I attended the recruitment week for the triathlon club a few weeks back at their swim event at…read moreAquatic Park. I met a few of the club members and they were all kind. There were a few announcements made by the swim director Aimee before she requested all newcomers to come up to the front. I was the first one to the front and greeted her, only to be completely ignored. As moments passed, several other individuals showed up and were promptly greeted by Aimee. She conducted her quick safety briefing and offered advice and the opportunity for pairings for those individuals. However, when I again greeted her and let her know that I was interested in joining the club, I was met with a look and tone of annoyance. It was comical how quickly her tone negatively shifted when she had to interact with me. I explained that I came from a competitive swim background, and her only response was to jump into the water. No offer for open water swim advice or partner pairings like she did with everyone else. I did a quick swim and wanted to ask a few more questions about the club and was blatantly ignored by Aimee once again. It's quite ironic how she praises the value of community, generosity, and support in the club on the website, and yet, as a leader within the club, she displays the complete opposite. Sports such as triathlons and biking have all had a history and stereotype of being exclusive, and unfortunately, this group has selected a leader that further perpetuates this negative stigma. Aimee isn't a complete reflection of the club and their values as she is an individual, but I do want others to be aware of my experience when exploring or looking for a community

I'd have to agree with Isla and J.G.'s reviews. It shocks me how almost mindlessly fawning the…read moremajority of reviews for GGTC are, almost like cultish brainwashing. I've been a high performer in sports all my life, and have therefore seen the worst and best of the jock lifestyle. GGTC is more clique-ish and shallow than even high school sports. They will talk a good game and coax new members in with backslaps and promises of comradery. But, just like grade school, you have to hit some magical combination of perceived coolness to actually be accepted. To prospective members: Do you seriously want to be a part of that immaturity? One example happened the very first week I joined. I went on a general long-distance road cycle organized by GGTC. The event leader was Ellison Wada. (Yes, you are going to be called out when you behave churlishly.) I spoke with him about the Marin Century Ride and mentioned I had registered for it. He answered my questions about what the course was like, and vaguely mentioned that some GGTC members would be riding in it. Never mentioned who they were, and his body language and evasive speech made it clear I was not welcome to join that contingent. So, as a new member to GGTC and a new transplant to San Francisco, I was left to do the century alone. What a great feeling that was as someone trying to establish themself in an unfamiliar place. Come the day of the century, about halfway through the ride, I see Ellison and about eight other GGTC members at a rest station. So even though this sad boy was part of that contingent, he purposely withheld that fact because he didn't want me to join them. And no, neither he nor GGTC can make the excuse that I would have had trouble keeping up. I kept up with the faster riders during the previous group event, and during other rides, consistently outpaced members who trained 3x more than I did. Furthermore, I actually caught up to the GGTC contingent during that Marin Century, even though I started an hour later than they did. Note that this was my first century ever, and I still caught up to them. Maybe the club needs to rethink if it's really as hot as it believes, and reconsider its training programs, if a newbie can easily achieve that without any support. It's pretty sad to see grown adults -- many of who were never-beens when they were younger and are trying to desperately capture some semblance of glory in their twilight years -- behave that way. I couldn't stand being around a group of people I felt nothing but contempt for, and left in disgust several months after joining.

This is a USATF certified, hilly 5k course that runs through the picturesque town of Piedmont. This…read moreis one of the only closed course races around that has a spot for families/walkers and four legged friends. This race offers something for everyone. A speedy start for those who are going to run it under 20 minutes, a challenging course for the weekend warrior or a great stroll with your family and friends. Street parking is free and easy. Race shirts are high quality wicking fabric, timing provided by race roster. Snacks and prizes post race. https://raceroster.com/events/2018/18942/2018-piedmont-turkey-trot

One of the smaller running events that I've been to, and I think it's by design because…read morenon-participants are also on the Lake Chabot Regional Park trails that coincide with some sections of the running courses. Really wished that the event started much earlier (closer to sunrise) because it was a bit warm and it was pretty distracting having to weave through non-participants especially bicyclists and those walking their dogs (got more busy later in the day). Besides that, the 5K course itself (there were other courses at the event as well) was great! Majority of it was shaded and throughout the course I got several peeks of Lake Chabot. There were gentle hills, but they were few and far between. Also shoutout to the very thorough e-mail newsletter presenting all of the info needed for the event (it's the little things lol but way better than clicking through several tabs on a running event website to gather the same kind of info). Goodies include an amazingly designed wood medallion, shirt, beer sampler stein (with actual beer sampling on-site), yogurt, and packaged snacks. Sasquatch mascot was there cheering runners (was pretty funny seeing general park visitors being confused, but also being happy, seeing a dude in a Sasquatch costume ahaha). *Highly* recommend arriving early for parking especially if you're planning to do free street parking. When I arrived at around 8 am, westbound Lake Chabot Rd. street parking was filled within maybe 0.7 mi from the entrance. Had to circle back and park eastbound grabbing a spot that's maybe 0.2 mi from the entrance. In terms of the parking lot ($5 fee), it was a little more than halfway filled.

