From Coach Toby….
This week we’re tackling the hidden stairways of the Sunset District. It’s a perfect mix of urban exploration and a tough stair workout. Let’s get to it!
So, Why Run Stairs?
Boosts cardiovascular fitness and builds core and lower body strength
Enhances agility, balance, and core strength
Personally, incorporating stair workouts into my runs has significantly improved my endurance and strength. As your coach, I’ve experienced firsthand how stair running isn’t just about burning calories; it’s about forging mental resilience.
With each climb and descent, you’re not just training your body; you’re toughening your mind, pushing boundaries and discovering new strengths perhaps you didn’t know existed.
This Week’s Workout.
–6:30 Meet-Up: 7th Ave and MLK Jr Drive (Golden Gate Park)
–Strava Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3230222947830641088
–Warm-Up: Easy 3-5 min jog and dynamic stretches
–Directions:
- Head east along MLK Jr Drive
- Continue to 19th Ave, turn left
- Run one block to Lincoln Blvd, cross Lincoln Way, and turn left
- Turn right onto 16th Ave, run three blocks to the Hidden Garden steps. This is the start of our stair circuit
–Stairs Circuit:
- Beginners: 1-2 times
- Intermediate/Advanced: 3-4 times
–Circuit:
- Ascent Hidden Garden Steps
- Turn Left onto Lawton St
- Run a “block” and turn left onto 15th Ave, descend the steps
- At bottom of steps, turn left onto Kirkham steps, run a block, returning to Hidden Garden Steps
–Cooldown Run:
- After your last descent, turn right onto Kirkham St
- Turn left onto 7th Ave, cross Lincoln Way, return to the starting point
-Post Run Stretch with Coach Elena
–Team Social! Join us for bites, drinks, convo at Foghorn Taproom, 534 Irving (3 min walk)
–More To Explore:
Many of my friends and I have found our city to be a stair runner’s paradise. With iconic staircases like those in Telegraph Hill (flashback to our recent pop up run), the ones we’ll tackle this week in the Sunset, to hidden gems like the Harry Stairs in Diamond Heights, stair running isn’t just a workout—it’s an urban adventure! There are HUNDREDS of accessible staircases in SF, offering us a convenient and exciting way to stay fit and inspired in our hill-filled city.
Looking for hills in your neighborhood or off the beaten path to run? My friend Alexandra Kenin has mapped over 900 stairways in San Francisco. Take a look, give a listen.
SF Stairways Project searchable interactive city map