Thanks to everyone who came out to my event at Sproing last night! I think I can speak for everyone – we had a great time.
I will have more on this Thursday!
I’m glad all of you have been enjoying my San Fran posts…if you missed my first two you can check them out here and here. Today’s post I am really excited because it is about when of my best runs EVER. Yes I know a bold statement. It wasn’t necessarily the best run because how I felt, I actually felt kinda cruddy cause of my hamstring, it was because of where I ran.
After seeing the Golden Gate Bridge on saturday and seeing that there was a designated bike, walk, and run path I got the itch to run it. I decided I would do it early Sunday morning so I could see the sun rise. Well sadly the weather had other plans and the bridge was totally covered in fog.
To give you an idea of how foggy the bridge was this is the start of it. Yes the bridge is about 30 feet ahead and you can not see it.
It felt like I was running in a cloud. I couldn’t see the water on either side or 20 feet in front of me.
The eeriest part was hearing the ships horns underneath me but not being able to them.
Yes that is water behind me.
The bride is about a mile and a half each way.
I enjoyed stopping along the way taking selfies pictures and face timing with Rob C and SheShe. I wanted them to be able to partake in my cloud run.
It cleared up a little when I got to the opposite end, but as I turned around the fog was just as dense in the middle of the bridge as it was before.
At 7:30 a.m. it was just me, one homeless person, a few bikers, and joggers on the path. I don’t see why the path wasn’t packed. If I lived here I would be out there everyday. I think it is that whole notion if you live there it is more like been there done that. They don’t see it as something so special.
As corny as it sounds the run allowed me to reflect why I run. And why I love running? It is because of experiences like this that remind me how great running is for me mentally and physically. It has shown me that I am stronger than any doctor told me 7 years ago when I was sick. Most of them had no plans of me running again – I showed them!!
It also has allowed me unique opportunities – running all over Nashville and DC, racing for a cause that I care so deeply about (Race for the Cure), and meeting so many great people along the way.
Running is no who I am; It is something I do; it’s something I love.
-Lauren Fleshman
Yes in this short 3 mile cloudy run I had all of these reflections. Guys I got deep out there. This by far was the BEST PART of my trip and am so happy I did it (lets just say Rob C was not keen on me running alone at 7 a.m. on a bridge). I will forever remember this run not just as any old run, but as one that reminded me why I love it so much.
Now…I want to offer you some helpful tips and tricks if you are ever interested in visiting San Fran. I am by no means an expert on the city but there were a few things I noted down that I would do differently next time and or places I wanted to see that might help you guys out.
Must Do’s
- Walk around Pacific Heights – the houses on Billionaires row are out of this world
- If you are looking for shopping, Union Sqaure has ever store you could ever imagine in a few block radius
- Walk through China Town
- Do a hop on hop off tour
- Meander around the city on foot. My favorite times of exploring the city were when I was on my own walking through different neighborhoods. I enjoyed the areas not filled with tourist (like Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Warf) most!
- If you like coffee check out one of these unique coffee shops (more on this tomorrow): Blue Bottle Coffee, Saint Franks Coffee, Sight Glass Coffee
Things I want to Do Next Time
- Ride a Trolley Car
- Eat in Little Italy – maybe even The Stinking Rose
- Go to wine Country – Do a wine tasting
- Eat seafood at Fisherman’s Warf
- Go to Sushiritto – My friend suggested this but time did not allow for me to go. Sushi burritos? Sign me up.
- Go to either Cream (homemade Ice Cream sandwiches) or Smitten Ice Cream (made to order ice cream). Heck why not both!
- Go to Muir Woods Redwood Forest
- Walk down the crooked street
- Eat at/drink coffee at La Boulange (cafe/bakery with delicious macaroons)
- Eat at Crave – natural organic cafe
Shopping
- Picnic – A cute boutique I bought a few gifts at. On Polk Street.
Site’s to Help You Plan Your Trip
Don’ts
- WALK THROUGH THE TENDERLOIN BY YOURSELF. The Tenderloin is a neighborhood right next to Union Square that gets its name because police officers who work in this area are allowed to eat tenderloin because of the bonus they receive for working in such a violent area. I made this mistake, after being warned by a friend, and I was a little uneasy. Luckily it was the middle of the day and there were lots of people around.
Tips
- Hotels are expensive in SF, especially with the 16% Hotel Tax. If the situation is suitable check out Air BNB
- If you are looking for a city like neighborhood (the Times Square of SF) with lots around I would suggest staying in Union Square – very touristy.
- If money allows stay in Pacific Heights
QUESTIONS
- To date what is the best run you can recall?
- What city are you yearning to visit right now?
I am interested in visiting Seattle.
