Escape. It was a much needed escape to San Francisco this past week with my husband. Just four short days of escape from the grind releases you from the prison of the mundane. Everyday away was a chance to experience new things, indulge and enjoy. We even surprised ourselves a few times…
I just happened to be riding by and I couldn’t resist:
What? It could happen…
WEEK OF JUNE 1, 2015
RUNNING: It was an amazing return to running in the city by the bay! I was like a kid on Christmas when I woke-up, laced up, and headed straight down Market Street into a wonderland. The views, the other runners and just the pure joy of this run, more then made up for the fact that my hamstring is still only a “B.” Apparently that wasn’t good enough for CRS since my training plan this week is back to pool running and the elliptical. I’m going to try and fight it but, for now, I will be reliving the sweet sweet memories of my runs by the water.
Pure bliss.
Total mileage: 16.8 (not bad for two days!)
PS – I’ve never gotten a blister from running but I got one from walking up the huge hills of San Fran in heels. Who am I?
At least we had a cool destination, so the blister was totally worth it. The famous Fairmont Hotel!
BIKING: My husband got on a bike. This is huge people. He’s not a big fan of biking, bikers, biking attire – none of it. Luckily for me, he was kind of forced into a little tourist biking journey by one of the guys he works with, who happens to be a pretty big cyclist. We had a lot to talk about, not the least of which was getting my husband on a bike.
What thousand words is Mike saying through this picture? Could our expression be any more different? #TrueLove
We didn’t cross the Golden Gate as planned because, even for me, the winds were insane. I was just so proud of him for even getting on one and riding what we did, that I turned around when he was ready and was just grateful for the time we spent, and the gorgeous views.
These windsurfers were insane! It was freezing and if I had put my hands on one of those kites, they would have found me somewhere over Australia a month later.
Of course my “bike,” outfit (purchased in Fisherman’s Warf mid-ride because I was freezing!) are all an embarrassment to the sport of cycling but, I couldn’t have cared less. It was FUN and I can only hope to do it again someday…with the right outfit…and my own bike….and helmet. I won’t even get into how disgusting the helmet situation was. #Infestation
Total mileage: Who cares?
Nerd alert!
SWIMMING: No one told me there would be an amazing and safe looking place to swim! This area reminded me of Chicago with all the swimmers just lapping languidly, back and forth, in the water. I was practically salivating as I watched them and wishing I had brought my wet suit. Of course then I thought about the water temperature and sharks and I was ok with just taking a few pictures:
Swimmers paradise.
CROSS-TRAINING: The hotel gym was well equipped and even had some stuff I had never seen, like these fusion of sandbag and kettle bell items. Very cool. Plus they had two different size foam rollers, a rope, BoSu’s and medicine balls. I was able to do all my hip/glute strength training and then some.
Of course my other cross-training was walking. Since my husband had some business to do, I was able to shop and walk and explore:
Chuck Taylors anyone? Sweet Converse store in Union Square.
Seal Rock, sadly without any seals, and barely visible with that always present fog.
FUEL: Where to begin? This was one of those vacations were I feel like all I did was eat, drink and sleep. In a word – perfection. Thanks to tons of great suggestions by friends and family, we ate well every night and even got out to wine country on Saturday:
Barrels of Opus One for miles! Holy wine. If only we could have grabbed a barrel and ran…
One of the most amazing cheese plates at Bottega in Napa.
THINGS I LOVE: Getting pictures like this from home and knowing my boys were surrounded with love and fun:
THINGS I DON’T LOVE AS MUCH: Feeling like an idiot. This is what happened the first time I tried to use Uber.
*If you don’t know, Uber is like personal car service that works from a phone app. It’s amazing, if done correctly.
I’m standing, looking confused on a street corner by my hotel. I see the familiar “U” in a car window and motion to the driver as if he’s my ride:
Me: Hi, I think you’re here for me.
Him: No, I’m not but let me see if I can help you.
At this point he grabs my phone and pulls it into his car. I quell the rising panic attack that a stranger just took my phone and could drive off with it, and instead just smile and try to act normal.
Him:Â *Looking up at me like ‘bless your heart’ *Â You haven’t requested a driver yet.
That’s right. It turns out I was using it all wrong (which is pretty hard to do) and he was extremely nice, helpful and got me my first ride for free.
