Wildcard Run (Peaks & Plateaus)-07/19/2018

From Coach Toby.....

The first time I got in a running slump, I felt like a chump.

The couple of other times this has occurred, I felt more like a knucklehead as I knew how and why I ended up there. All were lessons (or developmental opportunities as Matt likes to say) I learned from.

Have you ever got into a running rut? Bumped into a period of stagnation where mentally or physically nothing is going your way?

This may sound familiar. Some runner somewhere is always in this space. A dip in motivation. A shift from runner’s high to “ugh, this is a morning or afternoon chore.”

Before tonight’s run, we’ll talk a little bit about this phenomenon, why it’s sometimes a good thing, and how to nip it in the bud.

The workout

We shift from last Thursday’s Golden Gate Park’s flats back to the city’s magnificent hills. We’ll focus on improving our hill running stamina, form and technique, up and then down San Francisco’s second highest peaks.

After a 5-10 minute warm up, we’ll do a 4.5 mile (total distance) out-and-back run to Twin Peaks. Enjoy the views. Watch for bikes & cars along the way.

Please review the route map via this link:

https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/2155935571

Directions:

- Exit Kezar Stadium’s west entrance and turn left.
- At Frederick St, turn left.
- At Clayton Street, turn right.
- Run up Clayton on the sidewalk along the right side of the street.
- Cross 17th St. Stay right on sidewalk and slight right to merge onto Twin Peaks Blvd.
- After passing Tank Hill on your right (a grassy rocky outcrop), turn left to stay on Twin Peaks Blvd. You’ll see signs there directing you to Twin Peaks.
- Running on the right side of the road, take Twin Peaks Blvd to the tippy-top.
- When you reach the top of Twin Peaks, summit one or both hills. (Your choice! One is great but please let me suggest two as both provide stellar and unique views.)
- Retrace your steps back to Kezar Stadium. Celebrate your badassery!