Sunday Long Run Description (06/30/13)

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-

Sunday's Long Run Course Map

Below is a description of the route:

B-7 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. Continue running on the LEFT side of JFK past the Flower Observatory.

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. There will be a 'MM7' in chalk on the ground. Turn around here and head back to the Beach Chalet for 7 MILES!

I-8 MILES.

Everyone else 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 'MM 8' in chalk in the middle of the road. Intermediate runners will turn around here and head back to the Beach Chalet for 8 MILES!

A-9 MILES.

Advanced level runners will also turn around at Oak/Central and return to the Beach Chalet. To pick up your additional mileage, you will run along the Great Highway until your reach the intersection of Great Highway and Lincoln. This is a controlled intersection with stoplights. Look for a 'MM9' in chalk at this intersection. Turn around here and head back to the Beach Chalet for 9 MILES!

R-10 MILES

Race level runners will also turn around at Oak/Central and return to the Beach Chalet. To pick up your additional mileage, you will run along the Great Highway until your reach the intersection of Great Highway and Lawton. There will be a 'MM10' in chalk at this intersection. Turn around here and head back to the Beach Chalet for 10 MILES!