Tuesday Marina/Presidio Run (3/25/14)

We're launching from outside of Presidio Sport & Medicine located at 1162B Gorgas Avenue. You'll be covering 3-6 miles depending upon your training level.

Here's a link to the course map-

Tuesday's Marina/Presidio Run Course Map.

We'll launch from Presidio Sport & Medicine and promptly take a left on Girard Avenue. Shortly after making this turn, you will turn LEFT on Funston Ave (This is just past the Presidio YMCA on your left).

Follow Funston uphill slightly until you run into Moraga. Turn RIGHT on Moraga. Continue on Moraga until you reach Montgomery. Turn RIGHT on Montgomery.

Follow Montgomery until you reach Lincoln. Turn LEFT on Lincoln behind the Walt Disney Museum. Follow Lincoln towards the cemetery. Directly across from the cemetery, you will see a 'MM3' in chalk. Beginner runners turn around here and head back the way you came for 3 MILES!

Everyone else will continue running on Lincoln towards the intersection of Lincoln/McDowell. Run through this intersection and continue running along the shoulder of Lincoln. Just as you run underneath the 101 Overpass towards the Golden Gate Bridge. you will see a 'MM4' in chalk on the ground. Intermediate runners turn around here and head back the way you came for 4 MILES!

Advanced and Race level runners will continue running to the intersection of Lincoln/Long. At this intersection, head DOWN Long Avenue towards the Warming Hut. As soon as you reach the Warming Hut, you will have logged 2.5 miles. Advanced runners turn around here and head back the way you came for 5 MILES!

Race level runners will continue running on the Marina Promenade (the dirt path) towards Old Mason street. Continue running on the paved path on Old Mason Street towards Sports Basement.

Continue running until you reach the metal power box on YOUR LEFT. This is 3 miles. There will be a MM6 here in chalk as well. Turn around here and head back to Presidio Sport & Medicine for 6 MILES! 

Tuesday Presidio Run (3/4/14)

Tuesday's run launches across from Presidio Sport & Medicine at 1162B Gorgas Avenue. Here's a map link to the launch location-

Presidio Run Rendezvous Point

We're logging 2-5 miles. This is a pretty run through the Presidio, Crissy Field, and more. Here's a link to the course map-

Tuesday Presidio Run Course Map

We'll launch from Presidio Sport & Medicine and promptly take a left on Girard Avenue. Shortly after making this turn, you will turn LEFT on Funston Ave (This is just past the Presidio YMCA on your left).

Follow Funston uphill slightly until you run into Moraga. Turn RIGHT on Moraga. Continue on Moraga until you reach Montgomery. Turn RIGHT on Montgomery. At Montgomery/Owens, you will see a 'MM2' in chalk. Beginners turn around here and head back the way you came for 2 MILES!

Everyone else will follow Montgomery until you reach Lincoln. Turn LEFT on Lincoln behind the Walt Disney Museum. Follow Lincoln towards the cemetery. Directly across from the cemetery, you will see a 'MM3' in chalk. Intermediate runners turn around here and head back the way you came for 3 MILES!

Everyone else will continue on Lincoln and veer RIGHT and slightly downhill onto the paved bikepath (aka-Patten Road). The bikepath will re-connect with Lincoln. Continue RIGHT on Lincoln. Just prior to the intersection of Lincoln and Crissy Field Avenue you will see a 'MM4' in chalk. Advanced runners turn around here and head back the way you came for 4 MILES!

Race level runners will veer left at the intersection of Lincoln/Long and follow the paved bikepath (Battery Trail East) towards the Golden Gate Bridge. You'll run up a small incline and see a path on your left to head towards the Golden Gate Bridge Visitor Center. Look for a 'MM5'. Turn around here and head back the way you came for 5 MILES!

I run because I was once broken...

There was a time when I took running for granted. I was young, naive, and operated under the misguided notion that I was unbreakable. 

A broken femur enlightened me. I was as mortal and as fragile as anyone. My ability to run was not a promise. It was as ephemeral as anything else in life.

3 large pins later, I was no longer broken, but I was not the same. I wasn't whole.

Running had been a source of joy and affirmation before being broken. Now it was a source of trepidation and fear. Running could break me as easily as it could elevate me.

I was told I would never be as strong as I had been before...with the pins in me. While I did run sometimes, it wasn't with confidence and clarity. The pins kept me small and scared.

I was haunted. Would my body betray me again? Would I fail to read the messages my body sent me and tempt fate again? Was running a gift or a curse?

I was also haunted by the words of the best coach I worked with who said, 'I think you'll be a great marathoner some day.' Could I really live without finding out?

The only way to exorcise the demons was to remove them...all three of them. It was painful, but what exorcism isn't? Ultimately, I knew I would never be as strong until I had them removed...until I was whole again.

There are no hard and fast rules around healing. You can't force it and you never know when you are fully healed. So, you take baby steps.

I baby stepped my way back into running. It started with a tearful 2 miler in golden gate park. I could still do it...even if it was slow and awkward....I hadn't lost the gift. It was still there.

From there, faint thoughts of the marathon returned. 'You'll be a great marathoner' kept echoing in my head. I was broken once, but maybe I could be whole again.

Baby steps eventually brought me to the starting line of my first marathon. While 26.2 brought me to my knees, it didn't break me.

With this experience came the realization that while I had been broken, perhaps it was this very experience that would make me the great marathoner my coach thought I could be.

From this point forward, I ran with a vengeance. I had lost so much time not appreciating my gift and letting fear hold me back. There was no more time to lose.

I tempted fate and I played with fire. Sometimes I got singed and even burned, but I was never broken.

So, I run because I was broken once. I might be broken again. But, until that day comes...I will keep running.

Tuesday Marina/Presidio Run (2/4/2014)

Tuesday's run launches from Presidio Sport & Medicine at 1162B Gorgas Avenue. Here's a map link to the launch location-

Presidio Run Rendezvous Point

We're logging 2 miles. Here's a link to the course map-

Tuesday Presidio Run Course Map

We'll launch from Presidio Sport & Medicine and promptly take a left on Girard Avenue. After running a short distance (1/4 mile) on Girard, we'll run into Lincoln Ave. Turn right on Lincoln.

You'll continue on Lincoln into the Presidio past the San Francisco National Cemetery (it will be on your left).

Roughly 200 meters after you pass the cemetery you will see a MM2 on the ground in chalk. Turn around here and head back to the start for 2 MILES!

Saturday's YOYO Run Description

We have easy 6 miles scheduled for Saturday. This course launches from the Marina Green Monkey Bars near the intersection of Marina/Webster. Here's a map link to the exact spot where the run should launch from-

Saturday YOYO Run Launch Location

Here's a link to the map of the course:

Saturday's YOYO Run Course Map!

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SATURDAY'S YOYO RUN-

You will head SOUTH along the Marina towards Fort Mason Hill. Crest this hill and head down into Aquatic Park. Run along the waterfront into Fisherman's Wharf. You will be on Jefferson.

Please keep a watchful eye for tourists, cyclists, and other traffic in Fisherman's Wharf. Continue running to the intersection of Jefferson/Powell. There is a large art gallery on the right. This is 1.5 miles.

Continue running along Jefferson which will eventually turn into the Embarcadero. At the intersection of Embarcadero & Bay there is a Hillstone restaurant on the right. This is 2 MILES.

Continue past Embarcadero/Bay. 1/2 a mile later you will encounter the intersection of Embarcadero/Green. This is 2.5 MILES.

Race level runners will continue running along the Embarcadero all the way to the MAIN entrance of the Ferry Building. This is 3 MILES. TURN AROUND HERE! When you get back you will have logged 6 MILES!

Tuesday Satellite Run (9/8/15)

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's Downtown Satellite Run Course 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.

Run 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 (near the intersection of Embarcadero/Spear), you will have 1 mile under your belt.

