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Running the Strip
April 27, 2016 - Things seem to be settling down after a crazy month. Now I finally have time to update you on all the happenings.
During the last week of April, I was in Las Vegas for a conference. My long time climbing partner (LTCP) was also attending the same conference so we decided to meet up for an early morning run. But at the last minute, he couldn’t make it so I went off on my own.
My plan: To do a 2-mile run along the Strip. I was staying at the MGM Grand. Those of you familiar with Las Vegas would know that my side of the street did not have much to see (until you reach the Paris Hotel). As such, I decided to head over to the other side where it was much more scenic. To get there, I needed to climb some stairs and cross over the pedestrian bridge.
Within minutes, I was in front of the New York New York Hotel and Casino. I felt like I was in another part of the country...well, at least a cheesier version.
From the Big Apple of the West, I ran past the Monte Carlo Hotel. At this point, my shins began to hurt, something that haven’t happen for a while. I suspect it had to do with the pavement of the of the street where I was running, which was mainly tiled and slick. So just a friendly warning for those who are planning to run the Strip.
Eventually, I passed a CVS. There was no way to cross the street at the next traffic light (Aria Drive) so I had to make a left along the Mandarin Oriental. You’ll quickly come to a set of stairs that’ll take you to another bridge.
You see an amazing view of the Aria Hotel from the bridge and it’s hard not to stop to take a picture. The bridge led me to The Shop of Crystals. That’s when I stopped, turned around, and made my way back.
Overall, it was a nice run. The weather was cool, and a little breezy, during the early morning hours (7-8am). Surprisingly, there were actually quite a lot of runners.
Things to watch out for? Again, the pavement is tiled so it’s really hard on the legs. Also, the morning is when the City hoses down the streets so be careful because they can get slippery.
Back to Business
April 2, 2016 - After taking a short break from working out and a quick trip to Vegas, I’m back at it again. I returned to the ol’ stomping grounds - Forest Hill. I decided to run the full Forest Hill Sevens course I designed last year. As you may recall, I attempted this course earlier in the year to much failure.
I strained the bottom of my right foot due to too much walking in Vegas so the plan was the finish the course, but take it easy. Like always, I started up at the Pacheco Grand Stairs. I had a lot of energy this morning and bursted out of the gates, double-stepping my way up. Once on top, I headed toward the Montalvo Stairway. I took on the Castenada Ave. part of this stairway then quickly moved onto Santa Rita Ave. part. This is where I usually start to struggle.
Strangely enough, I felt good and was going at a good pace. I continued onto the 9th Ave. part of the stairway. I climbed it and took a pause at the top when I realized I made it through 4 stairways with relative easy. I'm usually toppled over, panting at this part of the course.
I ran down Mendosa Ave.,then 9th Ave. and made a turn back to the Forest Hill Path, the 5th stairway in the course. Up and went. Next stop: Alton Stairwayb. I jogged up those steps and stopped to breather at the top, got re-oriented, and headed back to the direction of the Pacheco Grand Stairs. Instead of running down that stairs before heading toward the Pacheco Street Stairway, the last and final stairs, I went straight there off a side street.
When I completed that, I still felt fine, so I decided to up the Pacheco Grand Stairs one last time for a "grand" finish. That's 8 stairways total!
The Forest Hill Sevens course was mapped out to be 1.89 miles. When we all ran it last year, it took exactly 24 minutes, a 12'42"/mile pace. With the additional run up the Pacheco Grand Stairs, the course because 1.98 miles. I completed it in 25.35 minutes, 12'54"/mile pace. Even though my pace was slower, I felt my overall running has improved. In fact, I think I could've ran more. I was not overly-exhausted like I was last year or earlier this year for that matter. This is progress!
Support My Fight For Air Climb
As mentioned, I will be participating in this year’s Fight For Air Climb, which is a 52-story climb in the Bank of America Building in San Francisco this coming March. The Climb is a fundraising event support of the Lung Association. This event has a personal meaning to me as I was a sufferer of childhood asthma. I still occasionally have asthma attacks, but they’ve been few and far between when I became an adult and was more conscious of my health and fitness.
This is my 2nd year participating. Last year I finished the climb in 14 minutes 35 seconds. This time was reached with 3-months of training. I have never climbed steps or ran prior. The event has changed my life forever; now I run on a regular basis.
Please support the Lung Association by participating in the Fight For Air Climb or making a donation to the cause. For more information and to make a donation, please go to my participant page.
MEETUP: Sutro Heights Park
We will continue to explore the Lands End area. This week we will check out Sutro Heights Park, which still shows remnants of its former glory, plus beautiful views of Ocean Beach. Then we will jog to the Eastern Coastal Trail Overlook, then Point Lobos, and the Lands End Overlook. From there, we will run Point Lobos Ave. back to the starting point.
WHEN September 12, 2015, 9:30am
WHERE TO MEET The bottom of the the Sutro Heights Park Stairway on Balboa St. and La Playa St.
PARKING Along Balboa St. or surrounding streets or Ocean Beach parking lot.
START TIME 9:30am or when most attendees have arrived. Those who are walking can start earlier.
WHEN TO ARRIVE The Start Time is 9:30am, but you might want to arrive earlier to warm up.
THE COURSE https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zPwvSYEtpySY.kEHIL-wRBR6I&usp=sharing
ALTERNATIVE ROUTE For those who have trouble running downhill, they can make their finish line at the Lands End Look (H). You can return to the starting point by going through Sutro Heights Park.
RSVP VIA FACEBOOK (Optional) https://www.facebook.com/events/877591425664550/
ESTIMATE TIME OF COMPLETION 25 minutes (when jogging)
WHAT TO BRING -Bottled Water -Light Jacket -Sunblock -Hat -Camera -Friends
PUBLIC RESTROOMS Safeway, Lands End Lookout