Overall a really pleasant race in the Bay with gorgeous views of SF, the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel…read moreIsland, and more. It's one of the better-organized races with very frequent water stations. It felt like there was one every 10 minutes or so with plenty of electrolytes and Gu. A sprinkling of friendly supporters that take you through the stunning views of the Bay and a neighborhood tour of some really nice houses. It's a nice-sized race where you have runners around you but it doesn't feel crowded. The Tiburon Half Marathon also has the sharpest race t-shirt I've gotten in all the Bay area races. Be warned though that there are a couple of very serious inclines that take the air out of you. That and the 7am start-time is pretty early if you're traveling in but you'll appreciate it since the sun comes on strong around 8-ish.

Distance: Half Marathon…read more + Easy sign up. + On the day packet pick up. + Low registration fees. + Medals for all finishers. + Beautiful course. + Multiple distances available. - Not enough signage for the course. - No 1st, 2nd and 3rd in age group awards. (Not that I was Running for that but would have been nice). - Post Race refreshments kind of ''eh''. Dry Bagels, Apples and Oranges slices with Granola bars. NO BANANA!! :( I signed up for this last minute to pace with a friend that was Running for JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) and really glad I did as the course was beautiful and a nice one to round off the season. I wasn't Running for time but to prove to myself I can show restraint and not have to PR or place in my age group every time I run. Funny that even restraining myself from Running flat out ''balls to the wall'' I still placed first in my age group and 3rd overall. Yahoo! This old shortie still has it. A great run that is fairly small in size, all of the volunteers were really nice and encouraging, especially the Ladies at around the 12 mile mark. A race I would consider doing again next year. If you want to donate to this Charity and my friends fundraiser (greatly appreciated if you do) you can do so here: http://www2.jdrf.org/site/TR?fr_id=3882&pg=personal&px=8476668

The course for the Race to the Flagpole half marathon is about 45% an out-and-back, which only…read morerunners of the half did, and about 45% the 10K course. The start and finish areas are in Livermore's Independence Park; all runners do the same first and last 3/4 mile or so. On leaving Independence Park runners follow a trail that takes them to Sycamore Grove Park. 10K runners enter it for their run, while half marathon runners pass it by, taking trails paralleling roads through hundreds of acres of vineyards, up into the hills east of Livermore. The trail is twofold - paved trail paralleled by packed dirt trail (watch for equine "landmines"). "Up into hills" means climbing. None are super steep, but it's 2-3 miles of mostly uphill, with some short flat or downhill stretches between individual hills. And then back down again, turning into Sycamore Grove Park to do the 10K course. The 10K course is an elongated figure-8 using trails in the park. These run past vineyards, through oak, eucalyptus, and (surprise!) sycamore groves, past an olive orchard, alongside and over a creek. To me, this, the 10K course, was the more beautiful part of a generally beautiful course. Most of the trail was dirt access road, with perhaps 3/4 of a mile of paved trail (with a packed dirt shoulder). The terrain is mostly gently rolling, with one short hill well worth calling a hill. * Overall, race organization and production were very well done. There were aspects that could be improved, and aspects that were nicer than I expected from a small, local, charity race (two Livermore area high schools' athletic programs). * Easy registration with no service fee tacked onto the registration price, nice for the budget. * Speaking of budget, the $45 registration fee is really low! * This was the first race I've been in (more than 30) that did not send a race instructions email. Much of what is typically in such emails - parking, check-in - was on the mail-in registration form, but I registered online. I found it the day before the race. Race instructions can be an email or a webpage, but if the latter, it should be easy to find. * The course maps are a bit klutzy, a map of the out-and-back section of half marathon, and a map for the 10K, with text showing where half runners go onto the 10K course. Not very user-friendly. There were no elevation profile charts. * Parking was free. The lot got pretty full half or a full hour before start time. * Packet pick-up was race day only, and getting bibs and T-shirts were separate steps. Both were quick for me, and I didn't see a line for either. * There was a color guard from the local VFW post and a singer who led the "Star Spangled Banner". * Both start and finish were chip-timed. * Course marking was OK. There were quite a few stationary course monitors, and quite a few, very helpful, monitors on bicycle. Going astray required being inattentive (which I was at one point; I was corrected within 20 yards by a nearby monitor). A few chalk markings or traffic cones to indicate, "Don't go this way," would improve this. * Aid stations were water only, and there were quite a few. I probably passed water stations 8 times (some twice). I think I heard sloshing sounds as I walked somewhere around mile 10 or 11. * I was the last to finish the half, and when I did there were no food tables or food. On the other hand, well-laden food tables had been in the area before the start, and I had availed myself of some. Having food available to the very end would have been nice, but only 54 did the half marathon. So I have no problem with the lack of food tables at the very end. * By the time I finished they had also run out of finisher's medals. The person in charge apologized profusely, explained, and got my bib number. I was told to expect a medal in the mail in 2-3 weeks. They had received MANY more late and race day registrations than anticipated. I have no problem AT ALL with this consequence of a community supporting a charity race beyond the expectations of the race planners! T-shirt: Light gray cotton T with the race logo (runners approaching a sycamore tree with an American flag in the background, very attractive), race name, year, and distances on the front, and sponsors' logos on the back. Finisher's medal: I looked at the finisher's medal, briefly, before race start. It's an off-the-shelf medallion with laurel leaves circling a center with a printed insert. Goodies: Before race start I saw coffee, bottled water, cut up bagels with cream cheese, muffins, fruit strips, cereal bars, cut up oranges, and uncut Fuji apples. Because there were no elevation profiles I did not prepare for this race as I might have, knowing it was fairly hilly. Just past mile 1 I saw far enough ahead to throttle back a little and finish with a time that had me appropriately satisfied and tired. The 2015 Race to the Flagpole was mostly well-organized, with a beautiful course. I would consider doing this race again.

