for 8 MILES!
R-9 MILES W/5 MILES @ TARGET PACE.
Race level runners will continue running along Oak Street to the end of the Panhandle. From here you will continue running along the sidewalk on Oak Street until you reach the intersection of Oak/Scott. Turn around here and head back to the Beach Chalet for 9 MILES!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Tuesday Golden Gate Park Run (12/8/15)
You will be logging between 2-5 miles depending upon your training level. Here's a link to the course map for your reference-
Tuesday's Golden Gate Park Run
Everyone will launch from the paved path to the RIGHT of the ballfield. You will follow this path behind the ballfield(s) and turn RIGHT onto Middle Drive East.
You will follow Middle Drive East towards John F. Kennedy Drive (the main drag in Golden Gate Park). Once you reach the intersection of Middle Drive East and JFK, you will cross over to the RIGHT side of JFK via the pedestrian crosswalk and turn LEFT on JFK.
From here, the rest of the run is pretty straightforward. Follow JFK past the intersection of JFK/8th Ave. Just past this intersection, there is a pedestrian crossing on your LEFT that is adjacent to Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. I will put down some chalk markings indicating 'MM 1' signifying the 1 mile mark. BEGINNER runners will turn around here and head back to the ballfield for a total of 2 MILES!
Everyone else will continue running along JFK into Golden Gate Park. Eventually you will pass the Stow Lake Pavilion which is on the LEFT off of Stow Lake Drive. Once you pass Stow Lake Drive you will see a YELLOW sign indicating '13'0 Clearance'. Look for a chalk marking on the path indicating 'MM 1.5'. INTERMEDIATE runners will turn around here and head back to the ballfield for a total of 3 MILES!
Advanced and Race level runners will continue running along JFK underneath the overpass and through the intersection of JFK/Transverse. At this intersection there is a water fountain if you need it. Shortly after you run through this intersection, you will pass 'Lloyd Lake' on your RIGHT. Just past this lake you will see a sign/banner for 'SF Rec & Park'. Look for a chalk marking indicating 'MM 2' on the path. ADVANCED runners will turn around here and head back to the ballfield for a total of 4 MILES!
Race level runners will continue running for another half mile until they approach Lake Spreckles on the RIGHT. As you approach Lake Spreckles, look for a chalk marking indicating 'MM 2.5' on the path. RACE level runners will turn around here and head back to the ballfield for a total of 5 MILES!
Tuesday's Golden Gate Park Run
Everyone will launch from the paved path to the RIGHT of the ballfield. You will follow this path behind the ballfield(s) and turn RIGHT onto Middle Drive East.
You will follow Middle Drive East towards John F. Kennedy Drive (the main drag in Golden Gate Park). Once you reach the intersection of Middle Drive East and JFK, you will cross over to the RIGHT side of JFK via the pedestrian crosswalk and turn LEFT on JFK.
From here, the rest of the run is pretty straightforward. Follow JFK past the intersection of JFK/8th Ave. Just past this intersection, there is a pedestrian crossing on your LEFT that is adjacent to Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. I will put down some chalk markings indicating 'MM 1' signifying the 1 mile mark. BEGINNER runners will turn around here and head back to the ballfield for a total of 2 MILES!
Everyone else will continue running along JFK into Golden Gate Park. Eventually you will pass the Stow Lake Pavilion which is on the LEFT off of Stow Lake Drive. Once you pass Stow Lake Drive you will see a YELLOW sign indicating '13'0 Clearance'. Look for a chalk marking on the path indicating 'MM 1.5'. INTERMEDIATE runners will turn around here and head back to the ballfield for a total of 3 MILES!
Advanced and Race level runners will continue running along JFK underneath the overpass and through the intersection of JFK/Transverse. At this intersection there is a water fountain if you need it. Shortly after you run through this intersection, you will pass 'Lloyd Lake' on your RIGHT. Just past this lake you will see a sign/banner for 'SF Rec & Park'. Look for a chalk marking indicating 'MM 2' on the path. ADVANCED runners will turn around here and head back to the ballfield for a total of 4 MILES!
