From Coach Toby…..
Welcome to the first wildcard of the season! These workouts are for all abilities and experience levels. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or just starting out, there’s a place for you with us on Tuesday nights.
Wildcard runs are designed to help you build strength, improve endurance, develop mental grit, and explore hidden gems in San Francisco you might not normally see. I’ve personally run every street in SF, and through that project, I not only discovered some incredible routes but also become a much stronger and more capable runner. These wildcard workouts are inspired by that same spirit—pushing boundaries, exploring new places, and growing as runners and as a community.
Each week we’ll provide a Strava course route (make sure to check it out) and mark the course with chalk. The run is fully supported by myself, our captains, and other coaches. No one gets left behind—we’re all in this together. Plus, we’ll wrap up each workout with a group social at a local restaurant or watering hole, so you can relax and connect with teammates.
We’ll generally toggle back and forth each week between hill-focused workouts and flatter terrain, and yes, we do run in the rain!
Safety First: It’s headlamp and reflective gear season. Be safe, be seen.
This week…
Our 5K is less of a time trial and more of a run to gauge your baseline fitness level. This will help you establish training paces and effort for the weeks ahead.
Tue 6:30 PM Meet-Up: 7th Ave and MLK Jr Drive (Golden Gate Park)
Warm-Up: 5-7 min jog and range of motions exercises
Workout: 5K/3.1M Golden Gate Park Clockwise Loop
Strava Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3293299409290098068
Directions:
- Start at MLK Jr Drive and 7th Avenue.
- Head west on MLK Jr Drive.
- At 9th Avenue, turn right and continue on MLK Jr Drive.
- Cross 19th Avenue (traffic light controlled intersection).
- Cross Transverse Drive (on the right) and turn right onto the paved path on Transverse Drive (1 mile).
- At Middle Drive (on the left), veer right to cross and stay on the Transverse Drive path.
- Cross JFK Drive and turn right onto the paved path.
- Pass the DeYoung Museum (2 miles) and the Conservatory of Flowers (2.5 miles).
- After the Conservatory, turn right at the pedestrian walkway onto Nancy Pelosi Drive.
- Veer left onto Bowling Green Drive.
- Bowling Green Drive merges into MLK Jr Drive at MLK and 5th Avenue (3 miles).
- Finish where you started: the top of the steps at MLK Jr Drive and 7th Avenue.
Post Run Dinner/Drinks: Fireside Bar, 603 Irving St (one block away)
I can’t wait to kick off the season with you all. Come ready to run, explore, and challenge yourself!