Continue running along the Embarcadero towards the ballpark. Look for Red's Java House on the LEFT near the intersection of Embarcadero/Townsend. Veer LEFT near Red's Java House and get onto the 'San Francisco Bay Trail' (it's a sidewalk). Just past Red's Java House is 1.5 miles. Beginner runners will turn around here and head back to PSOAS for 3 miles!

Follow the San Francisco Bay Trail BEHIND the ballpark until you hit 3RD STREET. Turn LEFT on 3rd Street. Follow 3rd Street across the bridge and once you're across the bridge, take a LEFT on the sidewalk running along the waterfront parallel to Terry A Francois Street. Just as the sidewalk starts to turn RIGHT, you will have logged 2 miles. Intermediate runners will turn around here and head back to PSOAS for 4 miles!

Everyone else will continue running along Terry A Francois Street until you reach the intersection of Terry A Francois Street & South Street. This is 2.5 miles. Advanced level runners will turn around here and head back to PSOAS for 5 MILES!

Race level runners will turn RIGHT on South Street and continue running. South Street eventually turns into Campus Way. Continue running along Campus Way until you reach 'Koret Quad'. You will do a loop around Koret Quad and head back to PSOAS the way you came for 6 MILES!

Saturday Long Run Description (1/18/14)

You'll be logging 10-15 miles on Saturday depending upon your training level. Here's a link to the course map-

Saturday Long Run

We'll launch this run from Crissy Field and head out on the Marina Promenade towards the Warming Hut.

Upon reaching the Warming Hut, you will run past the Warming Hut and take an IMMEDIATE left to head towards LONG AVENUE. Long Avenue is effectively a short hill that heads up towards Lincoln.

Everyone will head up Long Avenue along the shoulder until you reach a stop sign. This is LINCOLN. Take a right on to the paved cyclist/pedestrian path and follow this path to your right. Stick to this path as it heads towards the Golden Gate Bridge.

You will follow the path for roughly 1/2-3/4 of a mile. There will be a few points at which the path may fork, but stick to the MAIN path. You will soon see the Golden Gate Bridge approaching.
 
You will reach a point where you can continue running and run underneath the bridge or take a hairpin LEFT and wind your way up to the pedestrian side of the bridge. You want to do the LATTER and turn left and head onto the pedestrian side of the bridge.  

PLEASE BE CAREFUL! THERE ARE TYPICALLY A REASONABLE NUMBER OF TOURISTS WHO AREN'T PAYING ATTENTION. BE SMART AND BE POLITE IF YOU NEED TO GET AROUND SOMEONE.

Continue to the end of the bridge to the Visitor Center. Stop here to grab some water, use the restroom, and/or take a gel, clif shot, etc. Everyone will turn around here and head back across the bridge.

For those running the Honey Badger Half next week, you will have logged 6 miles once you get back to our starting point on Crissy Field.

Everyone else will continue running EAST towards East Beach. Run past East beach into the parking lot for 'Little Marina Green'. Veer right through the volleyball court area onto Marina Boulevard. Follow Marina Boulevard past the Marina Green Monkey Bars.

Head towards Fort Mason Hill. Beginners will crest this hill and head back to our starting point for 10 MILES! 
  
Everyone else will head down into Aquatic Park. At the end of Aquatic Park/edge of Fisherman's Wharf, Intermediate runners will turn around here and head back to the starting point for 11 MILES!

Advanced and Race level runners will run along the waterfront into Fisherman's Wharf. You will be on Jefferson. Please keep a watchful eye for tourists, cyclists, and other traffic in Fisherman's Wharf. Continue running to the intersection of Jefferson/Powell. There is a large art gallery on the right. This is Advanced level runners turn around here and head back to the monkey bars for 12 MILES!

Race level runners will continue running to the main entrance of the Ferry Building. Turn around here and head back to our starting point for 15 MILES!

Trail 101 Course Description (9/29/13)

Here's a course map for Sunday's run..

Trail 101 Course Map

Here's a description of the course we'll be traveling...

-Turn left onto Geary and follow for roughly 1.4 miles.
-Turn RIGHT on Presidio Ave and follow for roughly 1/2 a mile.
-Follow the chalk and flour markings LEFT onto Mountain Lake Trail.
-Mountain Lake Trail runs parallel to Pacific Avenue. Continue on Mountain Lake Trail past Julius Kahn Playground (on your right).
-You will continue running on Mountain Lake Trail for roughly 3/4 of a mile and then turn RIGHT onto Ecology Trail. 
-Follow the Ecology Trail past Inspiration Point. Look for flour markings and follow them to the end of Ecology Trail (roughly 1/2 mile from Inspiration Point). The trail terminates/ends in a parking lot.
-Turn around here and head back to Studiomix for 6.6 MILES!

Saturday Recovery (Trail Run)-4/12/14

Everyone will be covering 5 miles for our recovery run, but it's a relatively challenging 5 miles with some trails, climbing, and amazing views! Here's a link to the course map-

Saturday's Trail Recovery Run

Here's a description of the course we'll be traveling...

-Turn left onto Old Mason Street from Sports Basement pkg lot and follow for roughly half a mile until you reach the intersection of Mason/Crissy Field Ave. Turn LEFT (look for the 'MM' in chalk) and head up McDowell Avenue. (.5 miles approx.) 
-Run to the intersection of McDowell/Lincoln (this is a controlled intersection w/stop signs) (.75 miles approx..) 
-Run directly across the street into ‘Park Trail’ (there is signage). Follow Park Trail LEFT and continue to Amatury Loop (look for signs). Take a RIGHT on Bay Area Ridge Trail at Amatury Loop  & cross Park Blvd on Bay Area Ridge Trail (1.1 miles approx.) 
-At Rob Hill Campground follow Access Road LEFT to Washington Blvd (1.6 miles approx..)

-Follow Trail LEFT on Washington Blvd. to the Immigration Point Overlook (on the WEST side of Washington (1.8 miles approx.) At Immigrant Point Overlook take STAIRS down & Cross Lincoln Blvd. (2 miles approx..)

-Join Battery to Bluffs Trail (look for signage) & follow this trail until you run into Lincoln Blvd. again (2.5 miles approx.)

-Turn around here and head back for 5 MILES!

Trail 101 Course Description

Here's a course map for Sunday's run..

Trail 101 Course Map

Here's a description of the course we'll be traveling...

-Turn left onto Broadway and follow for roughly 1.5 miles. There are '2' tough climbs in the latter stages of this stretch.
-After running for 1.5 miles on Broadway, Broadway ends and there is a large gate. Run through this gate and follow the chalk and flour markings onto Mountain Lake Trail.
-Mountain Lake Trail runs parallel to Pacific Avenue. Continue on Mountain Lake Trail past Julius Kahn Playground (on your right).
-You will continue running on Mountain Lake Trail for roughly 3/4 of a mile and then turn RIGHT onto Ecology Trail. 
-Follow the Ecology Trail past Inspiration Point. Look for flour markings and follow them to the end of Ecology Trail (roughly 1/2 mile from Inspiration Point). The trail terminates/ends in a parking lot.
-Turn around here and head back to Lombardi's for (nearly) 6 MILES!

I run because one day I won't..

The overwhelming majority of the people I work with are in constant pursuit of faster times. Maybe it's a Boston qualifying time or simply shaving a few seconds off their last half marathon.

I think it's pretty much a given if you're a runner that you're constantly seeking a faster time. The type-A personality the sport tends to attract largely dictates this.

I used to be one of these runners. Ten plus years ago I rediscovered the sport and realized that while I had been away from it for quite some time, I still had something left in the tank and I desperately wanted to find out how much.

I threw myself into my training with reckless abandon. I embraced fatigue, suffering, and pain as signs that I was becoming the runner I was always meant to be. Rather than going out on Friday night with friends, I would massage and ice my sore calves in preparation for a 2+ hour long run the next morning.

