One of the best ways to get a handle on your running fitness and what you’re capable of is to tackle a RACE! Fortunately, I’ve lined up a fun 5K and 10K to tackle this Saturday.
If you’re not in the mood to ‘race’ a 5K or a 10K, no problem! Simply log the miles at comfortable/conversational pace. Either way, I’ll have some beverages and swag at the finish line (as one would expect at a race 🙂
Here are links to the course map(s):
Here is a description of the course(s):
Everyone will launch from the paved path at the top of the stairs leading down to the ballfields at MLK/7th in GGP.
You will follow Martin Luther King until it connects with Bowling Green Drive. Veer left on Bowling Green Drive. After roughly 200 meters, you will reach a stop sign. Turn right on this stop sign and head towards John F Kennedy Drive.
Cross over to the RIGHT side of JFK and turn LEFT and head towards Ocean Beach (WEST) on JFK. Continue running along JFK into Golden Gate Park. From here, the rest of the run is pretty straightforward. Follow JFK past the intersection of JFK/8th Ave. Just past this intersection, there is a pedestrian crossing on your LEFT that is adjacent to Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. This is 1 MILE.
Everyone will continue running along JFK into Golden Gate Park. Eventually you will pass the Stow Lake Pavilion which is on the LEFT of Stow Lake Drive. Shortly thereafter, you will see a ‘RC 5K’ in chalk in the middle of JFK just prior to a ‘speed hump’ (and corresponding sign on the right). If you’re tackling the 5K, you will turn around here and head back the way you came for 5K!
If you’re tackling the 10K, continue running along JFK underneath the overpass and through the intersection of JFK/Transverse (2 miles). You can run on the right or left side of JFK. I have chalk down for the turnaround spot on both sides. The left is primarily ‘trail’ whereas the right is primarily ‘paved’.
If you opt for the left side, you’ll continue running for another mile (and change) heading gradually downhill on the trail. Focus on shorter, quicker strides and keep your eyes focused 5-7 feet in front of you. Shortly after you pass the intersection of JFK/Chain of Lakes Drive East you will see a paved street cutting across the trail. There’s also a ‘RC 10K’ on the ground at this location. Turn around here and head back the way you came for 10K!
If you opt for the right side, you’ll continue running downhill on a paved, undulating path towards Lake Spreckles for a mile (and change). You’ll continue straight past Lake Spreckles and continue on JFK past the Bison Paddock. Shortly after you pass the intersection of JFK/Chain of Lakes Drive East you will see a ‘RC 10K’ in chalk adjacent to a ‘Dog Walker Alert’ sign.
