running places

Stevens Creek Trail

2008-04-02T11:05:00.000-07:00

Stevens Creek Trail

Location: South Bay

Info Link: http://www.stevenscreektrail.org/

Summary: This is a paved bike path that extends about 4 miles from Mountain View to the bay. You can run along the levees and the Bay Trail to add distance to the run. There are some neat pedestrian bridges and you go under a few freeways. It's somewhat shaded for the first couple of miles but exposed as you get toward the bay, so wear sunscreen!

Gmap: Stevens Creek Trail

Distance: 8 miles (add distance by running north along the bay)

Conditions: Paved path, some dirt shoulder sections.

Profile: Flat. Actually, you start about 100 feet above sea level and turnaround at sea level, so you may notice the slight grade. There's the couple of bridges/overpasses.

Start/Park: Yuba Drive Trailhead just north of El Camino Real in Mountain View (no fee)

Water: There is a water fountain at the trailhead, one at about 2.3 miles, and one at about 3.1 miles. There are also several parks just off the main path that have water and restrooms. Look for the signs.

Breakfast: Hobee's (2312 Central Expressway)

Bay Trail: Hayward to San Leandro

2008-04-02T10:43:00.000-07:00

Bay Trail: Hayward to San Leandro

Location: East Bay

Info Links: http://www.ebparks.org/parks/hayward
http://baytrail.abag.ca.gov/

Summary: Starting at the Hayward Regional Shoreline Interpretive Center near the east end of the San Mateo Bridge, run north along the dirt path all the way up to Marina Park in San Leandro. The trail is easy to follow for the most part. When in doubt, stay toward the bay. The trail follows the bay shoreline, sometimes on levees and crossing a few little bridges. Some small trails head inland to other trailheads but you'll realize that pretty quickly. A couple head toward the bay out to dead-ends too. Check the gmap to get an idea of where that happens. There's not many water stops so carry plenty! There is no shade whatsoever so avoid running it late in the day or on really hot days. You can check out the Bay Trail website for options for extending the run. You can keep going north to Oyster Point but I haven't done that.

Gmap: Hayward Regional Shoreline

Distance: 15.0 miles

Conditions: In Hayward, dirt path. Toward San Leandro, Paved

Profile: Flat

Start: Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center http://www.haywardrec.org/hayshore.html

Park: On street in front of Interpretive Center (no fee)

Water: The ONLY water that I know of is at the San Leandro Marina Park at the turn around. Carry plenty with you!

Turn-around: Marina Park in San Leandro. Several water fountains and a bathroom here.

Contra Costa Canal Trail

2008-04-02T10:42:00.003-07:00

Tiburon

2008-04-02T10:42:00.001-07:00

Tiburon Peninsula/Paradise Drive

Location: North Bay

Info Link: http://www.tiburonpeninsulafoundation.org/blackie.htm

Summary: This is a super scenic run around the Tiburon Peninsula just north of San Francisco. The first 2.75 miles are along a waterfront path paralleling Tiburon Drive. Then, run along Paradise Drive until mile 7.75. That is where you will veer left at Trestle Glen Rd. It's the only real intersection (others are just small residential offshoots). From there it's a less than a mile back to the start. There is generally no shoulder but road is lightly traveled (although you will see tons of cyclists). It's almost always nice and cool and there's lots of shade. The loop is about 8.5 miles so for a long run do it twice.

Gmap: Tiburon

Distance: 17.0 miles

Conditions: Paved path for the first couple miles, then road/shoulder

Profile: Hilly!

Start/Park: Blackie's Pasture Park (no fee) http://www.yelp.com/map/blackies-pasture-tiburon (From Highway 101, Exit Highway 131/Tiburon Blvd, head East for a couple of miles. The park is at the intersection of Tiburon Blvd. and Trestle Glen Rd.)

Water: There are water fountains and restrooms near the start at Blackie's Pasture Park.

Breakfast: Sweden House Bakery and Cafe, 35 Main St.

Los Gatos Creek Trail

2008-04-02T10:41:00.002-07:00

Los Gatos Creek Trail
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Location: South Bay

Info Link: http://www.sjparks.org/Trails/LosGatos/LosGatos.asp

Summary: This is my standard 20 miler. It's got a nice variety of scenery, plenty of water stops, and it's flat. Plus, easily the best breakfast place in the bay area. The trail is easy to follow. There are a few bridges but it's clear that you need to take them, because not taking them will take you to a street with no sign of the trail. I always start this run with a simple loop through the neighborhood: run down Willow St. the way you drove in, then turn left at the Starbucks on Meridian, then go about a quarter mile till you see the trail entrance. From there, just stay on the trail. It's a little painful passing your car at mile 18.7 or whatever, but know that you are almost there and push it to the end. Focus on the cinnamon roll waiting for you at the Los Gatos Cafe.