I would push myself so hard the next morning that the rest of the day was effectively a wash. I'd lie around like a corpse for the balance of the day reveling in the fact that I had pushed myself to the limit. The exhaustion I felt was a sign that I was getting closer to finding out exactly what I had left in the tank.

My relentless and unforgiving approach to training paid off to a point. I qualified for Boston. I broke 3 hours for the marathon. I posted a 2:45 for 26.2 and felt like I had plenty left in 2005.

I thought maybe, just maybe I could get within striking distance of a qualifying time for the Olympic trials for the marathon. It was a huge stretch, but given how far I had come and how strong I felt, shaving off 25 minutes didn't seem impossible.

But, just as Daedalus paid the price for venturing too close to the sun, so did I for playing with fire all those years pushing my body to the limit and beyond.

It would be three years before I would toe the line for another marathon. While I ran a bit faster (2:43) in 2008, this was a far cry from the Olympic Trials qualifier I had dreamt of three years earlier.

My new goal became cracking 2:40 and given how close I'd come in 2008, surely it would happen in 2009. Once again, my body failed me and while I completed a marathon in 2009, I was not in the kind of shape to attempt a time faster than 2:43.

2010 provided yet another opportunity to exorcise the demons and I was hellbent on taking care of unfinished business. A few weeks prior to entering taper, I would suffer a stress fracture. This ended any hope of notching a sub 2:40 that year.

More than 2 years passed before I commenced serious training for another attempt at sub-2:40. It had now been nearly 7 years since I had run a 2:45. Given my injury drenched past, I was very careful in how I approached training for this marathon.

My training cycle was lengthy and gradual. While I didn't do everything perfectly, I listened earnestly to the messages my body sent me and responded accordingly.

Years ago, I read somewhere that every cell in our body is replaced every 7 years. Whether this is in fact accurate, I don't know. But, I was keenly aware that I was a very different person 7 years ago.

I recovered more quickly. I felt more spry. Simply put, I was getting older. Granted, I was wiser as evidenced by my smarter approach to training, but would it be enough?

I toed the line in 2012 feeling confident that I was physically ready to attempt a sub-2:40. Unfortunately, the weather gods had different ideas that day. The worst weather I had ever trained or raced in would derail this latest effort.

This year will not present an opportunity for me to attempt a sub-2:40. I don't know if there will be another opportunity to do so down the road. I've come to the realization that most (if not all) of my personal bests are likely behind me.

Rather than feeling sad or somber about this reality, it actually feels a bit liberating. If I run another personal best, that's great. But if I don't, it's not going to kill me.

What would kill me is the idea of not being able to run at all. Having endured numerous injuries from 2005 to 2010, I tasted the bitterness of life without running and it's something I have no interest in.

Whether it's injuries, age, perspective, or some combination of the aforementioned, I've become more keenly attuned to the idea that my ability to run is transitory. It's a gift. It can be taken away from me at any moment. I am not unique in this regard.

So, on your shittiest run, your crappiest race, and your most unpleasant mile, don't forget the fact that you have the gift and don't forget that it likely won't be something you can do forever.

I run because one day I won't..

Saturday's long run description (9/7/13)

We're logging between 8-12 miles on Saturday. This run is a bit of a 'mashup' that includes many segments we've covered before, but also includes a fun trail segment at the beginning in the Presidio!

Saturday Run Course Map

Here's a description of the course...

We'll launch from Crissy Field adjacent to Sports Basement and follow Old Mason Street until we reach the intersection of Mason/Crissy Field Ave. Turn LEFT (look for the ‘MM’ in chalk) and head up McDowell Avenue. 
 
Run to the intersection of McDowell/Lincoln (this is a controlled intersection w/stop signs). Continue directly across the street into ‘Park Trail’ (there is signage). Follow Park Trail LEFT and continue to Amatury Loop (look for signs). Take a RIGHT on Bay Area Ridge Trail at Amatury Loop  & cross Park Blvd on Bay Area Ridge Trail.
 

At Rob Hill Campground follow Access Road LEFT to Washington Blvd. Follow Trail LEFT on Washington Blvd. to the Immigration Point Overlook (on the WEST side of Washington. At Immigrant Point Overlook take STAIRS down to Lincoln Blvd. Look for a 'MM' in chalk here. Turn around and head back to the intersection of Lincoln/Mcdowell.

 

Turn RIGHT on Lincoln and head into the Presidio. Follow Lincoln past the cemetery and behind the Walt Disney Museum. Continue on Lincoln until you reach the Transit Cafe located at 215 Lincoln. You can use the restroom and/or grab some water here if you need to. 

 

Turn around and run back to Lincoln/McDowell. Turn RIGHT on McDowell and head down to Old Mason Street. Turn LEFT on Old Mason Street and head towards the Warming Hut. Run past the Warming Hut and continue to Hopper Hands at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. Turn around at Hopper Hands and continue running along the dirt path by the waterfront (Marina Promenade). 

 

You will continue on the Marina Promenade past the East Beach parking lot. The Marina Promenade will end at the parking lot for the 'Little Marina Green' (behind the volleyball court area). Beginners will turn around here and head back to Crissy Field (via the Marina Promenade) where we started for a total of 8 MILES!

 

Everyone else will make their way onto Marina Boulevard. Run to the intersection of Marina Boulevard and Avila.  There will be a MM9 in chalk on the ground. Intermediate runners will turn around here and head back to Crissy Field (via the Marina Promenade) where we started for a total of 9 MILES!

 

Advanced and Race level runners will continue running along Marina Boulevard towards the Marina Green Monkey Bars. Run past the monkey bars and continue towards Fort Mason Hill. At the base of Fort Mason Hill, Advanced level runners will turn turn around and head back to Crissy Field (via the Marina Promenade) where we started for a total of 10 MILES!

 

Race level runners will head up Fort Mason Hill and head downhill through Aquatic Park and into Fisherman's Wharf (via Jefferson Street). Run along Jefferson Street until you reach the intersection of Jefferson/Jones. Castagnola's Restaurant will be on your left at 286 Jefferson Street. Turn around here and head back to Crissy Field (via the Marina Promenade) where we started for a total of 12 MILES!

Saturday Long Run Course Description (8/31)

We're rendezvousing at Lake Merced this Saturday!

Saturday’s Lake Merced Run Course Map!
 
Specifically, we are meeting at the HUGE parking lot on the NORTH SIDE of Lake Merced. Here's a link to the rendezvous point for your reference-

North Parking Lot of Lake Merced

This run is pretty straightforward. EVERYONE will do a full loop around the circumference of Lake Merced in a clockwise direction. There is a path that runs all the way around Lake Merced, so this should be manageable for everybody.

Roughly halfway through the loop around Lake Merced (2-2.5 miles), there is a port-a-potty and a couple water fountains if you need to make a pit stop.

After 2-2.5 miles, there is a decent stretch where you will be running slightly uphill, so pace yourself accordingly.

After completing a full loop of Lake Merced, you will have logged 4.5 MILES. Once you've finished a full loop around Lake Merced, head NORTH on Sunset Boulevard There is a path that runs parallel to Sunset Boulevard on the LEFT. This is where you want to run.

The cross streets are 'roughly' alphabetical so pay close attention to the cross streets as you are running. Beginner level runners will continue running up Sunset Boulevard until you reach the intersection of Sunset & Ulloa.

Continue running up Sunset past this intersection. Roughly half a mile later you will arrive at the intersection of Sunset & Quintara. Beginner level runners will turn around here and head back to the Lake Merced parking lot for 7 MILES!

Everyone else will continue running up Sunset Boulevard to the intersection of Sunset & Moraga. Intermediate level runners will turn around here and head back to the Lake Merced parking lot for 8 MILES!

Advanced and Race level runners will continue running up Sunset to the intersection of Sunset & Irving. Advanced around here and head back to the Lake Merced parking lot for 9 MILES!

