Hit the Pavement (or Trail)

In June, 1,600 communicators from across the globe will descend upon San Francisco for IABC's World Conference (IABC stands for International Association of Business Communicators). Some may have been to San Francisco; others will be city virgins. More importantly, some might be triathletes, runners or cyclists like me, and being the type-A people that we are, need to continue training while visiting San Francsico. Rich with coastal and mountainous running trails and bike routes, it's one of the most beautiful and convenient cities to discover while enjoying the outdoors! To guide these newbies to the area, I provided some suggested running routes on the conference blog, InSession, and thought I would share. Check it out:

This first in a series of InSession posts covers running/hiking, and while there are many places you can experience, I'm focusing on those closest to the conference hot spot (San Francisco Marriott). If you don't find anything here that tickles your feet, then check out Run the Planet or Bay Area Hiker for recommendations on specific routes from locals.

Golden Gate Park: If you think Central Park is impressive, wait until you see Golden Gate Park. Wedged between the Richmond and Sunset Districts on the western edge of San Francisco, Golden Gate Park features more than 1,000 acres of public grounds, and it's the third most visited urban park in the U.S. A great spot for short or long runs, it has a nice asphalt running trail that circles the entire park and weaves you through the park as you enjoy large, overgrown trees that shade you while battling those rolling hills. There's a great 6-miler to try at sunset that loops you through the park from Ocean Beach. After your run, stop by the Japanese Tea Garden or De Young museum to indulge in some culture.

Land's End Coastal Trail: What was once a railroad route is now a scenic hike on the rocky cliffs of San Francisco. During the challenging four-mile run or hike (out and back), you will see unsurpassed views of the Pacific Ocean and Golden Gate Bridge while learning a little bit of history. While on the trail, you can detour down a long set of stairs to the ocean and get a nice leg workout on the climb up.

Marina Green/Crissy Field: Situated along the water's edge, this grassy, marshland area is great for an easy run with sights of the bay. The shoreline has a well-groomed promenade trail, and you can stop for a break at one of the cafes or catch a glimpse of the windsurfers who frequent this spot. For an easy 5K, take this route along Crissy Field, or this 4-miler along Marina. For a longer run, extend either of these routes onto Golden Gate Bridge and back, which is a thrill to experience.

Embarcadero: If you enjoy city views while exercising, the Embarcadero stretch along the piers is a popular route for runners. It's a perfect pick for a long, flat run with plenty to observe, such as the Ferry Building, Pier 39 and large art installations. You can easily pull a 12-miler by starting near AT&T Park, continuing past the Bay Bridge, through Fort Mason and turning around at the Golden Gate Bridge. You will hit some hills at Fort Mason, but be rewarded on the other end with a flat, asphalt trail along the Marina Green.

Muir Beach/Woods: A much-needed cool breeze is always welcome on a hot summer or spring day and the Muir Beach/Woods area is the place to find it. There are several trails to pursue and for a view of the coast, take a four-mile loop that climbs to 900 feet to an open, photo-taking area. Or, try another four-mile hike that takes you through impressive Redwood forests. The Muir Beach/Woods area is located north of Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County, but worth the drive and accessible by public transportation.
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