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..
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Thursday, September 05, 2013
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.
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!
Thursday, August 29, 2013
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.
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!
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!
Monday, August 26, 2013
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!
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!
Thursday, August 08, 2013
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!
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!
Monday, August 05, 2013
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!
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!
Thursday, August 01, 2013
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!
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!
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