San Francisco Marathon Race Report

So here we go. Mile by Mile, or as close as I remember now. I've used the runsfm.com page for reference:

Start: Downtown on the Embarcadero at Mission, run past the historic Ferry Building.

Mile 1: Look to your left to see Coit Tower overlooking San Francisco, and then pass through Fisherman's Wharf and catch the smell of fresh bread baking at Boudin's.

This mile was wonderful! Ok, it was the first mile, and I wasn't expecting much. Apart from having to wait in Wave 8 corral for almost an hour for the start, it wasn't bad. I got this funky picture of the Bay Bridge from the staring area.

I hooked up with Alexis and David, and they agreed to follow my race plan with me. I hadn't seen them in a few weeks, having missed the Celebration Run because I couldn't find them, then skipping out for the Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon, then last week being in Clearwater, Florida.

I wasn't able to get a good reading on the time for the first mile; at some point near Fisherman's Wharf, I missed the mile marker, so I took the average for miles 1 and 2 - about 10:32 each.

I briefly thought the small bump on the elevation chart was the hill up to the Coit Tower and got little worried. That is quite a hill! I figured out that it couldn't be - it was just too close.

Mile 2: Run through Fort Mason - now a historic military site.

We ran pretty constantly through Fort Mason, I took the 21:04 reading.

Mile 3: Run along the Marina and see the private yachts to your right.

About mile 2.5 there was a pretty nice hill that we had to hit and then run down the back. With that, took a little hit on this mile at 11:58.

The end of mile 3, we could see the bridge. THE bridge.

Mile 4: Pass the restored wetlands and enter the Presidio.

Mile 5-10: Cross the Golden Gate Bridge toward Marin, and then back again, looking at the incredible city view as you head back onto the main land.

What a great, but crowded feeling! There were two lanes open, one going over, one coming back. This was a relatively easy run, and half way across, we were at 6 miles - but I missed that mile marker. On the other side, we got some Energy Gel by Cytoma x, but I chose to do the Vanilla Bean Gu I had in my water belt. I am saving that energy gel for a training session - we'll see how it is when it's just practice, not in a real race!


By the time we were coming back, I realized those coming across were almost a mile behind us, even though they were right beside us.. that is some long bridge!

Mile 11 & 12: Enjoy the downhill as you move through Sea Cliff and Richmond Districts, and into the greenery of Golden Gate Park.

This was a pretty agressive downhill slope, and we even got a chance to go into the woods on a trail run. It felt good, and I avoided the sprinklers that someone forgot to turn off that were spraying the walkway.

Miles 13-19: Take in the sights of this lush city park, passing small lakes and ponds, and re-enter the city through the Alvord Lake Tunnel.

And here come the HILLS!

I forgot that we were to go around the lake in the park. That;s the same lake as the Conservatory 5k back in December... when I had a hard time running just 5k.



At about mile 15, I think we lost Alexis, but I couldn't stop. At about mile 18, I think I lost David. That might sound like I was doing good, but I was starting to feel it.

Mile 20: Pass through Haight Ashbury and experience the 60s all over

My intervals at this point went to 3:2, and I was pushing myself to keep running.

Miles 21 & 22: Run through the Mission District, known for its flavorful Mexican restaurants – resist the temptation to stop for a quick meal!


Ok, this is where is started to get hard for me. I was walking, but walking fast. Pictures? Hell, no.

Miles 23 & 24: Head through Potrero Hill and see water again as you head North for the final two miles!


I realized I was passing and being passed by the 5:00 pace group, and really felt I still might have a shot at it. I heard as we passed mile 23 that they were at 4:32, and needed to be at 4:34. I looked at my watch - 4:32! I was at exactly the same pace as they were! I can make it!


Then at mile 24, they kept moving just a bit faster than I did, and pulled away from me. They were still in sight, but probably a quarter mile in front of me.

Miles 25 – END: Once you run past the home of the San Francisco Giants you know you are almost there. Look for Cupid's Arrow and the finish line will soon follow.

Coming around AT&T Park, I got a sudden feeling that I might be able to make it to the endin under 5 hours. I got a shot of adrenalin, and stepping onto the Embarcadero, I kicked it up - for about 10 steps and my left leg muscles started twitching! I had to walk. I walked until I could see the 26 mile marker off in the distance. I was at 4:53. I thought, "I can do this!" and I started to run, and run pretty fast.

I made it in what my watch says was 4:59, but the officials say 5:00.

END: Congratulations! Enjoy the post-race awards presentation, food, and festivities!

I did! A yummy peanut butter and marshmellow fluff sandwich prepared by the wonderful lady at the AIDS Marathon Training Program tent. Soooo good!

Overall, I had a good day. Look forward to trying to get a bit stronger to be able to finish without walking, and just a little faster. Green Mountain, here I come!