Dec 31. Coastal Run New Year’s One Day at Crissy Field.
This is the one reason why I am in San Francisco on New Year’s Eve/Day. I have found out about this event about 3 years back when I was searching for something different to do on New Year’s Eve. I ended up in Peanut Island in West Palm Beach, Florida at that time. A trip to Florida was more logistically realistic and financially affordable. However, that would be the last year of Peanut Island 24 (bring it back, please).
3 years after, I’m doing a similar event in San Francisco. This is the New Year’s One Day, a timed running event with 6hrs, 12hrs, or 24hrs options. The course is a 1.065 mile loop around the lagoon at Crissy Field, with magnificent views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, Alcatraz, and the San Francisco bay area. I have signed up to do the 12hr one.
This event is part of the adventure my daughter and I embarked on. We took a 4-day train trip from New Jersey/New York to San Francisco, and explored the San Francisco area on the 5th day. She then flew back to New Jersey on the 6th day, Dec 29th. I stayed in San Francisco to do this event.
Dec 31st – Day 8. I had my last breakfast at the hotel, checked out, and deposited my luggage for overnight storage. Took an Uber to Crissy Field for the event. The event started at 9AM for those doing the 12 and 24 hrs. I opted to start at 12NN ending at 12MN. The idea was to welcome the new year in a different manner, similar to Peanut Island 24.
Today’s weather is a lot better than yesterday. The sun was bright and shining, although still a bit windy (which would turn chilly at the later part of the day). I was so glad to find the Sports Basement in a walking distance to get some really-last-minute much needed gear – a wind-breaker, a beanie, and extra socks. I’ve already done a quick shopping in the San Francisco area prior today for some fleece pants and long sleeves. I was expecting a warmer weather when we left New York, so I did not bring any cold-weather apparel – BIG MISTAKE!
Coming to the event, I knew I was not physically prepared. But this is not an excuse. I came here to enjoy the experience. I pitched my tent, and started my run a little past 12NN. The 1st loop was the picture-taking loop – walking the whole time, taking picrures. I put the phone back to the tent and started the slow jog every loop, taking a walk break on every turn. The course has a rectangular shape, asphalt on one long side, hard soil on the other side, with turns in 90+deg bend. I reminded myself every loop – Walk The Turns. I did not bring any special nutrition for this event, relying on what they have on the snack pit – electrolyte drinks, clif blocks, pb sandwiches, soda, etc. I just had my collapsible hydration bottle, refilling it every 2 laps or so.
About every 3hrs, I would take the camera and do another picture-taking loop, updating my kids with my progress with the picture. This also gave me views of the the Golden Gate bridge at different times.
The idea of walking the turns proved very helpful. I wanted to survive the whole 12 hours of jogging and walking without suffering any pain or injuries. I would also take short breaks to change clothes. Started with shorts and long-sleeves + the wind breaker I bought from Sports Basement. Changed clothes whenever it became damp to avoid the chills. Around 5PM+, I added the pants, and double-layered the upper body + the wind breaker. The sun was gone before 6PM, and the course was not lit. Majority of the runners have headlights when it became dark. I started to do more walks than jogs at this time.
From my garmin watch, I was able to cover 40+miles doing the walk/jog approach. Pathetic compared to those who really prepared for this event. But again, I was here to enjoy the experience, and I did. Before midnight, I stopped and changed to more warmer layers of clothing and did a final slow walk loop, stretching along the way. After crossing the start/finish mat the last time, I surrendered my transponder, received my finisher’s medal, and had some light food. This would be about 10 minutes before midnight. At midnight, we had a toast at the snack pit and welcomed the new year.
I went back to the tent and tried to get some rest. Later today is another day to tackle. Happy New Year!
