"Bridge to Bridge" is 'better to best'

It is known as one of the most beautiful runs, and after participating in the infamous "Bridge to Bridge" 12K & 7K run/walk, I now know what it is about San Francisco that attracts so many prospective residents; the 'city by the bay' may just be the MOST beautiful place to host such an event as this. The race was this past Sunday, Oct. 3, in San Francisco and sponsored the Special Olympics of Northern California.
Having been through the course, I cannot think of any reason why I should not add "Bridge to Bridge" to the top of my list of favorite runs and perhaps yours as well. There are people who travel far and wide to get the chance to gain a glimpse of the numerous landmarks along this race. Not only is the location a sight to see, but a scent to be smelled and a sensation to be felt.

Race morning started at 9:00 a.m. sharp in front of the ferry building situated at the corner of The Embarcadero and Market St. I stood there, staring up at the Oakland/San Francisco Bay Bridge, waiting with butterflies in my tummy. I became nervous for what the course had planned waiting up ahead. Luckily, I was able to share this incredible experience with my room-mate and friend Alicia Watkins; a motivated and accomplished runner herself.


BANG! The gun was fired and we were off. As I jogged along The Embarcadero, it seemed to look incredibly different from the multiple times I had been on it before. It was quiet; the streets were free from the bustling tourists and had a calming and clean look to them. As we made our way down the street I was excited to pass Pier 39, one of my favorite parts of San Francisco itself. I couldn't hear the joyous sounds of the sea lions as I would if I were inside the pier, but could not miss that potent smell as we passed the opening of the bay that they claimed as their habitat.

Shortly after, while running along what turned into Jefferson, the smell of sourdough bread wafted through the street and suddenly gave me the urge to give up running the race altogether for a nice turkey sandwich. What can I say... sourdough is a favorite of mine, not to mention freshly baked San Franciscan dough.

As the crowd began to disperse a bit more comfortably, the course continued up through Fisherman's Wharf, with a half-way mark at a slight incline through Fort Mason. The hill was short but steep, and caution should always be taken when climbing up any degree of a hill. A good tip for the descent of any downward portion of a hill: use gravity to your benefit and slow down your speed while keeping up a constant stride. This will save you energy and breath, while getting you to be in the same place, if not ahead, of where you started at the top of the hill.

While running through Fort Mason, I was blown away at how beautiful this park was. With the view of the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance and rolling lush greenery, I wished to stop and rest with a blanket and a book, for this is bliss for the student in me.

Just right after the half-way point, along the Marina, my parents stood waiting to capture the perfect picture of Alicia and I trying to recover from the first half of the 12K. With a wave and a "Woooo!" we were back off toward our destination- The GG!



I will have to say, the Marina District in SF is one of my favorites. Not only do you have the cute, multi-colored victorian houses, but they all look out toward the waterfront and have access to some of the best views of the bay and the activity on it. If there was any time during the race that kept you pushing right along, it was this stretch. With the Golden Gate Bridge almost within reach, there was no reason to stop my feet from doing what they know best: running.

As Alicia and I passed mile mark 4, our trek along the course changed terrain drastically and gave us a 'run for our money'. From pavement to gravel, it was a different sensation while running that we were not used to in Rohnert Park. The traction was difficult at times and yet made that mile go by much faster despite.

Right after that stretch of gravel, approaching mile mark 5, we could see the Golden Gate Bridge and all it's entirety stretched out right in front of us. It was huge and we were looking up at it from an angle that I have never seen. I am used to going over the bridge time and time again when traveling from my hometown to Sonoma State. But this sight was spectacular and made me jealous of all the San Francisco civilians who had access to it everyday.

I have to say that this was my favorite part of the run all together. The Golden Gate Bridge has always been a favorite bridge of mine- (I mean, I don't really know what Northern Californian does not find it beautiful.) But it is my favorite part for many other reasons as well. While running toward the barge of the bridge, the runners followed the course that ran parallel to the waterfront. The rocks that lay down below the path were splashed numerous times by the waves, bringing up bursts of bay water towards all runners. Being a water fiend myself, this picture was so calming, I could have ran forever.

Once we circled back around and headed back out from the GG bridge, we made our way through Crissy Field and back towards Park Presidio; coming up to our seventh and final mile marker. At this point I was in pain. My knees were sore and I was curious to see at what location exactly the race was due to end. While that last half mile felt long, upon hearing the cheer from other participants and friends/family, I gave it my all and came in strong across the finish line.

Exuberant, my room-mate Alicia and I congratulated each other and headed over to the festivities immediately to relish in the freebies and congratulatory celebrations that the park hosted. Alicia and I were shocked at how fast the race went and wished we could do it again just to capture the sights once more through. The day ended extremely well, the weather was perfect in the city and we both broke our past 12K time from our 'Bay to Breakers' race back in May.
After completing the race, I could not help but think about how lucky the residents of San Francisco are. For they have these awesome landmarks and beautiful scenery right in their backyard at their disposal for great runs any day of the year. I am not sure where my life may lead me in the future, but San Franciscan or not, I am coming back to run the streets of this beauty by the bay next October.

'Bridge to Bridge' 2011... watch out!

For more information on the Glide Floss, Bridge to Bridge 12K & 7K run/walk, visit http://www.bridgetobridge.com/.

run-sarah-run!