Gmap: Los Gatos Creek Trail

Distance: 20 miles

Conditions: Paved path with dirt shoulder, then dirt road for about the last 1 1/2 miles.

Profile: flat

Start/Park: Blackford School: 1970 Willow St., San Jose (no fee)

Water: Los Gatos Creek Park at mile 4.2, Several water fountains and restrooms at Vasona County Park which you hit at about mile 6.5 and run through for nearly a mile.

Breakfast: Los Gatos Cafe (15662 Los Gatos Blvd) Home of the 1/2 pound cinnamon roll!!

Alameda Creek Trail

2008-04-02T10:40:00.003-07:00

Alameda Creek Trail

Location: East Bay

Info Links: http://www.ebparks.org/parks/trails/alameda_creek

http://baytrail.abag.ca.gov/vtour/map4/access/AlamedaCrk_E/AlamedaSE.htm

Summary: The Alameda Creek Trail is a regional trail that follows Alameda Creek from the Niles area of Fremont to the bay. It is 12 miles in length so you can do a very long run here. In fact, it connects up with Coyote Hills Regional Park (see index) so you really could run forever. The trail is completely straightforward and easy to follow. If you look at the East Bay Parks map you can find several adjacent parks and alternate starting points on the trail. It's generally not to hot due to the proximity to the bay and there is a bit of shade if you come early. The best part of the run is looking for all the different birds- several kinds of cranes and egrets hang out here.

Gmap: Alameda Creek Trail

Distance: 17.0 miles (or any distance you want)

Conditions: One side of the creek has a dirt trail and the other side has a paved trail. If you stay on the side you parked on (see below) you'll be on the paved side. There's a dirt shoulder for the most part.

Profile: Flat, with a few dips below overpasses.

Start/Park: Niles Canyon Staging Area (no fee) Just north/east of Niles Canyon Road on Old Canyon Road (see East Bay Parks map)

Water: The only one I can think of is about 1 1/2 to 2 miles from the start (on the paved side). Carry plenty of your own water!

Coyote Hills

2008-04-02T10:40:00.001-07:00

Golden Gate Park, Ocean Beach, Lake Merced

2008-04-02T10:39:00.001-07:00

Coast and Golden Gate Park Run

Location: San Francisco

Info Link: Nike Women's Marathon Course Map

Summary: This is a fun and beautiful long run that follows most of the Nike Women's Marathon course. It's great for people watching and always the perfect temperature for running (60).

Heading into Golden Gate Park from the southwest corner (MLK Blvd.), follow the roads through the park to the end of the panhandle and back. It's approximately 8.5 miles back to the Great Highway. Then, head south along the sidewalk that parallels the Great Highway on the east side. At Sloat Blvd., cross the street and then turn left (inland). Follow Sloat past the zoo to Sykline Blvd. where you turn south to make your way around the lake. Be very careful crossing - make your way to the crosswalks rather than darting across, which is tempting. Follow the path around Lake Merced. It's approximately 4.5 miles around the lake. Retrace your steps back to Sloat, then back to the Great Highway and back to Lincoln. Cross over to the beach side to the parking lot. I usually come up about a mile short when I get to my car, so keep going up the paved boardwalk to get in the distance. If you would like to extend the run a couple of miles, run all the way up the big hill past the Cliff House and back down.

Gmap Link: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2209019

Related blog posts: March 29, 2008 November 11, 2007 2005 Marathon Race Report

Distance: 20 miles

Conditions: Paved path. Dirt shoulder available along Great Highway and around Lake Merced.

Profile: Lightly rolling hills in Golden Gate Park, flat on Great Highway, gradual hills around Lake Merced.

Start/Park: Parking lot on the Great Highway at Lincoln (map) No Fee

Water/restrooms: There are several water fountains along the path in Golden Gate Park. The first restroom is about 2 mile mark, then there is another about a mile before you exit the park. You can stop by your car after doing the loop through the park. There is a public restroom at Sloat Blvd./Great Highway. There is a drinking fountain on the southwest corner of the Lake Merced loop, as well as a nasty porto potty.

Breakfast: Sea Breeze Cafe (3940 Judah St.)