Thank you magical Uber man, wherever you are!
After that, we took Uber everywhere and had some great conversations. I highly recommend using it on your next trip because:
1. You can get a car anytime, anywhere and, in my experience, it was cheaper then a taxi.
2. The app shows you a picture of your driver, the make and model of the car and exactly where his car is in relation to you, with an estimated time of arrival. You can even call him/her if the pick-up location is tricky.
3. No money changes hands. I set up my account through PayPal but you can use a credit card too. Afterward you are emailed a confirmation, receipt and detail of the route.
READING: Dear Stephanie by Mandi Castle. It’s not often you read something that is shocking, or at least it’s not often that I do. This book was shocking. It’s super sexy, funny and wild…until it shockingly isn’t. I was not prepared for what this book brought, but I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. I don’t think some of the passengers sitting next to me on the plane were prepared to see a grown women sob over a book that has a martini on the cover, so it’s safe to say it can shock even those not reading it. Yes, I was reading an actual book. #LongStory
Despite the embarrassment it brought me, I highly recommend it and that you read everything Dana of Kiss My List says to. She never disappoints.
MUSIC: I wish I could say we danced until midnight, because my husband and I love to dance. However, the one great chance we had was at The Top of The Mark restaurant, but the band and atmosphere was like being at a really bad wedding, and we weren’t drunk enough to just go with it.
At this point, when you’ve seen one foggy view, you’ve seen them all!
Sadly, we had one drink, enjoyed the panoramic views, and left while the band was belting out ACDC’s ‘You Shook Me All Night Long’ a song they had zero business singing. #EscapeFromMyEars
 QUOTE SIGN OF THE WEEK:
First of all, there are Bison in Golden Gate Park? Second, this sign is necessary?
And that’s when I knew it was time to go home!
How was your week?
Have you ever felt like a moron when trying to use technology?
Has your partner/boyfriend/girlfriend ever done something for you they hate just out of pure love?Â
What a great few days in San Fran!!! I had my first Uber ride there when we did the Nike Women’s Half October 2014, and I’ve used Uber a few times since in other cities and had a great experience every time. I know some parents who use Uber to pick up and take their kids(usually teens) to different activities……not sure I’m quite comfortable with that.
My husband hates running and trained for the first half-marathon I ever did (Malibu 2012) with me….he hated it but did it…and hasn’t run a single time since that race. I’m hooked for life:)
Yes! The Uber drivers were super nice and had lots of good information.
That is great about the half-marathon! My husband did one 5K with me – never again 🙂
OH I LOVE YOUR HUSBAND.
I am your husband but only out of FEAR of cars.
<3 <3 <3
I also feared the cars but (maybe as you know?) lots of big, open bike lanes and even lights for the bike! Green bike means GO! I would never be brave enough to cycle though that city though. I’m sure there are a lot of accidental car door openings. Yikes!!
I love San Francisco so much! And funny enough, I have the almost exact same bike picture from our last trip. Total nerd alert but so fun!
It’s a beautiful and fun city. So glad I’m not alone with the super tourist picture 🙂
Very much needed for you, and these made me very jealous! What a fun time you had, and you and the hubby are adorable! YAY for running….but book for hamstring being a B…..I am sure you have, but have you tried ART and eccentric exercises with it? That really helped me, especially the ART. Sorry if I am just repeating it for you. Glad you enjoyed, just what you needed!
Thank you so much Tina and yes, I have done ART (continue to do it) and I’m making progress for sure…just slow progress. I have ONE run on soft surface this week and will build from there…
Sounded once again like the perfect week on the whole to me. Oh and by the way, I most certainly agree about Dana’s reading selections as she is always right on the money 😉
I’m so glad you love her suggestions as well. It’s such a great resource for me, and then of course I get to “talk” to Dana about the books. Maybe we can start a virtual book club? 🙂
I’m so happy for you both and it sounded like it was exactly what you needed. I won’t use UBER just because I have a couple of friends who have relatives in the taxi cab business. I’ve done similar stuff with technology so I completely understand!
I totally get the loyalty to cabs. I was asking the uber drivers about that and I guess uber has been banned in a few cities b/c of the cabs. However, in SF, the cab companies have gotten smarter and have their own pick-up service called FlyWheel. I was so confused at first since FlyWheel is a spin company here so I thought it was just advertising that!? I’m easily confused!!
