I did a lot of running in San Francisco...the most running I have ever done in a vacation locale!
It was simply a running utopia and I can't wait to go back. Weather = prefect...trails = pure awesome! Below is a synopsis...
Run 1: Market Street, The Embarcadero, Crissy Field, Chinatown, Little Italy
Started from Union Square, headed South to Market Street through financial district. Followed Market Street to The Embarcadero at Ferry Terminal. Followed Embarcadero to Pier 39/Fisherman's Wharf and observed eerie quietness of tourist area without tourists (or homeless beggars). On to Fort Mason overlook and then to Crissy Field for pure bliss watching other runners (and dogs) with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. After pausing for a moment (or two) to admire the view, I hesitantly make a u-turn to head back toward center city. Instead of heading back to Market Street, I decide to hang a right at Powell since that will take me to Union Sq (shortcut)? This leads me up a hill toward Little Italy and then Chinatown (and another hill)! Needless to say, the hills DON'T STOP. Finally, I reach a plateau and head down the home stretch back to Union Sq. Distance: 9.2 mi.
Run 2: Market Street, The Embarcadero Loop
Started again from Union Square. Quick run today following same path as above but stopped just after Fisherman's Wharf at Old Casino. However, I made the complete loop back up Market. No Powell Street hill for me this time! Distance: 6.1 mi.
Run 3: The Marina, Crissy Field, Golden Gate Bridge, Cable Car
Today was perfection. Woke up around 4:45 AM (PST). Left Union Square hotel in a cab to get jump start from Fort Mason. Warmed up at Fort Mason and Marina while still in the dark. Headed toward Crissy Field and saw groups in training from local Road Runners club as well as Tai Chi. Continued along Crissy Field to Fort Point and then up trail to bridge crossing/toll plaza/gift shop. Time was 6:45 AM. Headed out across bridge and was in awe of calmness and clarity of the sky. Water beneath also relatively calm. Noted crisis signs along bridge and seismic retrofit zones. Stopped to watch sunrise at mid-bridge (beautiful). Upon crossing, stopped at Vista Point for some hydration and views of San Francisco skyline across bay. Knowing I had to run back there, geared up for the second leg. The way back was much quicker partially due to fewer photo ops and downhills vs uphills. Ran reverse to Fort Mason then slightly beyond to Ghiradelli Square. Caught a cable car donated by Atari! back to Union Square to check out of hotel and then to SFO for flight back East. This was by far a signature run and maybe the best ever tied with the Potomac/National Mall run in DC! Distance: 11.3 mi.
