Sunday, October 06, 2013

Saturday's Hot & Hilly 12-mile Training Walk


Saturday's Route

After returning home from our vacation in Africa on Thursday afternoon, I was ready and excited for Saturday's 12-mile training walk! It was a hot and hilly day, plus we walked in some of the hotter microclimates/neighborhoods in our fair City. We finished around 1:30pm, at which time, the temps were in the low 80s. Phew!

We met at the Sports Basement in Potrero at 7:15am. We met in a different part of the city than usual, as we had a site visit at The Charlotte Maxwell Complementary Clinic, one of our event beneficiaries at 8:30am.


Outside the Bryant Street Sports Basement

Linda took advantage of our new starting point, and took us in areas (and staircases and hills!) that we haven't had a chance to try before. We started off in the Potrero Hill and Mission Districts.


First time on these stairs! This is one of the more urban views we had from any staircases we've walked on!


Michele, saving a (large) spider, and her web, but making a protective barrier for the rest of us to walk around

The Charlotte Maxwell Complementary Clinic is on Mission Street, just two blocks from where I used to live (and I never knew it was there). We had a wonderful visit with some of the staff, as they explained the history of the clinic, and the type of services that they offer. The Charlotte Maxwell Complementary Clinic is a state licensed health clinic providing free complementary alternative medical treatments to low-income women with cancer. Their services include acupuncture, Chinese herbs, Western herbs, homeopathy, massage, and therapeutic imagery. They offer relief from the terrible side effects of cancer and its treatments — pain, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite — and enhance the immune systems and the quality of life of their clients. Complementary alternative medical (CAM) treatments are rarely covered under health care plans. Without the services provided by the CMCC, low-income women with cancer would not have access to these beneficial treatments.


Our visit at Charlotte Maxwell Complementary Clinic


Some of the herbs offered by Charlotte Maxwell Complementary Clinic

After our visit at the Charlotte Maxwell Complementary Clinic, we continued in the Mission, through Dolores Park, and into the Castro! At one point, we were just a block away from my house. :)


The Blue Girls


I love this mural in the Mission

We climbed to the top of Kite Hill Park, where we had a beautiful and clear view of the Downtown San Francisco.


Fun shot at the top of Kite Hill


One top of Kite Hill, looking down to SF

After we left Kite Hill Park, we continued climbing UP to Market Street, which becomes Portola Drive, which has yet another beautiful view of San Francisco.


looking good on Portola - getting photo-bombed by San Francisco!

We had our lunch break at the Mollie Stones on Portola, then made our way down to Glen Canyon Park. This is such a neat trail - you would never know it was in the middle of a big city.


trail walking in Glen Canyon Park

We came out in Glen Park, which is such a cute neighborhood. All day, we noticed a lot of fun Halloween decorations. This was one of the creepiest!


creepy Halloween decorations!


in contrast, here is a beautiful tile mosaic on the same block!

We walked through the Bernal Heights neighborhood.


rounding around Bernal Hill


Linda, catching air, at Bernal Hill

For the first time, Linda took us up Ripley Street in Bernal Heights - it is one of the top 10 steepest hills in San Francisco!


Ripley Street, from the bottom, looking up!

At first glance, it didn't seem much steeper than any of the other steep streets we've climbed.

However, once we got going, it was amazing how much you could tell the difference! This was a steep one!


View from the top of Ripley Street

We made it back to Sports Basement around 1:30. It was in the low 80s at this point, but we all made it through with flying colors!


The beautiful Lizelle, delivering the gorgeous gift basket (with V. Sattui Wines!) that she made and is donating for my big raffle drawing next week! Thank you, Lizelle!


Saturday's Stats

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