Saturday, August 30, 2014

Saturday's Epic 20-mile Training Walk around San Francisco!


Saturday's Route

I'm in my fifth year of doing training walks, and I have to say: this weekend's walks were a doozy! Linda even said before we started that the 36-miles between Saturday and Sunday's walks would be EPIC. She wasn't kidding! I'm not sure if we've ever done so many steep hills and stairs during a longer walk (more than 12 miles) before, back to back! We were all up for the challenge though, and had a great time!

It was a GORGEOUS day! I needed a ride in the morning, so Sandy, Monica and Mary all picked me up at 5:40am. Yep, still dark out! Sandy and Monica have a ritual of starting their walking mornings at the Peet's coffee shop on Chestnut Street, so we drove over there, and Linda was already there.


early morning girls at the coffee shop

We met at the Transit Cafe at 6:30am, and were off by 6:45. As we walked along Crissy Field, we were able to witness a gorgeous sunset over the San Francisco Skyline.


Beautiful sunset over Alcatraz (to the left) and San Francisco


Early morning Golden Gate Bridge


the sunset makes for some very dramatic photos!

We walked down Crissy Field, through Fisherman's Wharf, and along the Embarcadero.


early Morning Bay Bridge

We continued along the Embarcadero, past AT&T Park, and eventually into Potrero Hill. We had a short break at the Whole Foods around mile 9, then continued UP into the hills of Potrero Hill, through the Mission, and to Dolores Park.


The top corner of Dolores Park - one of my favorite views of the City. This was roughly at mile 10


Linda likes to take photos of all of us jumping together. This photo cracks me up. Not sure how I had the energy to jump that high!


The top of Duboce Ave, near Buena Vista Park

We walked through the Castro, across to Duboce Park, then into the Richmond. We had our 14 mile break at the Andronico's.

One of our beloved past walkers, Alycia, and her husband, Robin, and son, Kevin, volunteered for route support for the day! Yes, they met us at 6:30am, and were with us the entire day. They made their car available in case anyone needed a break, and also fed us with homemade goodies and snacks all day long! Thank you, Alycia, Robin and Kevin! You are all AMAZING, and we really appreciate your love and support!!


Robin, near the table of food that Alycia had prepared


Just a small sampling of the food Alycia prepared for us. These were stuffed mushrooms and figs! SOOOO Yummy!!


Mama Alycia and Kevin

Did I mention what a nice day it was in San Francisco? The temperature only ranged from the mid-60s in the early morning to the mid-70s by early afternoon. It was clear and warm. We made sure to remember sunscreen!


Golden Gate Bridge from Baker Beach - around mile 17

We continued to walk up to Inspiration Point, where Alycia and Kevin had one more surprise for us: Alycia's homemade Cake Pops! So amazing!!


Kevin and Alycia with their Cake Pops!

We made our way through the Presidio back to our cars at the Transit Cafe. We kept a really good pace all day, and even finished a little bit early! Amazing day with some amazing friends.


Saturday's Stats

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