Sunday's Equally Epic 16-mile Training Walk

Sunday's Route

Another epic 16-miles filled with hills and stairs! After Saturday's 20-mile walk, we were ready for another grand adventure. We had gone to similar locations on another walk about a month ago, but Linda mixed it up and surprised us with lots of new stairs and trails. And stairs. And Steep Hills.

Did I mention the stairs?

There was one leg in Glenn Park neighborhood where we had four very steep and long lengths of stairs. Just as we made it to the top of one, we'd look across the street and see another. And another. It was really quite amazing!

Buns of Steel, Baby.

By the end of the day, my Fitbit reported that I had climbed 243 floors. The default goal is 10 per day.

So, let's see - we started off in the Presidio, went out to Arguello, to Fulton, to Stanyan and Parnassus. We had our first break at UCSF.

We were lucky to once again have volunteer route support! This time, our friend, Shaheen, who trained with us two years ago, and her husband, Srini, spent their day with us. They drove along our route, brought us food and water, and offered a car in case anyone needed it. We so appreciate having route support on these long walks. Thank you, Shaheen and Srini!!

I realized at the end of the day that I didn't take as many photos as I usually do. I think the reason is that we had so many stairs and hills, that I just had to focus on going up, and couldn't put my energy towards thinking about photos. :)

I did manage a few though!


here are some stairs leading to the Edgewood Trail


Follow the very wide red brick rode on the hill!


Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho!

We found this really amazing mural (still in progress) at an elementary school, whose name I have forgotten. It shows all of the different neighborhoods around San Francisco. They didn't have Castro yet, or a few other neighborhoods, but ones that are done are pretty amazing!


Love this quote, as it pertains to our training walks:
"When you get tired of walking around San Francisco, you can always lean against it."


San Francisco Victorians on the hills


Coit Tower, Lombard Street, and the Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill


Cockatiels!


Srini and Shaheen - our amazing route support for the day! Thank you!!!


Part of the Glenn Park Canyon Trail that we had walked on


Views from the top of Diamond Heights


More Views


Group shot at the top of Billy Goat Hill Park

Around mile 9, we were at Billy Goat Hill Park, which I think was new to most of us. Here, we found a couple of swings made of a circular wooden seat with a rope in the center, attached to a tall tree. One swing was close to the ground, and swung out above the hill. We saw a little girl on it, and some of our walkers gave it a shot. Trust me, it looked a little scary, even though it was very high.

The other swing was much further away from the trunk of the tree, and higher up from the hill. On first sight, many of us wondered how anyone would even go to the swing to be able to sit on it. All of a sudden, Catriona goes right over to the swing, hops on, and catapults herself over the hill! We all gasped! (and got some great photos!)


I think this is the most amazing photo of the entire weekend. Catriona suspended over the skyline of San Francisco!

After this point, it seems I took far fewer photos. I did manage this one photo of Laura with the cookbook she found sitting amongst other give-away books on the sidewalk in the Castro. We're all very excited to see what kind of great meals she makes with "The Farmer's Wife Slow Cooker Cookbook". :)


Laura's new book


Sunday's Stats

One of the most exciting thing about our walks on Sundays is that we end our walks at "Off the Grid" in the Presidio. This is were a few dozen food trucks come out every Sunday during the Summer. We bring out blankets out, and celebrate the completion of our weekend walks with yummy food and frozen mimosas. This Sunday was by far the most crowded I've ever seen it. I guess it's the combination of the holiday weekend and gorgeous weather.


Off the Grid

I almost always get the same thing - the Fried Chicken at Off the Grid is amazing, and such a wonderful treat!


Mmmmm... Fried Chicken!