Race level runners will continue running for another half mile until they approach Lake Spreckles on the RIGHT. As you approach Lake Spreckles, look for a chalk marking indicating 'MM 2.5' on the path. RACE level runners will turn around here and head back to the ballfield for a total of 5 MILES!
Monday, June 13, 2011
I run because it's crazy...
People characterize runners as crazy. Not ALL people do. But many do. Stepping outside of myself for a few minutes, I can see why some would say this. Running involves doing the same thing...over and over.....and over and over....and over again. You run, run, run, run, and run again.
Think about anything else done repeatedly like this. If you encountered someone who banged their head against a brick wall repeatedly again and again and again, chances are you'd describe them (at least loosely) as 'crazy'. If you crossed paths with someone who repeatedly jumped over a fence over and over and over again, you'd likely say they were a tad loco.
Ultrarunners anyone? As someone who has never ventured beyond 26.2 miles (which MANY characterize as TOTALLY INSANE..and it totally is), imagine those rare few that go beyond this. I rub shoulders with a few of them now and then and I like all of the ones I've been fortunate enough to meet, but SERIOUSLY....running 50, 75, 100 miles??!?!?! It's CRAZY!
But, reflect on some of the most rewarding experiences you've ever had in your entire life (running or otherwise). Was there not something fundamentally CRAZY (inordinately risky qualifies) about 'some' of these experiences? Were you not throwing caution to the wind a few times?
Looking at myself, it wasn't that long ago that I had a 'relatively' comfortable job, had a 401K, had health insurance, and all the trappings of 'success'. But, I was depressed, I was anxious, and I wasn't me. The thought of who I would be just five years down the road terrified me. I jettisoned it all.....for running.
I jettisoned it to pursue something that people called 'courageous' to my face, but likely 'crazy' behind my back and they weren't far off the mark. Knowing what I know now, I would probably tell my younger, naive self to not make this move and nail down a business plan, think things through more, etc.
I was throwing myself into an abyss of uncertainty with little more than fierce drive and naive, blind optimism. Yeah, it was crazy. But, I'd rather be crazy than depressed and a pale facsimile of the person I could really be. As crazy as it might have been, it was the only road that made sense to me.
The person I've become and what I've built by embracing my 'crazy' is something I would never give up. Some people tell me I have it great...and they're right. That being said, it's never been all sunshine and roses for me.
Innumerable challenges, hardships, misunderstandings, pain, disappointments, and setbacks have been part of the deal. But, I'd do it all again in a heartbeat...and maybe that makes me crazy.
I'm cool with my crazy because it's what spawned something that I will never stop loving and is the closest thing I have to a child (until I actually have one). My crazy has opened doors to things that I don't fully understand. It's fundamentally transformed me into someone I never could have imagined.
I embrace my crazy because without it I simply wouldn't be me. I run because it's crazy.....and so am I.
Think about anything else done repeatedly like this. If you encountered someone who banged their head against a brick wall repeatedly again and again and again, chances are you'd describe them (at least loosely) as 'crazy'. If you crossed paths with someone who repeatedly jumped over a fence over and over and over again, you'd likely say they were a tad loco.
Ultrarunners anyone? As someone who has never ventured beyond 26.2 miles (which MANY characterize as TOTALLY INSANE..and it totally is), imagine those rare few that go beyond this. I rub shoulders with a few of them now and then and I like all of the ones I've been fortunate enough to meet, but SERIOUSLY....running 50, 75, 100 miles??!?!?! It's CRAZY!
But, reflect on some of the most rewarding experiences you've ever had in your entire life (running or otherwise). Was there not something fundamentally CRAZY (inordinately risky qualifies) about 'some' of these experiences? Were you not throwing caution to the wind a few times?
Looking at myself, it wasn't that long ago that I had a 'relatively' comfortable job, had a 401K, had health insurance, and all the trappings of 'success'. But, I was depressed, I was anxious, and I wasn't me. The thought of who I would be just five years down the road terrified me. I jettisoned it all.....for running.
I jettisoned it to pursue something that people called 'courageous' to my face, but likely 'crazy' behind my back and they weren't far off the mark. Knowing what I know now, I would probably tell my younger, naive self to not make this move and nail down a business plan, think things through more, etc.
