Time-based long runs for hilly/multi-surface Bay routes
Key Questions
Where can I see strong wildflower blooms in the East Bay?
East Bay wildflowers are blooming strongly on Sibley Volcanic trails, Reinhardt Serpentine Prairie, and Sunol guided hikes or bioblitz events from late March to early May. Conditions are best on sunny Saturdays, with heat possible on Sundays and beyond.
What is the Great Redwood Trail?
The Great Redwood Trail is a 300-mile route from the Bay Area to Humboldt that has been approved, with 17 miles currently open. It advances northern California trail connectivity for hiking and running.
What are some recommended long trail runs in the Bay Area?
Popular options include Alamere Falls Point Reyes 8-mile Coast Trail tidefall, Headlands Rodeo/Tennessee Valley, Mission Peak, Dipsea-Steep Ravine on Mt Tam, Paradise Loop, and Three Bears in East Bay. Time-based long runs suit hilly, multi-surface routes like these.
Which trail running shoes are highlighted for Bay Area terrain?
Recommended shoes include La Sportiva Bushido for techy trails, Hoka Speedgoat 7, Altra Lone Peak 9+ wide, and Salomon X Ultra. These provide grip and comfort for varied Bay routes.
What bike routes are available in San Francisco?
SF features GGP JFK Promenade, Haight to Sunset Dunes, Lands End Trail to Ocean Beach, and 5.5-mile Haight bike tours to GGB. Fisherman's Wharf to Golden Gate Bridge is a popular but often mistaken tourist route.
What running backpacks are best for long Bay Area runs?
Top picks include Stolt Ultralight, Silva Strive, and others tested for commuting, trails, and long-distance. They suit hydration and gear needs for extended hilly runs.
What training protocols are advised for Bay Area long runs?
Follow 12-16 week base building, the 10% rule for mileage increase, heat protocols, hiking strength with eccentrics, mud safety, and Wilderness First Aid. Rotate shoes every 300-500 miles.
What are key East Bay running spots?
Highlights include Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, Bay Area Ridge Trail segments like MMWD Bike/Equestrian Parallel (10.2 miles) and Lynch Creek/Ring Trail, plus Berkeley Omnium and Goodspeed Trail.
East Bay wildflowers blooming strong Sibley Volcanic trails/Reinhardt Serpentine Prairie/Sunol guided hikes/bioblitz late Mar-early May sunny Sat heat Sun+ + Larkspur family hikes Baltimore Canyon Dawn Falls/King Mtn etc + Alamere Falls Point Reyes 8mi Coast Trail tidefall + Headlands Rodeo/Tennessee Valley/Mission Peak/Dipsea-Steep/Mt Tam debate/Paradise Loop/Three Bears E Bay Berkeley Omnium + Muir Woods/Golden Gate Fields/Presidio + South Bay gems/Del Valle/China Camp + Great Redwood Trail 300mi Bay-Humboldt approved 17mi open + MTB Primavera/Anza 250 + Berkeley Skatepark clips + Ridge Trail GGB-Headlands + SF GGP JFK Promenade Haight Sunset Dunes Lands End Trail Ocean Beach + Haight bike tours 5.5mi GGB + hiking strength/eccentrics/mud safety/Wilderness First Aid/La Sportiva Bushido/Hoka Speedgoat 7/Altra Lone Peak 9+ wide/Stolt Ultralight/Silva Strive backpacks/Salomon X Ultra/Asics Hoka/ultra kit + 12-16wk base/10% rule heat protocols.