Lafayette-Moraga Trail

2008-04-02T10:24:00.001-07:00

Lafayette-Moraga Trail

Location: East Bay

Info Link: http://www.ebparks.org/parks/trails/lafayette_moraga

Summary: The Lafayette-Moraga Trail is a paved bike path that starts in Lafayette and goes up to Moraga. It is very scenic and there is usually a bit of shade on the trail, at least in the first few miles. I swear the people up here are the nicest in the bay area and you'll get lots of "Good Morning"s from them. It's a little hilly, and I've had a couple really rough runs before from pushing too hard on the initial gradual climb. Take it easy and enjoy the scenery. There are mile markings on the path in paint. The trail is easy to follow, but watch the signs after mile 6, you'll take a little jog down Country Club Drive before picking up the trail again.

Gmap: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2209082

Distance: 15 miles (max)

Conditions: Paved path with dirt shoulder

Profile: Gradual climb for the first 5 miles, up to St. Mary's College. Some of the last hills before the top are a bit steeper. Then you go down for a couple miles, where it eventually flattens out. You get the opposite on the way back of course.

Start/Park: Parking lot at Pleasant Hill Rd./Olympic Blvd. (no fee) Trail heads out the west side of the parking lot. The official "start" of the trail is about 0.2 mile past Reliz Station Rd.

Water: There is a drinking fountain just before the 1 mile mark. There is another but I don't know exactly where. Then, there is a park at mile 5.75, just before the crosswalk at Moraga Rd. This park (Moraga Commons) has drinking fountains and restrooms. You pass a Safeway at about mile 6 where you could buy water or snacks.

Breakfast: Chow (58 Lafayette Circle) or Noah's (3518 Mt. Diablo Blvd.)

Santa Rosa

2007-08-15T17:54:00.001-07:00

Santa Rosa

Crystal Springs

2007-08-15T17:44:00.000-07:00

Sawyer Camp Trail at Crystal Springs Reservoir

Location: Peninsula

Info Links: http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/smc/department/home/0,,5556687_12305993_12328403,00.html

Summary: This is a rolling trail with one big long climb. There are markers every 1/2 mile. The views of the reservoirs are beautiful and you can often see deer and other wildlife. There are plenty of trees for shade and a nice dirt shoulder for the most part. The trail is very easy to follow. The climb begins at about 4.5 miles and you reach the top of the dam at mile 5. Then you continue climbing for about another mile after that. At about mile 6 you reach a parking lot (Hillcrest Drive). Cross through it and follow the dirt singletrack trail for about 1/2 mile- this is a little technical with some switchbacks, so be careful. This connects back to a paved path that follows the upper reservoir. If you go all the way to the end of the trail about mile 9 (San Bruno Ave.), there is a gas station across the street that you can go for water or snacks.

Gmap: Crystal Springs (distance comes up a little short, but it's because I couldn't capture the twisting and turning of the trail)

Related Blog Post: http://runningstories.blogspot.com/2008/04/last-long-run-and-weekend-pictures.html

Distance 17.0 miles

Conditions: paved bike path with dirt shoulder

Profile: generally flat to rolling with big hill from mile 4.5 to mile 7

Start/Park: Sawyer Camp Trailhead (Skyline Blvd. and Crystal Springs Road) (no fee)

Water: There is a water fountain and a outhouse at the trailhead. There is a water fountail and a porto-potty at mile 3.5. After that, there is a bathroom at the top of the dam at mile 5, but no more water. There is a gas station across the street at mile 9 where you could buy a water or snacks.

Iron Horse Trail

2007-08-15T17:35:00.001-07:00

The Iron Horse Trail

Location: East Bay

Info Link: http://www.ebparks.org/parks/trails/iron_horse

Summary: The Iron Horse Trail is a rails-to-trails project that partially follows a canal. It is super long and you can do a long run at any number of points along the trail. It is generally easy to follow, just look for the signs. This specific version starts near my home in Dublin and runs one-way up to Walnut Creek.

Gmap: Iron Horse Trail

Related blog run report: November 2007 (not this exact run, but similar territory)

Distance: 15.5 miles One-Way (many alternatives available)

Conditions: paved bike path with dirt shoulder at some points

Profile: flat

Start: Trail Crossing at Amador Valley Boulevard in Dublin

Park: on street, walk to trail crossing

Water: Walt Disney School Park at Pine Valley Rd (2.0 miles). *bathroom here! Portopotty*
Central Park at Bollinger Canyon Rd (3.9 miles).
Danville Rd. crossing (8.3 miles)
Just pass old Railroad station at Prospect Ave (8.6 miles) *bathroom here! In old railroad car*
Stone Valley Road (11.4 miles)
Several more fountains at various points along trail over next couple miles
Rudgear Road (13.7 miles)

End: Civic Park, Walnut Creek (at Civic Drive)

Breakfast: Crepes A Go-Go

1432 N. Main St.