I was throwing myself into an abyss of uncertainty with little more than fierce drive and naive, blind optimism. Yeah, it was crazy. But, I'd rather be crazy than depressed and a pale facsimile of the person I could really be. As crazy as it might have been, it was the only road that made sense to me.
The person I've become and what I've built by embracing my 'crazy' is something I would never give up. Some people tell me I have it great...and they're right. That being said, it's never been all sunshine and roses for me.
Innumerable challenges, hardships, misunderstandings, pain, disappointments, and setbacks have been part of the deal. But, I'd do it all again in a heartbeat...and maybe that makes me crazy.
I'm cool with my crazy because it's what spawned something that I will never stop loving and is the closest thing I have to a child (until I actually have one). My crazy has opened doors to things that I don't fully understand. It's fundamentally transformed me into someone I never could have imagined.
I embrace my crazy because without it I simply wouldn't be me. I run because it's crazy.....and so am I.
Tuesday Downtown Run Description (12/29), 3-6 miles.
Tuesday's satellite run launches from outside 333 3rd Street between Folsom/Harrison.
If you need to use the restroom, change, and/or store some personal items, head up to PSOAS in Suite 205.
Here's a link to the course map-
Tuesday Downtown Run Map
We will cross Folsom from 3rd Street onto the sidewalk and take a right. We will run along Folsom all the way to the Embarcadero. We will cross the street and take a RIGHT onto the Embarcadero.
Continue running along the Embarcadero towards the ballpark. Once you pass the intersection of Embarcadero/Harrison, you will run underneath the overpass for the Bay Bridge. Once underneath the bridge, you will have 1 mile under your belt.
Continue running along the Embarcadero towards the ballpark. Just as Embarcadero turns into King Street you will see the cross street 'Townsend'. Just past the intersection of King/Townsend, you will see South Beach Park to your left. Beginner runners will turn around here and head back to PSOAS for 3 miles!
Everyone else will continue running on King Street PAST the ballpark to the intersection of King/4th Street. Turn LEFT on 4th Street. Look to your left and you will shortly see 'Berry Street' Intermediate runners will turn around here and head back to PSOAS for 4 miles!
Advanced and Race level runners will continue running down 4th Street until you run into 'Channel Street' You will veer left on Channel Street and follow Channel Street until you run into 3rd Street. Turn LEFT on 3rd Street and continue running.
Run on 3rd Street until you see 'Terry A Francois Street'. Turn RIGHT and follow Terry A Francois Street past China Basin Park. Terry Francois will turn right and you will see a small ball field on the LEFT. This is 2.5 miles. Advanced level runners will turn around here and head back to PSOAS for 5 miles!
Race level runners will continue running along Terry A Francois Street for several blocks until you reach the intersection of Terry A Francois Street and Mission Bay Blvd (SOUTH). Turn RIGHT and head down Mission Bay Blvd (SOUTH) until you reach 3rd Street. Turn around at the intersection of Mission Bay Blvd (SOUTH) and 3rd Street and head back to PSOAS for 6 MILES!
If you need to use the restroom, change, and/or store some personal items, head up to PSOAS in Suite 205.
Here's a link to the course map-
Tuesday Downtown Run Map
We will cross Folsom from 3rd Street onto the sidewalk and take a right. We will run along Folsom all the way to the Embarcadero. We will cross the street and take a RIGHT onto the Embarcadero.
Continue running along the Embarcadero towards the ballpark. Once you pass the intersection of Embarcadero/Harrison, you will run underneath the overpass for the Bay Bridge. Once underneath the bridge, you will have 1 mile under your belt.
Continue running along the Embarcadero towards the ballpark. Just as Embarcadero turns into King Street you will see the cross street 'Townsend'. Just past the intersection of King/Townsend, you will see South Beach Park to your left. Beginner runners will turn around here and head back to PSOAS for 3 miles!
Everyone else will continue running on King Street PAST the ballpark to the intersection of King/4th Street. Turn LEFT on 4th Street. Look to your left and you will shortly see 'Berry Street' Intermediate runners will turn around here and head back to PSOAS for 4 miles!
