Sunset Run

A few times over the summer, the local Fleet Feet in San Francisco hosts a charity 5 mile run to benefit a specific charity.  This year they have chosen the money to go to sports for kids in Haiti.  It's a great deal, for $10 (with ALL the money going to the charity) you get a really nice tech shirt, a raffle with some cool prizes, food and drinks, and the chance to get out and go for a run in probably one of the most beautiful places in the City.  Not every run do you get great weather.  It starts at the Marina, near Chrissy Field, and often times (wait, almost always) it's windy.  And, if you know SF, the summer months can be the coldest.  There were a few times last year it was so cold and foggy that I questioned what I was doing out there!  But last night, although it was windy, it was simply...beautiful!

SF is a bit of a drive for me, about 45 mins.  But, really, it is so worth it.  I get to break up my runs for the week, score a great shirt and have an evening in the city.  Last night Ari and Lilly decided to join me on their bike.  I was also meeting up with Julianne.  I had 9 on the books for my run, and since the run is only 5 miles Ari and I got there early so I could do the first 4 by myself.  The sun was warm, but the first 1.7 miles was directly into the wind!  Ugh, it was bad!  But, as soon as you pass this little bend you were fine, and of course, you got a nice tail wind on the way back.  The whole run you are running towards the base of the Golden Gate Bridge.  Yesterday it was a picture perfect sight.  No fog!  And in the near distance you could also see Alcatraz in all of it's glory.  I ran the first four miles pretty well considering they nasty wind for almost the first half.

4 miles 30:31  7:37/mi pace  My legs felt great and they were turning over really well :)

When I finished my first 4 I had some time to play with the pup, wait for Julianne and soak up all the pretty sunshine.

You could see Alcatraz really well!

Ari and Lilly enjoying the weather!

The nice Asics tech shirt

When Julianne got there we decided to start the run a little early of the group.  They say it starts at 6:30, but that is after a raffle and all sorts of stuff and you often don't start running until very close to 7.  So, we headed out to do our 5 together.  From the end of the parking lot to 2.5 miles out you head right to the base of the bridge where it's customary for runners to put their hands on a plaque called Hopper's Hands, then turn around and head back.  It's a beautiful run, right along the ocean.  We kept the pace easy, chatted the whole time and just soaked up the most beautiful evening in San Francisco.  Seriously, it is never that pretty out!  The sun was warm, and even though the head wind out was a pain, you got an easy run on the way back all the while enjoying some rare, but awesome SF weather.

Right after hitting Hoppers Hands

Julianne representing van 1! LOL!

Sunset and we're done!

 5 miles  47:30  9:30/mi pace

9 miles total  1:18:01 8:40/mi pace

We vowed to come and meet for every Sunset Run this summer together.  Although Julianne is close, we both have crazy schedules!  But this is something easy to commit to and it was a blast!  Thanks Julianne, I had a such a nice run with you!!!!

This weekend I have my trail race, on Sunday, and I'm actually so excited for this one!  It's is literally my first race that is 5 mins away!  In my backyard practically!  It's a challenging course, so if it's seems crazy hard or hot by the second loop, I will just do the 10K - no need to beat myself up for week #2 of marathon training :) 

So glad Friday finally came!  Longest week ever!  Enjoy your weekends peeps, and to all of you racing - run hard, run fast and ENJOY!

Happy Running and Happy Friday!
P.S. Go over and checkout Shut Up And Run - she is hosting a healthy giveaway!