 

Race level runners will continue running on Sunset towards Golden Gate Park. Eventually Sunset runs underneath an overpass (this is Lincoln you are running underneath) and right into Martin Luther King. Cross Martin Luther King and Take a RIGHT on the paved path that runs parallel to Martin Luther King.

You will continue on this path until you reach the intersection of MLK and 25th (this just over 3/4 of a mile from Sunset/MLK). You will be directly across from Elk Glen Lake. Look for a MM11 in chalk on the ground. Turn around here and head back to Lake Merced for 11 MILES!

Tuesday Presidio Run (8/27/13)

We're logging 3-6 miles. This is a pretty run through the Presidio, Crissy Field, and a little bit of the Marina (if you're doing 5-6). Here's a link to the course map-

Tuesday Run Course Map

We'll launch from Presidio Sport & Medicine and promptly take a left on Girard Avenue. After running a short distance (1/4 mile) on Girard, we'll run into Lincoln Ave. Turn right on Lincoln.

You'll continue on Lincoln into the Presidio past the San Francisco National Cemetery (it will be on your left) for about 3/4 of a mile until you reach the intersection of Lincoln/McDowell. This is a controlled, 4 way stop. Continue running along the shoulder of Lincoln.

Once you reach Lincoln/Crissy Field Avenue, you will have logged 1.5 MILES. Beginners turn around here and head back the way you came for 3 MILES.

Everyone else will head DOWN Crissy Field Avenue to Old Mason Street. Turn LEFT on Old Mason Street and head towards the Warming Hut. Upon reaching the Warming Hut, you will have logged 2 MILES. Intermediate runners will turn around here and head back the way you came for 4 MILES.

Advanced and Race level runners will continue past the Warming Hut to Hopper Hands. This is 2.5 MIILES. Advanced level runners will turn around here and head back the way you came for 5 MILES.

Race level runners will turn around at Hopper Hands and head back the way you came with a 'slight' wrinkle.

Rather than turning LEFT on Girard to head back to Presidio Sports Medicine, you will continue running on Lincoln which veers left and turns into Presidio. Follow Presidio until you reach the intersection of Presidio & Lombard.

Veer left and continue on Lombard until you reach Lombard Gate. Turn around here and head back to Presidio Sport & Medicine for 6 MILES!

Saturday Long Run (8/10/13)

You'll be logging 4-8 miles on Saturday depending upon your training level. Here's a link to the course map-

Saturday Long Run

We'll launch this run from Crissy Field and head out on the Marina Promenade towards the Warming Hut.

Upon reaching the Warming Hut, you will run past the Warming Hut and take an IMMEDIATE left to head towards LONG AVENUE. Long Avenue is effectively a short hill that heads up towards Lincoln.

Everyone will head up Long Avenue along the shoulder until you reach a stop sign. This is LINCOLN. Take a right on to the paved cyclist/pedestrian path and follow this path to your right. Stick to this path as it heads towards the Golden Gate Bridge.

You will follow the path for roughly 1/2-3/4 of a mile. There will be a few points at which the path may fork, but stick to the MAIN path. You will soon see the Golden Gate Bridge approaching.
 
You will reach a point where you can continue running and run underneath the bridge or take a hairpin LEFT and wind your way up to the pedestrian side of the bridge. You want to do the LATTER and turn left and head onto the pedestrian side of the bridge.  

PLEASE BE CAREFUL! THERE ARE TYPICALLY A REASONABLE NUMBER OF TOURISTS WHO AREN'T PAYING ATTENTION. BE SMART AND BE POLITE IF YOU NEED TO GET AROUND SOMEONE.

Continue running on the pedestrian side of bridge past the first tier/pillar of the bridge. Roughly 1/4 mile after passing said tier/pillar, you will see a MM4 in chalk on the sidewalk. Beginnner runners will turn around here and head back to the start for 4 MILES!

Everyone else will continue running. 1/2 a mile later (just shy of the 2nd tier/pillar of the bridge), you will see a MM5 in chalk on the sidewalk. Intermediate runners will turn around here and head back to the start for 5 MILES!

Advanced and Race level runners will continue to the end of the bridge to the Visitor Center. Stop here to grab some water, use the restroom, and/or take a gel, clif shot, etc. Everyone will turn around here and head back across the bridge.

Advanced level runners will have run 6 MILES upon returning to the start on Crissy Field!

Race level runners will continue past our starting point running EAST towards East Beach. Run past East beach into the parking lot for 'Little Marina Green'. Veer right through the volleyball court area onto Marina Boulevard. 

Run to the intersection of Marina/Broderick. Turn around here and head back the way you came for 8 MILES!

Tuesday Marina/Presidio Run (2/25/14)

Tuesday's run launches from Presidio Sport & Medicine at 1162B Gorgas Avenue. Here's a map link to the launch location-

Presidio Run Rendezvous Point

We're logging 2-5 miles. This is a pretty run through the Presidio, Crissy Field, and a little bit of the Marina (if you're doing 4-5). Here's a link to the course map-

Tuesday Presidio Run Course Map

We'll launch from Presidio Sport & Medicine and promptly take a left on Girard Avenue. After running a short distance (1/4 mile) on Girard, we'll run into Lincoln Ave. Turn right on Lincoln.

You'll continue on Lincoln into the Presidio past the San Francisco National Cemetery (it will be on your left).

Roughly 200 meters after you pass the cemetery you will see a MM2 on the ground in chalk. Beginners will turn around here and head back to the start for 2 MILES!.

Everyone else will continue to the intersection of Lincoln/McDowell. This is a controlled, 4 way stop. Turn right on Mcdowell and head downhill towards Old Mason Street.

Turn RIGHT on Old Mason Street and continue running on the paved pedestrian path until you reach the metal power box on YOUR LEFT. This is 1.5 miles. There will be a MM3 here in chalk as well. Intermediate turn around here and head back to Presidio Sport & Medicine for 3 MILES!

Advanced and Race level runners will continue running along Old Mason Street past Sports Basement (on your RIGHT). Shortly after passing Sports Basement, you will reach the intersection of Mason/Halleck. Crissy Field Center will be on your RIGHT. This is 2 miles. There will be a MM4 here in chalk as well. Advanced runners turn around here and head back to Presidio Sport & Medicine for 4 MILES!

Race level runners will continue running along Old Mason Street which eventually turns into Marina Boulevard. Shortly after you pass the volleyball court area (on your  LEFT), you will reach the intersection of Marina/Baker. This is 2.5 miles. Race runners will turn around here and head back to Presidio Sport & Medicine for 5 MILES!

Sunday Long Run Description (1/26/14)

We'll be launching Sunday's run from the same spot as we did last week on Crissy Field. We'll 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 Course Map

We'll head out along the Marina Promenade (the dirt path) towards the Warming Hut. As soon as you pass the Warming Hut (roughly 1/2 mile), take an immediate left and head towards Long Avenue.

You will head up Long Avenue for roughly 300 meters. Once you crest the hill, head LEFT on the paved bike path that runs parallel to Lincoln. You will be looking down onto Crissy Field, The Warming Hut, etc.

Continue running on the paved path on Lincoln for roughly 1/4 of a mile and you will see a narrow paved bike/pedestrian path (Patten Road) veer left and downhill. Follow this path.

You will run along this path for about a 1/4 of mile before the path reconnects with Lincoln. Continue running on the sidewalk adjacent to Lincoln.

Continue running along the sidewalk adjacent to Lincoln past the cemetery (on your right). Follow Lincoln as it veers left behind the Walt Disney Museum. Continue running on the sidewalk adjacent to Lincoln.


You will eventually reach the Transit Cafe at 215 Lincoln. Look for a MM4 in chalk here. EVERYONE will turn around here and head back towards our starting point. Feel free to use the restrooms and/or water fountain at the cafe before you turn around. Beginner runners will have completed 4 MILES upon returning to our starting point at Crissy Field!

