Subject: Fear & Loathing in SF From: Jim Winne Date: Sun, 16 Dec 2001 13:03:46 -0800 Hunter S. Thompson Fear & Loathing 50K San Francisco, CA 12/15/01 Well, this was certainly a different running experience from what I'm use to. As a die-hard trail runner, pavement is usually something to experience only in exceedingly small doses or when there is no other alternative. However, I found the the idea of running 31 miles through the streets of San Francisco to be strangely compelling. So at 7AM I joined a group of about 30 other folks at the top of Twin Peaks for this low key fun run. Well, low key for most of us, but when I saw Ann Trason and Carl Andersen I knew not all of us! The 50K follows the 49 Mile Scenic Drive for 25 circuitous miles from Twin Peaks through the Presidio before veering off at 30th Ave. to cut through Golden Gate park and rejoin the SD for the last 3M back up to Twin Peaks (the 50M option follows the SD the whole way). Being fairly unfamiliar with the City, other than to take the occasional house guest in for a quick tour, I wasn't sure what to expect but it was GREAT! We ran through the Mission, past Pac Bell Park, along the Embarcadero, through downtown, up Market to the U.N. Plaza/Civic Center, through Japantown, Chinatown and North Beach up to Coit Tower, past Fisherman's Wharf to Marina Green, the Presidio, Sea Cliff, Golden Gate Park and finally back to the top of Twin Peaks. The sights, sounds, and even the smells (most of which were good :-)) were truly invigorating. And the weather can only be described with one word - perfection! It was crystal clear at the start with spectacular views of the city lights below and in the distance Mt. Diablo to the east and the Marin Headlands to the north looked close enough to touch. It stayed sunny all day with no wind and temps around 60. I was apprehensive about dodging traffic and pedestrians, as well as some of the more "eccentric" denizens of the City, but it was no problem and I didn't even have any close calls other than one "jay-running" episode where I almost darted in front of 3 motorcycle cops! The one surprise I had was how hilly the course was. I know SF has some hills, but when driving you don't really "appreciate" them! RDs Hollis Lederking and Pam Shaughnessy had a great group of volunteers providing aid out of their cars every 5-7 miles. As I said, it's a low key type run and no one was racing, but given my feeble lack of training for the past few months I was very happy with my effort considering an extended pit stop (a BIG difference from trail running is you try to go when there's a facility available as opposed to behind the nearest tree!) and several navigational malfunctions [:-)] But most of all I was ecstatic that I was able to run all the last 2 uphill miles. And much to my surprise, after 31M of pavement I had no soreness! No matter how familiar you are with the City, this is truly a unique way to experience it's many facets. So for all you locals that haven't done this one, and anyone else who might find themselves in the San Francisco Bay Area in the middle of December, I highly recomend you do so at least once. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Jim Winne Walnut Creek, CA E-Mail: ultrajim@pacbell.net Guide to Ultra Courses: http://www.fortunecity.com/olympia/montana/5