So yes, I can call myself a recidivist runner. I used to run a few years ago. I ran a couple of half marathons until I started to feel some pain in my knees and in my feet soles. At that time doctors told me I had to stop. Those were awful news because I cannot describe how much I enjoy running; it gives me the endorphins for a happy day and allows me some time for me and myself. Anyways, after making the effort of trying other ways to work out (obviously I was also banned to do the other sports that I love: soccer and squash) I could not hold it anymore. Specially leaving in the US and specially when I got to San Francisco and saw the beautiful coastal landscape and the many people running (even on Bay to Breakers day).
So yes, I decided to start running again. This time, with all the precautions and training required and making sure I did not over exert myself. So I joined a gym, paid for a personal training to make sure I strengthened the right muscles and hit the ground running!!! My favorite run goes from Taylor and Bay, all along Bay street through Laguna street when I take the sea trail all the way to golden gate park and then come back…although windy, AMAZING. Just that. AMAZING. I enjoy so much watching other people running, watching the water on my side, and the nice landscape of the bridge either in the morning or at dust.
This made me realize that I love to be in a city were I feel safe, where the infrastructure is set so that citizens actually enjoy their city and take advantage of it and its urban spaces. And, I love a city where there is an actual culture of running. On a side note: I have to confess that one of the things I love about the actual culture of running is running fashion. Yes, I enjoy checking girls outfits. I have to say that I am a huge fan of Lululemon and Nike women sports wear. They really know how to make running outfits for a girl to look cute.
Since I need a motivation to train regularly, I registered for the Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon that took place on June the 25th and was thrilled to learn that the San Francisco Half Marathon was on July the 31rst. But, unfortunately, given that I have to come back to Colombia for another internship, I won’t be able to run the San Francisco one!! It would have been so nice to start my San Fran experience with a race (Bay to Breakers) and finish it with another one (The San Francisco first half). Instead, I will run the Bogota Half Marathon that same day…..I know it won’t be the same, and I know I will be missing this city so much….but unfortunately I still do not have the power to stop time ( I have wanted that so badly since I was very little).
I will take with me the memories of an amazing city where you can just suddenly decide on a random day to go outdoorsy and find the most amazing getaways. My recommendations: a bike ride, a walk or a run to Sausalito over the Golden Gate Bridge; take the Blue and Gold fleet ferry at Pier 41 on a random sunny afternoon to Tiburon and have artichokes and a Bloody Mary at Sam’s; drive to Muir Woods and spend a day wondering around the trees; plan on a picnic at the top of Angel Island on a sunny Sunday (departure time from Pier 41 at 11:20).
Ohhhhh I will miss this city SO much…
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