Everyone else will continue running EAST on the Promenade towards East Beach. Upon reaching East Beach (roughly 1/2 mile later) you will see a large parking lot (East Beach parking lot) on your RIGHT. Intermediate runners will turn around here and head back to the start for 5 MILES!

Advanced and Race level runners will continue running past East Beach and eventually you will end up in a small parking lot by Little Marina Green. Veer RIGHT and follow the dirt path towards Marina Boulevard.

Take a LEFT on Marina Boulevard and head towards the Marina Green. At Marina & Divisadero, you will see a MM6 in chalk on the ground. Advanced runners will turn around here and head back to the start for 6 MILES!

Race level runners run just past the Marina Green until you see the Marina Fitness Court on your LEFT. Additionally, there will be a MM7 in chalk on the path. Turn around here and head back to the start for 7 MILES!

Tuesday Golden Gate Park Run Description (05/03/16)

We're wrapping things up the way we started with 2 miles! Here's a link to the course map-

Tuesday Course Map

Everyone will launch from the paved path at the top of the stairs leading down to the ballfields.

You will follow Martin Luther King until it connects with Bowling Green Drive. Veer left on Bowling Green Drive. After roughly 200 meters, you will reach a stop sign. Turn right on this stop sign and head towards John F Kennedy Drive.

Cross over to the RIGHT side of JFK and turn LEFT and head towards Ocean Beach (WEST) on JFK. Continue running along JFK into Golden Gate Park. 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.

Turn around here and head back the way you came for 2 MILES!

Tuesday Marina/Presidio Run (3/11/14)

We're launching from outside of Presidio Sport & Medicine located at 1162B Gorgas Avenue. You'll be covering 2-5 miles depending upon your training level.

Here's a link to the course map-

Tuesday's Marina/Presidio Run Course Map.

We'll launch from outside Presidio Sport & Medicine and promptly take a LEFT turn on Girard Avenue. We'll follow Girard until we hit Lincoln. Turn RIGHT on Lincoln and continue running into the Presidio.

Continue running on Lincoln past the cemetery on your left. Shortly after passing the cemetery, you will see a paved bike path that veers right and downhill slightly. Follow this path (AKA-Patten Road). Shortly after you follow this path you will see a 'MM2' in chalk on the ground. Beginner runners will turn around here and head back to where we started for 2 MILES!

Everyone else will continue running along this path which eventually heads uphill and connects with Lincoln. Continue running on the sidewalk/paved path on Lincoln and eventually you will reach the intersection of Lincoln and Crissy Field Avenue. This is 1.5 MILES. Look for a 'MM3' in chalk on the ground. Intermediate will turn around here and head back to Presidio Sport & Medicine for 3 MILES!

Advanced and Race level runners will continue running on the paved path adjacent to Lincoln and veer left (and uphill) towards the Golden Gate Bridge. You will run around the perimeter of a gravel parking lot and the paved path will curve to the left. Continue running on this paved path towards the bridge. Eventually, you will take a hairpin LEFT turn to head towards the pedestrian side of the bridge. Right before you reach the entrance to the pedestrian side of the bridge, you'll see a 'MM4' in chalk on the ground. Advanced level runners will turn around here and head back to the start for 4 MILES!
 
Race level runners will make their way onto the pedestrian side (east side) of the Golden Gate Bridge. continue running until you see a MM5 in chalk on the sidewalk just past the first tier/pillar of the bridge. Turn around here and head back to the start for 5 MILES!

Sunday's Long Run (7/21/13)

Our FINAL long run of the season is a 'mash up' of sorts that includes a little bit of everything we've covered this season. Click the link below for the course map-

Sunday's Course Map

We start our final long run on Crissy Field. We'll launch from the Marina Promenade and head towards the Warming Hut.

Upon reaching the Warming Hut, you will run past the Warming Hut and take an IMMEDIATE left to head towards LONG AVENUE. Long Avenue is effectively a short hill that heads up towards Lincoln.

Everyone will head up Long Avenue along the shoulder until you reach a stop sign. This is LINCOLN. Take a right on to the paved cyclist/pedestrian path and follow this path to your right. Stick to this path as it heads towards the Golden Gate Bridge.

You will follow the path for roughly 1/2-3/4 of a mile. There will be a few points at which the path may fork, but stick to the MAIN path. You will soon see the Golden Gate Bridge approaching.
 
You will reach a point where you can continue running and run underneath the bridge or take a hairpin LEFT and wind your way up to the pedestrian side of the bridge. You want to do the LATTER and turn left and head onto the pedestrian side of the bridge.  

PLEASE BE CAREFUL! THERE ARE TYPICALLY A REASONABLE NUMBER OF TOURISTS WHO AREN'T PAYING ATTENTION. BE SMART AND BE POLITE IF YOU NEED TO GET AROUND SOMEONE.

Everyone will continue to the end of the bridge to the Visitor Center. Stop here to grab some water, use the restroom, and/or take a gel, clif shot, etc. Everyone will turn around here and head back across the bridge.

You will eventually reach the intersection of Lincoln/Long. Continue RIGHT on Lincoln Ave. Follow Lincoln Avenue into the Presidio. You will win past the intersection of Lincoln/McDowell and continue past the cemetery. 

Continue running on Lincoln past the YMCA . Eventually Lincoln veers left and turns into Presidio. Follow Presidio until you reach the intersection of Presidio & Lombard.

Veer left and continue on Lombard until you reach Lombard Gate (this is effectively the intersection of Lombard/Lyon). Turn around here and head back to the intersection of Lincoln/Long.

By the time you reach Lincoln/Long, you will have logged close to 9 miles. Head down Long Avenue back towards the Warming Hut. Turn RIGHT at the Warming Hut and continue running along the Promenade until you reach the spot where we launched our run by Crissy Field. 

Veer RIGHT and continue running until you run into Mason Street. This is 10 MILES! Beginners are done!

Everyone else continues running along Mason Street. After roughly 1/2 mile, you will encounter a 'MM11' in chalk on the ground near the entrance to East Beach Parking Lot. Intermediate runners will turn around and head back to Sports Basement for 11 MILES!

Advanced and Race level runners will continue along Marina (Mason turns into Marina) Boulevard until you reach the intersection of Marina/Scott. This is a controlled intersection with stoplights. Advanced level runners will turn around here and head back to Sports Basement for 12 MILES!

Race level runners will continue running along Marina Boulevard. Run past the Marina Green Monkey Bars and up Fort Mason Hill. Crest Fort Mason Hill and run down the other side. Once you've reached the bottom of the hill, turn around and head back to Sports Basement for 14 MILES!

Tuesday Presidio Run (4/1)

Tuesday's run launches from Presidio Sport & Medicine at 1162B Gorgas Avenue. Here's a map link to the launch location-

Presidio Run Rendezvous Point

We're logging 4-7 miles. This is a pretty run through the Presidio, Crissy Field, and a little bit of the Marina (if you're doing 5-7). Here's a link to the course map-

  Tuesday Presidio Run Course Map

We'll launch from Presidio Sport & Medicine and promptly take a left on Girard Avenue. After running a short distance (1/4 mile) on Girard, we'll run into Lincoln Ave. Turn right on Lincoln.

You'll continue on Lincoln into the Presidio past the San Francisco National Cemetery (it will be on your left) for about 3/4 of a mile until you reach the intersection of Lincoln/McDowell. This is a controlled, 4 way stop. Turn right on Mcdowell and head downhill towards Old Mason Street.

Turn RIGHT on Old Mason Street and continue running on the paved pedestrian path until you reach the metal power box on YOUR LEFT. This is 1.5 miles.