Advanced and Race level runners will continue running down 4th Street until you run into 'Channel Street' You will veer left on Channel Street and follow Channel Street until you run into 3rd Street. Turn LEFT on 3rd Street and continue running.
Run on 3rd Street until you see 'Terry A Francois Street'. Turn RIGHT and follow Terry A Francois Street past China Basin Park. Terry Francois will turn right and you will see a small ball field on the LEFT. This is 2.5 miles. Advanced level runners will turn around here and head back to PSOAS for 5 miles!
Race level runners will continue running along Terry A Francois Street for several blocks until you reach the intersection of Terry A Francois Street and Mission Bay Blvd (SOUTH). Turn RIGHT and head down Mission Bay Blvd (SOUTH) until you reach 3rd Street. Turn around at the intersection of Mission Bay Blvd (SOUTH) and 3rd Street and head back to PSOAS for 6 MILES!
Monday, June 06, 2011
I run because I seek the 'glow'..
Years before I was a runner, I was neck deep in a love affair with movies. A friend of mine exposed me to a cheesy mash-up of a movie called 'The Last Dragon'. Think kung-fu meets blaxploitation meets quasi-musical and you've got the thrust of it.
A young African-American named 'Bruce Leeroy' (guffaw) is being trained by the stereotypical 'master' in the art of kung fu. Leeroy is good, VERY good, but has yet to reach 'the final level' and obtain the power of 'the glow'. This mystical power is apparently granted to only a true martial arts master.
The film opens with Leeroy running a gauntlet of unbelievable kung-fu tests including karate chopping an arrow in half in midflight as well as catching an arrow with his bare hand. From an outsider's perspective, this kid is a master and probably could give Bruce Lee a run for his money.
But, Bruce Leeroy doesn't feel like a 'master'. His master effectively tells him he's done teaching him and Leeroy is despondent believing that he has somehow failed him. Sensing Leeroy's disappointment, his master sends him on a quest (which turns out to be a red herring) to find another master who can teach him what he needs to reach the final level.
Throughout the film, Leeroy finds himself in all kinds of ridiculous situations including running afoul of 'Sho'nuff' (the Shogun of Harlem), an evil and merciless kung-fu master who seeks nothing other than to fight Leeroy and prove he's the 'master'.
Only in the latter stages of the film (when Leeroy is inches from defeat at the hands of 'Sho'Nuff') does he finally have a moment of clarity and realize that he was the master all along and as soon as he has this epiphany he attains 'the glow' and wraps the film up by defeating Sho'Nuff and catching a bullet in his teeth, a completely plausible scenario for one who has 'the glow'.
So, what possible connection does this ridiculous film (that's actually being remade with Samuel L. Jackson) have to do with running? Well, Leeroy is IMMENSELY talented and EXTRAORDINARILY committed to his training. Everyone around him thinks he's a 'master'. But, Leeroy (for reasons that are not entirely clear) simply does not see himself this way. He doesn't BELIEVE he's a master.
With running, you have a handful of factors that contribute to race day success. Putting in the work and doing the training is invaluable. No one would argue otherwise. Without the miles and the development of the relevant physiological systems, you can't perform well.
You also have planning and preparing for the race. Knowing the in's and out's of the course and planning for the ups and downs that will occur en route to the finish line is requisite for a positive experience on race day. It's about knowing your opponent...so to speak.
Then there's 'the glow', the 'x factor', the 'extra gear', or whatever you choose to call it. In 'The Last Dragon' they refer to 'the glow' as an inner strength you'll find in time of need. In Leeroy's case (and in the case of just about everyone), the glow is really the 'belief' in self. This is what enables you to do remarkable things.
In the case of running, the glow enables you to go that extra mile even when you feel like you're at death's door. The glow makes you knock out one more interval at your target pace. The glow is what makes you transcendent.
The glow brings everything together. Ultimately it is the holy trinity comprised of training, planning, and belief in self (aka-the glow) that makes all great races possible. Of all the aforementioned, it's the last one that's toughest to obtain and most necessary to have a peak performance on race day.
