San Francisco County 

Both a city and a county, celebrated through songs and movies, San Francisco welcomes vacationers from all over the world.  “Open up your Golden Gate, California here I come!”  The fog over the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Lombard Street, the stately Victorian style homes and Golden Gate Park invite photographers and artists to capture a ‘49er past with a big city reality.  Runners, walkers, hikers and bikers love the ideal temperatures.  Spending a morning jogging through Golden Gate Park can be the highlight of any trip to the city.

Home of:

The Golden Gate Bridge – Whatever the weather, rainy, foggy, or crystal clear, photographing the bridge is an inspiration.  Some of my best shots were through the windshield coming from Marin.  For the complete history, souvenirs and photo ops, turn off at the Golden Gate Pavilion.  goldengatebridge.org     parksconservancy.org

Fisherman’s Wharf – The best time to enjoy it is in the morning, before the crowds.  My recommendations for food:  The Buena Vista, known for its Irish Coffee, and Ghiradelli’s, the original chocolate factory.   To get a feel for the early days along the wharf, visit the Maritime National Historical Park and climb around the 19th century seafaring boats on display.   Imagine being one of the crew or a passenger on a trip “around the Horn” in the gold rush times.     fishermanswharf.org   thebuenavista.com   ghiradelli.com   nps.gov/safr/index.htm

Golden Gate Park – It’s an oasis, lush and green.  Ferns, redwoods, picturesque lakes, bark-covered trails, fragrant bushes and flowers offer a respite from the city.  The Conservatory of Flowers resides here.  The San Francisco Marathon and the Nike Women’s Marathon include Golden Gate Park on their course.       golden-gate-park.com

The Presidio – The former military base is now a national park.  Many of the buildings are in the process of renovation.  Lucas Films is headquartered here.  The Walt Disney Family Museum tells the story of Disneyland’s founder.  The Inn at the Presidio had been officer’s quarters.  The rooms are beautifully restored.  You get a real sense of history standing on the parade grounds, gazing out at the bay, imagining the drama of the times – Juan Bautista de Anza setting up camp, General Pershing giving orders to the troops, WWII soldiers waiting to deploy across the Pacific.    An action packed drama, The Presidio, was filmed on the grounds and in the military quarters in the 80’s, starred Mark Harmon, Meg Ryan and Sean Connery.   It’s fun to watch after you’ve visited this national park.  nps.gov/prsf

Alcatraz – Boat tours can be booked at Fisherman’s Wharf for the infamous prison.  alcatrazislandtickets.com

Fort Mason – I enjoy browsing the shelves of the used book store and usually find something pertaining to the local history.  Once a year the San Francisco Library has its book sale here – it’s huge!  fortmason.org

A T & T Park – The San Francisco Giants make their home at this stadium on the bay.  The S.F. Marathon course goes around The Park on the way to the finish line.  Statues of Giant baseball greats Willie Mays, Juan Marichal,  and Orlando Cepeda  stand guard.   Some fans watch the home games from boats in McCovey Cove.    sfgiants.com

Fort Point – If you want to delve into the history of the Golden Gate, back to the Civil War, walk through the fort.  Be sure to climb up to the top and look out over the bay.  Spectacular!  nps.gov/fopo/index.htm

Crissy Field – Read a book, jog, ride a bike or become mesmerized by the 360 degree view.  Parking is free!  Crissy Field is a former military airfield and now offers a recreational spot for the public, down the road from Fort Point.  Grab a snack at the Beach Hut Café.  Newly installed gigantic steel sculptures by Mark di Suvero are placed here and there on the field.  They’re impressive.  I took many photos with the San Francisco skyline or bay in the background.  parksconservancy.org/visit/park-sites/crissy-field.html 

 

The San Francisco Marathon

Highlights:  The Bridge.  The Golden Gate Bridge is the raison d’etre for this marathon and half.  I’ve always wanted to run over the Bay on that majestic span.  It’s absolutely exhilarating, the stiff breeze, the 2 mile view to the other side, the massive orange latticework so close to my body, the loop around the Vista Point, pounding steps, juggling my water bottle and phone/camera.  It’s worth it!  The next day, taking in the view from Crissy Field, you revel in the idea.

Distance:  Several events took place:  the full marathon (26.2) was a loop from the Ferry Building, across the Bridge, through Golden Gate Park and back.   Two half marathons – one went over the Bridge, a 5K, and an ultra (52.4) were also options.

My Observations:  I’ve completed both ½ marathons.  Logistics of parking and shuttles were challenges, but all in all, it was fun and would rate a 10 on my scale for scenery and ideal temps.  One older gentleman expressed my sentiment, “I just love running over the bridge!

sfmarathon.com

My Results:

June 16, 2013 – San Francisco ½ Marathon (the first ½, over the Bridge) – 2:46

July 29, 2012– San Francisco ½ Marathon (the second ½)-2:52

1982 – San Francisco Marathon (a different course from the present) – 4:52

Ruth Anderson Ultras

Highlights:  Held in April, this ultra allows the runners to choose their distance during the race.  I’ve completed  four 100k’s, two 50 mile runs and eight 50k’s.

Distance:  Decide on your distance (50k, 50m, or 100k), but don’t stop in between or it becomes a DNF.

Location:  Lake Merced is a scenic area close to the beach in San Francisco.   Joggers, walkers, bikers share the path, while long boats with synchronized rowers move swiftly across the lake.  Animal hoots and cries can be heard from the neighboring San Francisco Zoo. 

Course:  The course circles Lake Merced, a 4.475 mile loop on paved bike path with a dirt shoulder. 

My Observations:  Usually the weather is ideal – cool and misty.  The low-key event (90 participants in 2013) is well run with excellent aid stations.

run100s.com

My Results:

2013 – 8:03:23 (50k)

2012 – 7:32:58 (50K)

2011 – 7:03:09 (50k)

2010 – 7:19:03 (50k)

2009 – 6:55:04 (50k)

2007 – 6:24:43 (50k)

2006 – 6:01:35 (50k)

2005 – 6:06:25 (50k)

2004 – 10:14:12 (50m)

2001 – 10:11:09 (50m)

2000 – 12:41:48 (100k)

1998 – 12:07:54 (100k)

1997 – 12:49:42 (100k)

1996 – 12:01:00 (100k)