Thanks Hollie.
Omg! We had the same issue last year when we visited Sf in July!! The winds were soooo cold and somehow every gift shop conveniently had sweatshirts ready for purchase in fishermans wharf!! Smh. So happy you got to RUN again. Life feels normal once more. 🙂 my husband has done all kinds of crazy things in the name of love in the past 17 years. I’ve got stories. Haha
I was hoping for a recap of the trip early this week! So glad you guys had a great time and a mini “re-charge”. I am also glad you did end up using Uber, I think its the greatest and you meet so many nice people! Looking forward to hearing more about it and nice job getting Mike on a bike 🙂
Oh I love so many things about your SF recap. I read excerpts to Fran – he shares your husband’s feelings about cyclists (and runners, which is awkward since I am one). Your uber story was definitely something I’d do, too. And now I want to go to SF! Nellie just write about a quick trip there and one of my best friends lives there and someone needs to give me lots of money and a babysitter to travel with me so I can enjoy a vacation!! 😉 Oh also, I have friends who’ve done that Alcatraz tri (Equinox used to sponsor it, so they ran trials at my gym to give away entries for trainers) and they LOVED it.
I totally want to go there some time! What an amazing trip!
Haha, I LOL’d reading your story about Uber. We use it here in DC and it’s awesome. You are lucky the guy you flagged down was an Uber! That could have been scary! San Fran is one of my favorite cities. I ran a race there once over the GGB and it was one of the coolest experiences ever. Not sure you could have had a better weekend, it sounds like pure bliss!
AH! Getaways are SO fun!!!!! I always feel almost like I am forgetting something when we don’t have the kids :). Glad you were able to get 2 runs in 🙂
That’s too funny because I feel the same way about the kids! I have mini panic attacks.
Glad to see you back here. I can’t wait to read your update!
It doesn’t get much better than San Franciso–it sounds like a fabulous trip! I’m happy you got out there and happy you got to run there, too. Not happy you are back to pool running, though!
So I have yet to try Uber, but now I will know what to do if I do! And I’m going to have to add that book to my exploding kindle!
It was! CRS has since added one ‘soft surface’ run to my week so…better then nothing! Slow progress but it’s progress.
I hope you read the book at some point. It’s a wild ride!
I just watched the San Andreas movie with The Rock this past weekend. They’ve cleaned up the placed nicely since that 9.6 earthquake and devastating tsunami.
They do amazing things in that city! I was happy they returned everything to order but I think it was mostly so the warriors could play.
The photo of you and your husband in bike helmets was so cute and funny! Love that you guys got to get some bike time. And that Uber story! LOL! 🙂 I have never used Uber but I”m sure when I do, something similar might happen! Glad you guys enjoyed your time away!
I didn’t realize the face he was making until I looked at the pictures later and I burst out laughing! I hope my experience with uber can help you 🙂
I enjoyed your FB pics of SF this weekend…so glad you had a great time. That is my favorite CA city (and yes, I’ve only visited two). And so happy you loved Dear Stephanie – I am going to share your post with Mandi; she will be thrilled. And please leave her a review on Amazon if you don’t mind…they really help authors get their books more visible.
Oh, and I only feel like a technology moron when my kids say, “Oh, Mom,” and roll their eyes. I get no respect, I tell ya.
I’ve been exchanging tweets with Mandi and I will absolutely add my review to Amazon. I was floored by that book! She’s an amazing writer.
By the time my kids are your kids’ ages, I won’t stand a chance!!
Thanks Dana 🙂
Sounds like an incredible trip! I really want to travel to San Francisco soon! Your husband is so sweet for biking with you.
I’m confused about the bison in the Golden Gate Park. Bison? In San Francisco? Are they for eating or are they somehow natural to the area?
I was confused too! I believe they are somehow natural to the area but I honestly don’t have a clue. I was shocked to see the sign and then see their huge bodies in the distance. It was all very odd!!
So glad to hear that you had a great time in SF! When I first saw the picture of you with the Escape from Alcatraz sign, I actually thought you may have competed in it this weekend. I mean, I wouldn’t be surprised! Opus One is amazing! So fun that you got to go there. And yes! Love seeing the swimmers down by the aquatic center and that water is freeeeezing! Too funny about uber!