Continue running along Old Mason Street past Sports Basement (on your RIGHT). Shortly after passing Sports Basement, you will reach the intersection of Mason/Halleck. Crissy Field Center will be on your RIGHT. This is 2 miles. There will be a MM4 here in chalk as well. Beginner runners turn around here and head back to Presidio Sport & Medicine for 4 MILES!

Everyone else will continue running along Old Mason Street which eventually turns into Marina Boulevard. Shortly after you pass the volleyball court area (on your  LEFT), you will reach the intersection of Marina/Broderick. This is 2.5 miles. Intermediate runners will turn around here and head back to Presidio Sport & Medicine for 5 MILES!

Advanced/Race level runners will continue to the Marina Green Monkey Bars (where we formerly congregated on Wednesday nights). This is 3 miles. Advanced level runners will turn around here and head back to Presidio Sport & Medicine for 6 MILES!

Race level runners will continues past the monkey bars and head up Fort Mason Hill. Crest Fort Mason Hill, turn around, and head back to Presidio Sport & Medicine for 7 MILES!  
 

Epic Run #4-Top of the World!

Epic Run #4 is called 'Top of the World'. We launch from the Presidio Sports Basement located at 610 Old Mason Street.

We will cross the bridge and head up into the Marin Headlands for a simply STAGGERING view of the Bay Area halfway through our run. From there, we'll turn around and head back to the Basement for some celebratory refreshments!

Epic Run #4-Top of the World Course Map!

Here's a description of the course we'll be traveling...

-We'll head out on the paved path on Mason Street and head towards the Warming Hut. 
-Upon reaching the Warming Hut(roughly 2 miles), you will run past the Warming Hut and take an IMMEDIATE left to head towards LONG AVENUE. Long Avenue is effectively a short hill that heads up towards Lincoln.
-Everyone will head up Long Avenue along the shoulder until you reach a stop sign. This is LINCOLN. Take a right on to the paved cyclist/pedestrian path and follow this path to your right. -Stick to this path as it heads towards the Golden Gate Bridge.
-You will follow the path for roughly 1/2-3/4 of a mile. There will be a few points at which the path may fork, but stick to the MAIN path. You will soon see the Golden Gate Bridge approaching.
  -You will reach a point where you can continue running and run underneath the bridge or take a hairpin LEFT and wind your way up to the pedestrian side of the bridge. You want to do the LATTER and turn left and head onto the pedestrian side of the bridge.  
-PLEASE BE CAREFUL! THERE ARE TYPICALLY A REASONABLE NUMBER OF TOURISTS WHO AREN'T PAYING ATTENTION. BE SMART AND BE POLITE IF YOU NEED TO GET AROUND SOMEONE.
-Everyone will continue to the end of the bridge to the Visitor Center. This is roughly 3.25 MILES. Stop here to grab some water, use the restroom, and/or take a gel, clif shot, etc. if you need to.
-Adjacent to the parking area by the pedestrian side of the bridge there is a set of stairs that goes down and underneath the bridge. Look for the chalk markings and run underneath the bridge to the other side.
-Once on the other side of the bridge, veer left and run along the paved sidewalk directly onto SCA Trail. Again, look for chalk markings directing you where to go.
-Follow SCA Trail uphill (be advised, this trail is fairly steep) for .25 of a mile until you cross Conzelman Road (watch out for traffic). Continue running on SCA Trail.
-SCA Trail continues uphill for roughly a mile until you reach a T-intersection where you have the choice of following Coastal Trail right or left. FOLLOW COASTAL TRAIL RIGHT for roughly .25 miles. 
-You will see a rocky path that veers RIGHT and UPHILL. Follow this path to the TOP OF THE WORLD! Take in the view, take a breather, take a few pictures, and head back to the Sports Basement the way you came!

Wednesday Presidio Run (3/5/14)

Wednesday's run launches from Presidio Sport & Medicine at 1162B Gorgas Avenue. Here's a map link to the launch location-

Presidio Run Rendezvous Point

We're logging 4-7 miles. This is a pretty run through the Presidio, Crissy Field, and more. Here's a link to the course map-

Wednesday Presidio Run Course Map

We'll launch from Presidio Sport & Medicine and promptly take a left on Girard Avenue. Shortly after making this turn, you will turn LEFT on Funston Ave (This is just past the Presidio YMCA on your left).

Follow Funston uphill slightly until you run into Moraga. Turn RIGHT on Moraga. Continue on Moraga until you reach Montgomery. Turn RIGHT on Montgomery.

Follow Montgomery until you reach Lincoln. Turn LEFT on Lincoln. Follow Lincoln past the cemetery and through the intersection of Lincoln/Mcdowell. You will be looking down over Crissy Field.

Once you reach Lincoln/Crissy Field Avenue, you will have logged 2 MILES. Beginners turn around here and head back the way you came for 4 MILES.

Everyone else will head DOWN Crissy Field Avenue to Old Mason Street. Turn LEFT on Old Mason Street and head towards the Warming Hut. Upon reaching the Warming Hut, you will have logged 2.5 MILES. Intermediate runners will turn around here and head back the way you came for 5 MILES.

Advanced and Race level runners will continue past the Warming Hut to Hopper Hands. This is 3 MILES. Advanced level runners will turn around here and head back the way you came for 6 MILES.

Race level runners will turn around at Hopper Hands and head back the way you came with a 'slight' wrinkle.

Rather than turning LEFT on Girard to head back to Presidio Sports Medicine, you will continue running on Lincoln which veers left and turns into Presidio. Follow Presidio until you reach the intersection of Presidio & Lombard.


Veer left and continue on Lombard until you reach Lombard Gate. Turn around here and head back to Presidio Sport & Medicine for 7 MILES!

Sunday Long Run (7/7/13)

We'll be covering 8-12 miles this Sunday. Our journey launches from outside Sports Basement on Crissy Field.

Click the map link below to take a closer look at what we'll be tackling-

Sunday's Long Run Course Map

We'll head out on the paved path on Mason Street and head towards the Warming Hut. Upon reaching the Warming Hut(roughly 2 miles), you will run past the Warming Hut and take an IMMEDIATE left to head towards LONG AVENUE. Long Avenue is effectively a short hill that heads up towards Lincoln.

Everyone will head up Long Avenue along the shoulder until you reach a stop sign. This is LINCOLN. Take a right on to the paved cyclist/pedestrian path and follow this path to your right. Stick to this path as it heads towards the Golden Gate Bridge.

You will follow the path for roughly 1/2-3/4 of a mile. There will be a few points at which the path may fork, but stick to the MAIN path. You will soon see the Golden Gate Bridge approaching.
 
You will reach a point where you can continue running and run underneath the bridge or take a hairpin LEFT and wind your way up to the pedestrian side of the bridge. You want to do the LATTER and turn left and head onto the pedestrian side of the bridge.  

PLEASE BE CAREFUL! THERE ARE TYPICALLY A REASONABLE NUMBER OF TOURISTS WHO AREN'T PAYING ATTENTION. BE SMART AND BE POLITE IF YOU NEED TO GET AROUND SOMEONE.

Everyone will continue to the end of the bridge to the Visitor Center. This is roughly 3.25 MILES. Stop here to grab some water, use the restroom, and/or take a gel, clif shot, etc. Everyone will turn around here and head back across the bridge and head back towards Sports Basement.

Once you've returned to the starting point of our run, you will continue running on Mason Street EAST towards the Marina. Look for the intersection of Marina/Baker which is directly across from the volleyball court area (on your left). Beginners will turn around here and return to Sports Basement for 8 MILES!

Everyone else will continue running along Marina Boulevard towards the Marina Green Monkey Bars. Look for the intersection of Marina/Fillmore. Intermediate runners will turn around here and head back to Sports Basement for 9 MILES!

Advanced and Race level runners will continue past Marina/Fillmore. Continue along Marina Boulevard past the Marina Safeway (on your right) and up Fort Mason Hill. Upon cresting Fort Mason Hill, Advanced runners will turn around and head back to Sports Basement for 10 MILES!

