From Coach Toby…..
This week’s wildcard takes us to two tucked away staircases in San Francisco’s Sunset District. Part workout, part urban adventure, you’ll see a side of SF most runners miss.
Why stairs?
Running stairs is one of the most effective ways to:
- Build strength in our glutes, quads, calves, and core
- Improve balance, coordination, and cardiovascular power
For me, stair workouts in San Francisco have always been about more than just physical training. They challenge our bodies but even more, give us a way to explore our surroundings and tap into a kind of strength that’s just as mental as it is muscular. A true edge.
This Week’s Workout
- 6:30 Meet-Up: 7th Ave and MLK Jr Drive (Golden Gate Park)
- Strava Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3367195165247282228
- Warm-Up: Easy 3-5 min group 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 Team Social! Join us for bites (outside food permitted and encouraged), drinks (bring cash and your ID), and convo at one of Run Club’s fave spots, Little Shamrock – 807 Lincoln Way (5 min walk)
More To Explore: 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.
- The Great Stairways of San Francisco podcast
Thanks to everyone who came up to Taft Street Winery in Sebastopol this weekend. I appreciated the opportunity to share the local trails, our wines, and space with you.
Cya Tuesday!
–Toby