Obtaining this belief in self is tough because it's not necessarily tangible and somewhat ephemeral. You can't point to a training diary and find it. You can know every inch of the course you're about to cover, but that doesn't mean you 'believe' you can do it.
Having the 'glow' requires constant maintenance. For me, maintaining it comes from reminding myself of the countless tough runs I've endured over the years...in heat, in rain, in snow, in sickness, in health, etc. I also point to the numerous races in which I've posted personal bests or simply weathered all the peaks and valleys that came up during the course of the race.
I don't think anyone can ever truly be 'the master', but if you can manage to find the glow most of the time, you're certainly 'masterful'. So, I keep running because I seek the glow.
A young African-American named 'Bruce Leeroy' (guffaw) is being trained by the stereotypical 'master' in the art of kung fu. Leeroy is good, VERY good, but has yet to reach 'the final level' and obtain the power of 'the glow'. This mystical power is apparently granted to only a true martial arts master.
The film opens with Leeroy running a gauntlet of unbelievable kung-fu tests including karate chopping an arrow in half in midflight as well as catching an arrow with his bare hand. From an outsider's perspective, this kid is a master and probably could give Bruce Lee a run for his money.
But, Bruce Leeroy doesn't feel like a 'master'. His master effectively tells him he's done teaching him and Leeroy is despondent believing that he has somehow failed him. Sensing Leeroy's disappointment, his master sends him on a quest (which turns out to be a red herring) to find another master who can teach him what he needs to reach the final level.
Throughout the film, Leeroy finds himself in all kinds of ridiculous situations including running afoul of 'Sho'nuff' (the Shogun of Harlem), an evil and merciless kung-fu master who seeks nothing other than to fight Leeroy and prove he's the 'master'.
Only in the latter stages of the film (when Leeroy is inches from defeat at the hands of 'Sho'Nuff') does he finally have a moment of clarity and realize that he was the master all along and as soon as he has this epiphany he attains 'the glow' and wraps the film up by defeating Sho'Nuff and catching a bullet in his teeth, a completely plausible scenario for one who has 'the glow'.
So, what possible connection does this ridiculous film (that's actually being remade with Samuel L. Jackson) have to do with running? Well, Leeroy is IMMENSELY talented and EXTRAORDINARILY committed to his training. Everyone around him thinks he's a 'master'. But, Leeroy (for reasons that are not entirely clear) simply does not see himself this way. He doesn't BELIEVE he's a master.
With running, you have a handful of factors that contribute to race day success. Putting in the work and doing the training is invaluable. No one would argue otherwise. Without the miles and the development of the relevant physiological systems, you can't perform well.
You also have planning and preparing for the race. Knowing the in's and out's of the course and planning for the ups and downs that will occur en route to the finish line is requisite for a positive experience on race day. It's about knowing your opponent...so to speak.
Then there's 'the glow', the 'x factor', the 'extra gear', or whatever you choose to call it. In 'The Last Dragon' they refer to 'the glow' as an inner strength you'll find in time of need. In Leeroy's case (and in the case of just about everyone), the glow is really the 'belief' in self. This is what enables you to do remarkable things.
In the case of running, the glow enables you to go that extra mile even when you feel like you're at death's door. The glow makes you knock out one more interval at your target pace. The glow is what makes you transcendent.
The glow brings everything together. Ultimately it is the holy trinity comprised of training, planning, and belief in self (aka-the glow) that makes all great races possible. Of all the aforementioned, it's the last one that's toughest to obtain and most necessary to have a peak performance on race day.
Obtaining this belief in self is tough because it's not necessarily tangible and somewhat ephemeral. You can't point to a training diary and find it. You can know every inch of the course you're about to cover, but that doesn't mean you 'believe' you can do it.
Having the 'glow' requires constant maintenance. For me, maintaining it comes from reminding myself of the countless tough runs I've endured over the years...in heat, in rain, in snow, in sickness, in health, etc. I also point to the numerous races in which I've posted personal bests or simply weathered all the peaks and valleys that came up during the course of the race.
I don't think anyone can ever truly be 'the master', but if you can manage to find the glow most of the time, you're certainly 'masterful'. So, I keep running because I seek the glow.
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