If I had known it was the same weekend I may have had to try to get in!
Opus was just stunning.
I had no clue there was an aquatic center there but the swim area was very cool. I wanted to stick my feet in to check the water temp 🙂
Oh how I love this post! I’m dying to visit San Fran like now. Your uber story is hysterical! We have been using uber nonstop on the weekends, it’s a brilliant gift to the world. Huge fan over here!
Book the trip!!…and I can give you some great tips on running, biking and eating 🙂
You crack me up!!!! Uber is fantastic! Oh and 50% less than Blue Shuttle to get to the airport:) hope you heel fast!!!!
Thanks Jen! Yes, it was a lot cheaper to go pretty much anywhere with uber!
My husband is so so not a morning person but any time I ask he is willing to wake up and go for a 5:00 am run. Awesome #rundate! San Francisco is my all time favorite city. We went often when we lived in SoCal.
That is awesome!! I so wish my husband ran or cycled sometimes just because I want company.
There’s just no city like San Fran and I was so excited to go back after 15 years. It’s remains as amazing as ever!
Wanna laugh? I have the EXACT same San Fran sweatshirt – but in blue – that I also bought in the city because I was freezing! Haha. Sounds like you had a blast, and it looks like June gloom is in full effect in SF, as it has been on a lot of recent days in San Diego too!
OMG!!! That is hilarious and I did LOL 🙂
Is that what they call it? June gloom? That is the perfect description. Hoping it lifts soon!!
Yes! The bison! We used to live in walking distance of Golden Gate Park and I loved the bison. When we moved here, we had a bison farm near us (Hadley, MA) and I kept thinking, “What are the chances to keep living so close to bison??”
Anyway. My old city. I miss it so.
Thank you for explaining that a little bit!!! It seems like you just can’t get away from them? Too bad it’s not a moose farm 🙂
I love Uber, but I was the same way the first time I used it! My husband was like “Okay. Let me give you a tutorial…”
Love San Fran! Isn’t it so funny how it is so cold there in June and July? We were there last July and in the morning I was SO COLD. One of my best friends did the Alcatraz tri!! Better her than me! ;0
So glad you got to wine country – ahhh, Opus One is sooo dreamy.
What a perfect trip!!!
Thank you for saying that! Now I don’t feel so badly 🙂
I cannot believe they have that race at the beginning of June?? It was COLD!
Thanks Natalie.
SF is one of my favorite places ever!
Glad you had fun!
I have to get out to a real city once in a while and this was amazing!
Why on earth did you not escape to LOS ANGELES?!?!
That is an excellent question! The answer is that my husband had business in San Fran. Booooooo
Haha! Oh Allie! I have to say that I use Uber all the time in Brazil. It is awesome because it tracks your location and then you can put in where you are going and your payment. It’s perfect if you can’t really communicate well because you literally don’t have to say anything to the driver!
This looks like such an awesome adventure! You must have had the best time! Your husband looks thrilled to be on the bike! 🙂
I can imagine how helpful it is there!…plus you can feel safe.
We had an amazing time, bike ride and all 🙂
Uber has saved my life on more than one occasion, and not just because it helps me to not drink and drive. It’s highly important that you request a car before getting into a stranger car that has a U on it, however. The first time I used Uber, I was alone, so my husband took pics of the car and the license plate when I left. I made it home in one piece, so he didn’t have to use the license plate as evidence.
Thanks so much for reading my book and for reviewing it. (reviews are how we little indie authors get our books in front of others.) I’m really glad you enjoyed the wild ride that Paige took you on. She’s a hot mess, but one I hoped readers would be able to relate to.
I don’t know how you runners do it. I’m impressed by every step you guys take. Keep going. It’s awesome, and now I want to go to San Fran even more, especially after the pic of the Converses.
OMG that is too funny about taking down the plate! Very smart.
I was happy to do the review as I truly loved the book. Paige was a very interesting character and I loved watching he spill secret after secret as she revealed more of herself. I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I took Dana’s recommendation and I just loved being surprised with each chapter…not to mention all the fun in between 🙂
I wish you so much success as you truly deserve it!