Race level runners will head down Fort Mason Hill into Aquatic Park. Run through Aquatic Park into Fisherman's Wharf. Be careful in Fisherman's Wharf as it will likely be crowded. You will be on Jefferson Street. 

Run to the intersection of Jefferson/Powell. Turn around here and head back to Sports Basement for 12 MILES!

Epic Run #3-A Run in the Park...

Epic Run #3 is called 'A Run in the Park'. We launch from the Beach Chalet, but we'll be covering very different territory than we did last week.

We will cover most of our miles in Golden Gate Park, but there are a number of detours/side trips, so review the map and description carefully. This one is about 9.5 miles long. We will start/finish at The Beach Chalet parking lot located at 1000 Great Highway @ Ocean Beach

Epic Run #3-A Run in the Park Course Map!

Here's a description of the course we'll be traveling...

-We'll head behind the Beach Chalet and follow the dirt trail towards Lincoln. After roughly half a mile, the trail will run into Martin Luther King adjacent to the windmill. 
-Take a quick RIGHT turn and head towards Lincoln. Take a LEFT turn on the dirt trail parallel to Lincoln.
-Follow the dirt trail for roughly two miles until you reach 16th Avenue. Take a RIGHT on 16th Avenue. 
-Follow 16th Avenue for just over half a mile (you will climb a decent set of stairs to continue on 16th) until you reach Moraga. 
-Take a LEFT on Moraga and head up the 'Mosaic Steps' to the top of Grand View Park. Take in the EPIC view and head down the other side of Grand View Park and run to Funston Ave. 
-Turn LEFT on Funston and follow Funston for just over half a mile until you reach Lincon Ave.
-Turn RIGHT on Lincoln until you reach 9th Avenue. Turn LEFT on 9th Avenue and continue running through Golden Gate Park via Martin Luther King. 
-After roughly 1/2 a mile you will turn RIGHT onto Stow Lake Drive and head up towards Stow Lake. Head WEST around Stow Lake. Head downhill towards JFK. 
-Turn RIGHT on JFK off Stow Lake Drive. Run along JFK for roughly 1/4 of a mile. Take a LEFT towards the Rose Garden. 
-Run roughly 200 meters through the Rose Garden and then take a sharp right turn onto the dirt trail.
-Follow this dirt trail roughly 1/4 of a mile until you run into JFK. Turn RIGHT on JFK. 
-Continue running on JFK for roughly 3/4 of a mile until you reach JFK/Transverse. Take a RIGHT on Transverse and then shortly after take a LEFT onto the dirt trail. 
-Follow the dirt trail for just over 1/2 a mile until you run into Lake Spreckels. Take a LEFT on Lake Spreckels until you run back into JFK. 
-Run DIRECTLY across JFK towards the Golden Gate Park Polo Field. Do a loop around the polo field and head back to JFK. 
-Turn LEFT on JFK and follow until you run into a T-intersection (JFK/Bernice Rodgers Way). Turn RIGHT to continue running on JFK towards the Beach Chalet. 
-Continue on JFK until you reach the Great Highway. Turn LEFT on Great Highway and return to the Beach Chalet!

Tuesday Golden Gate Park Run (04/26/16)

You will be logging between 3-6 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.

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. Beginners will turn around here and head back to ballfields for 3 MILES!

Everyone else will continue running along the 'Oak' side of the panhandle. Once you have reached Oak and Lyon Street, you have logged 2 miles. Intermediate runners will turn around here and head back to the ballfields for 4 MILES!

Advanced and 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. Advanced runners will turn around here and head back to the ballfields for 5 MILES!

Race level runners will continue running along the Fell side of the panhandle until you reach the intersection of Fell/Stanyan. Turn RIGHT on Stanyan and follow Stanyan NORTH until you reach the intersection of Stanyan/Fulton. This is 3 miles. Race level runners will turn around here and head back the way you came for a total of 6 MILES!

Tuesday Presidio Run (3/18/14)

Wednesday's run launches from Presidio Sport & Medicine at 1162B Gorgas Avenue. Here's a map link to the launch location-

Presidio Run Rendezvous Point

We're logging 3-6 miles. This is a pretty run through the Presidio, Crissy Field, and a little bit of the Marina (if you're doing 5-6). Here's a link to the course map-

Tuesday Presidio Run Course Map

We'll launch from Presidio Sport & Medicine and promptly take a left on Girard Avenue. After running a short distance (1/4 mile) on Girard, we'll run into Lincoln Ave. Turn right on Lincoln.

You'll continue on Lincoln into the Presidio past the San Francisco National Cemetery (it will be on your left) for about 3/4 of a mile until you reach the intersection of Lincoln/McDowell. This is a controlled, 4 way stop. Turn right on Mcdowell and head downhill towards Old Mason Street.

Turn RIGHT on Old Mason Street and continue running on the paved pedestrian path until you reach the metal power box on YOUR LEFT. This is 1.5 miles. There will be a MM3 here in chalk as well. Beginners turn around here and head back to Presidio Sport & Medicine for 3 MILES!

Everyone else will continue running along Old Mason Street past Sports Basement (on your RIGHT). Shortly after passing Sports Basement, you will reach the intersection of Mason/Halleck. Crissy Field Center will be on your RIGHT. This is 2 miles. There will be a MM4 here in chalk as well. Intermediate runners turn around here and head back to Presidio Sport & Medicine for 4 MILES!

Advanced and Race level runners will continue running along Old Mason Street which eventually turns into Marina Boulevard. Shortly after you pass the volleyball court area (on your  LEFT), you will reach the intersection of Marina/Broderick. This is 2.5 miles. Advanced runners will turn around here and head back to Presidio Sport & Medicine for 5 MILES!

Race level runners will continue to the Marina Green Monkey Bars. This is 3 miles. Turn around here and head back to Presidio Sport & Medicine for 6 MILES!

Epic Run #2-Conquer The Coast

Epic Run #2 is called 'Conquer The Coast'. Similar to Epic Run #1, this course includes a little bit of everything. We'll spend some time on Land's End Trail, explore the Sea Cliff neighborhood, do a few side trips for some spectacular views, and more!

This one is about 8.5 miles long. We will start/finish at The Beach Chalet parking lot located at 1000 Great Highway @ Ocean Beach

Epic Run #2-Conquer the Coast Course Map!

Here's a description of the course we'll be traveling...

-We'll get things started with the 'Chariots of Fire' warmup. We'll log one mile out/back on Ocean Beach. We'll run roughly from in front of the Beach Chalet to Great Highway/Lawton before turning around and heading back. 
-Head NORTH on the sidewalk adjacent to the Great Highway uphill towards the Cliff House. 
-Shortly after cresting the hill and passing the Cliff House, you will veer LEFT onto Sutro Baths Upper Trail. 
-Sutro Baths Upper Trail will connect to Lands End Trail after roughly .25 mile. Continue running on Lands End Trail
-After running on Lands End Trail for roughly 3/4 of a mile, you will veer LEFT for a quick detour to Eagle Point Labyrinth. Turn around at Eagle Point and come back to Lands End Trail. 
-Turn LEFT on Lands End Trail and continue running until you end on Camino Del Mar.
-Follow El Camino Del Mar until you run into Sea Cliff Ave. Take a sharp LEFT turn and head down Sea Cliff Ave. to China Beach Park.Turn around and come back up Sea Cliff Avenue. 
-Continue on Sea Cliff Avenue until you run into 27th Ave. Take a RIGHT on 27th and then take another RIGHT to get back on El Camino Del Mar. Continue running on El Camino Del Mar.
-Continue on Camino Del Mar PAST the entrance to Land's End Trail and continue until you reach the Legion of Honor on your LEFT. Do a quick loop through the Legion of Honor parking lot and continue running WEST on El Camino Del Mar.
-El Camino Del Mar runs into the main parking lot for Land's End Trail. Veer left through the parking lot and continue running on El Camino Del Mar until you run into Point Lobos Ave. 
-Turn RIGHT on Point Lobos Ave. and downhill towards the Cliff House.
-Once past the Cliff House, continue running downhill and Point Lobos Ave. turns into Great Highway.
-Follow the Great Highway back to the Beach Chalet!