Is this where I can meet my husband? In San Francisco?…read more Ode to pancakes and virgin bloody mary's..as well as my prize medal for running the presidio 5k that also is offered by SF Marathon...even this year..thanks for telling me these tips the hard way. Running is a nice way to socialize and meet people in a new city or old city.. As long as you can practice for the real thing. As long as you bring your kids...as long as you forgot to get married. Don't forget to wake up after your hangover and head over to brunch in San Francisco CA bro--kay?

Picture perfect views on the course, fun after party at the finish line all in the name of charity,…read morewhat more could you ask for?! The guardsmen have been hosting this race for some time and every year ( this was my 9th) it gets better and better! Pros: well organized and supported course Well staffed aid stations and awesome volunteers Race day packet pick up Staggered race times for each race Cocktails and breakfast at the finish line Newly upgraded race finisher shirts ; no more cotton Proceeds go to fund activities for underprivileged youth Great music and party atmosphere post race Beautiful, scenic course Cons: Tough to get into your own groove/pace as the stretch on the bridge is crowded. Bottlenecks when connecting from the northbound to southbound side of the bridge As you can see, the pros outweigh the cons, I am looking forward to my 10th year and many more in the future. Thank you guardsmen for hosting an A+ event.

What a fun way to start the year and kick start your new years fitness goals. The run is through…read morethe golden park, down ocean beach and back. I completed the 10k for the first time with friends. I would say the run can be a challenge, there is uphill going back to the park. I run golden gate but if you are used to flat running it can be an adjustment. One critique was the water stations seemed to be poorly stationed out. There were plenty of water during the first few miles but then we couldn't find water for the last end, which is when you need it ! But everyone was friendly and the after hot chocolate was .

A huge race thank goodness they started tying the start lines with the 5K people starting a good 45…read moreminutes to an hour before the 10 and 15 K. There is a cut off for speed with 15 minute mile being the slowest so I'm gonna have to hustle if you're a walker I don't know if it is worth it to do the VIP we did. We just got a little grocery bag with some chocolate and coupons in it at the packet pick up and then on the day we suppose we were to get a hot breakfast and a turkey sausage we wanted to have bananas. Regular people were getting but they ran out. I don't know that I would ever do the VIP again unless it was raining and then it's totally worth it.

I have been attending the Celebrity golf events for a few years now. Each year gets better and…read morebetter! See you in Sept!!!

We went to compete, volunteer, and cheer in 2011. Last year was just competing and cheering. I'd…read moresay we have a pretty good idea of how this triathlon holds up to others and it's terrific. Things of note to racers: - The race talk is important. - Pay attention when they tell you about the currents. They're not kidding! - There's a bagpiper at the start of the race (LOVE!). - They sang the national anthem. - There's carpeting leading in and out of the water so that racers don't hurt their feet on stones. - Some parts of the course are confusing. The bike and run involve a few loops and are sometimes biking/running along side one another. It's not always clear which way bikes should go and which way runners should go. - Both the bike and run start and end near a challenging hill. Things to note for volunteers: - Although there's a sign-up online, it's not necessary to do so. You can volunteer where needed the day of the race. - The volunteers are SUPPOSED to have specific time slots, but I witnessed several volunteers who were never given relief and felt compelled to stay MUCH longer than they agreed. Things to note for people cheering: - Be careful not to walk on the course. There are many places where it seems okay to stand or walk where it's not. - Since everything starts and ends close to the transition area, it's convenient to set up camp in a single location and cheer on your racers. - You should bring snacks and drinks as there isn't a whole lot available at the race. Not to say that there's nothing. Just not much. - Cell phone reception is spotty. We had three different carriers between us and none of us had a consistent signal. There were times when we didn't have signal at all.