From Coach Toby…..

Start/Finish: Green Apple Books, 1231 9th Avenue

This isn’t just any wildcard run, it’s our annual Pride Run! 

Pride is about community, and that’s what we’re all about too. Bring a friend for this one —all are welcome. 

We’re so grateful to Green Apple Books for hosting us. You’re welcome to leave your belongings at the store during the run. Afterward, stick around for our team social with light refreshments, a special Run Club shopping discount, and a chance to meet Shannon Hogan, author of The Unforgiving Hours: The Grit, Resilience, and Perseverance at the Heart of Endurance Sports, along with Chris Jones, an endurance athlete featured in the book.

If we’re lucky, a few of our Run Club Broken Arrow Skyrace runners will be there too and ready to share stories from their weekend mountain adventure. Amazing effort.

You all did a great job last week in the Panhandle!

About the route:

Our “415” loop takes us through Golden Gate Park, including a pass through the AIDS Memorial Grove. That space holds deep meaning for me. Before I moved to San Francisco, I worked in healthcare, managing a small IV therapy company where I saw firsthand the impact of HIV and AIDS.

Not long after landing here, I joined the SF AIDS Foundation’s marathon program as a new distance runner. A couple of years later, I was asked to coach, and over time I had the honor of helping thousands of beautiful people support the community and reach their goal of completing a full or half marathon.

When we pass through the Grove, I invite you to take a quiet moment. Think about what running and community mean to you, and maybe take a second to feel some gratitude for how far you’ve come, and the people you’ve met along the way.

Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3372408898856899500

Happy Pride, see you Tuesday night 🌈 

—Toby