Wednesday Presidio Run (3/19/14)

We're launching from outside of Presidio Sport & Medicine located at 1162B Gorgas Avenue. You'll be covering 3-6 miles depending upon your training level.

Here's a link to the course map-

Wednesday's Presidio Run Course Map.

We'll launch from outside Presidio Sport & Medicine and promptly take a LEFT turn on Girard Avenue. We'll follow Girard until we hit Lincoln. Turn RIGHT on Lincoln and continue running into the Presidio.

Continue running on Lincoln past the cemetery to the intersection of Lincoln/McDowell. This is a controlled intersection with a 4 way stop. Continue through this intersection on Lincoln and eventually you will reach the intersection of Lincoln and Crissy Field Avenue. This is 1.5 MILES. Beginners will turn around here and head back to Presidio Sport & Medicine for 3 MILES!

Everyone else will continue running on the paved path adjacent to Lincoln and veer left (and uphill) towards the Golden Gate Bridge. You will run around the perimeter of a gravel parking lot and the paved path will curve to the left. Continue running on this paved path.


Roughly 200 meters after passing the parking lot, you will see a MM4 in chalk in the middle of the path. Intermediate runners will turn around and head back to Presidio Sport & Medicine for 4 MILES!

Advanced and Race level runners will continue along the paved path towards the Golden Gate Bridge. Make your way onto the pedestrian side (east side) of the Golden Gate Bridge. continue running until you see a MM5 in chalk on the sidewalk. Advanced level runners will turn around here and head back to Presidio Sport & Medicine for 5 MILES!

Race levels runners will continue for another half a mile until you see a MM6  in chalk on the sidewalk.  Turn around here and head back to Presidio Sport & Medicine for 6 MILES!

Wednesday Marina/Presidio Run (2/19/14)

Wednesday's Marina/Presidio run launches from Presidio Sport & Medicine at 1162B Gorgas Avenue. Here's a map link to the launch location-

Wednesday Run Rendezvous Point

We're logging 3-6 miles. This is a pretty run through the Presidio, Crissy Field, and a little bit of the Marina (if you're doing 5-6). Here's a link to the course map-

Wednesday Run Course Map

We'll launch from Presidio Sport & Medicine and promptly take a left on Girard Avenue. After running a short distance (1/4 mile) on Girard, we'll run into Lincoln Ave. Turn right on Lincoln.

You'll continue on Lincoln into the Presidio past the San Francisco National Cemetery (it will be on your left) for about 3/4 of a mile until you reach the intersection of Lincoln/McDowell. This is a controlled, 4 way stop. Turn right on Mcdowell and head downhill towards Old Mason Street.

Once you reach the bottom of the hill where McDowell intersects with Old Mason Street, turn left onto the paved path on the opposite side of Old Mason Street.

When you are in front of House of Air (926 Old Mason St)., you will have logged 1.5 miles. Beginners will turn around and head back to Presidio Sport/Medicine for 3 MILES.

Everyone else will continue running along the paved path until it intersects with a dirt path. Take a sharp right here and continue running on the dirt path (also known as the San Francisco Bay Trail or Marina Promenade).

Continue running along this trail/path for just under half a mile. As soon as you are nearly parallel to Sports Basement (it will be on your right), look for a little path that veers to the right towards Mason Street. This is 2 MILES.  Intermediate runners will turn around here and head back to Presidio Sport & Medicine for 4 MILES.

Advanced and Race level runners will continue running along the path towards East Beach. Just as you reach the beginning of East Beach parking lot you will have logged 2.5 MILES. Advanced runners will turn around here and head back to Presidio Sport & Medicine for 5 MILES.

Race level runners will continue past East Beach and run through the volleyball court area to get onto Marina Boulevard. Continue on Marina Boulevard until you hit the intersection of Marina & Divisadero. This is a controlled intersection. Once you reach this intersection, you will have logged 3 MILES. Turn around here and head back to Presidio Sport & Medicine for 6 MILES.

Epic Run #1-Taste The Trail...

Epic Run #1 is called 'Taste The Trail'. While this run is not exclusively on the trails, a reasonable amount of it takes place on the trails. That being said, these are not super technical trails. So, a pair of standard road running shoes will likely work just fine.

This one is about 9.5 miles long. We will start/finish at Sports Basement. Rest assured, there will be snacks, drinks, and more at the end of this EPIC run! :)

Epic Run #1-Taste The Trail Course Map!

Here's a description of the course we'll be traveling...

-Turn left onto Old Mason Street from Sports Basement pkg lot and follow for roughly half a mile until you reach the intersection of Mason/Crissy Field Ave. Turn LEFT (look for the ‘E’ in chalk) and head up McDowell Avenue.
-Run to the intersection of McDowell/Lincoln (this is a controlled intersection w/stop signs)
-Run directly across the street into ‘Park Trail’ (there is signage). Follow Park Trail LEFT and continue to Amatury Loop (look for signs). Take a RIGHT on Bay Area Ridge Trail at Amatury Loop  & cross Park Blvd on Bay Area Ridge Trail

-At Rob Hill Campground follow Access Road LEFT to Washington Blvd

-Follow Trail LEFT on Washington Blvd. to the Immigration Point Overlook (on the WEST side of Washington. At Immigrant Point Overlook take STAIRS down & Cross Lincoln Blvd.

-Turn LEFT once you've crossed Lincoln and run along the trail adjacent to the shoulder of the road overlooking the ocean.

-Run for roughly 1/4-1/2 mile until you see a trail on your right heading downhill. Veer right and follow this trail down towards Baker Beach.

-At the bottom of the hill, the trail veers LEFT in front of some bunkers adjacent to Baker Beach. Run past these bunkers and into the parking lot for Baker Beach.

-Run through the parking lot and follow Battery Chamberlain Road to Gibson Road. Turn LEFT on Gibson Road and head uphill until you reach Bowley Street. Turn RIGHT on Bowley Street and follow Bowley until it connects with Lincoln/El Camino Del Mar.

-Follow Lincoln/El Camino Del Mar RIGHT towards Seacliff.

-You will run along El Camino Del Mar until you reach Land's End Trail.

-Continue running on Land's End Trail all the way to the Land's End Lookout Visitor Center. You can use the restrooms/water fountains here before turning around and heading back.

-Follow Land's End Trail back to El Camino Del Mar.

-Follow El Camino Del Mar back in the direction of Baker Beach. Get on the RIGHT SIDE of El Camino Del Mar when you reach 25th Street.

-Just prior to Bowley Street you will see a parking lot and some buildings on your RIGHT. 

-Turn RIGHT (look for chalk markings) onto Lobos Creek Trail. This is a wooden pathway that you will follow behind the parking lot/buildings. 

-Eventually Lobos Creek Trail (the wooden portion) dead ends into a dirt/sand trail that you will follow RIGHT. Follow this dirt/sand trail until you run into Wedemeyer Street. 

-Turn LEFT onto Wedemeyer Street. Wedemeyer turns into Battery Caufield Road. 

-Follow Battery Caufield Road until you run into Washington Blvd. Turn RIGHT on Washington Blvd.

-Follow Washington for a short stretch (1/4-1/2 mile) until you see a road to the left. This is Compton. Turn LEFT on Compton and follow this road until it runs directly into a trail. This is Park Trail.

-Turn RIGHT onto Park Trail. Follow Park Trail back to Lincoln/Mcdowell and head back to Sports Basement!