Lake Merritt, Where Does WOW Meet?

Lake Merritt - Meet at 8:00 in front of Children’s Fairyland at 699 Bellevue Ave. Oakland

The WOW Team meets at Lake Merritt starting at Fairyland. One time around the lake is 3.1 miles.

Our workouts begin in front of Fairyland on Bellevue. Toilets available nearby. Free parking is available on Sunday outside on the side streets (Grand Avenue and others), otherwise there is a $5.00 parking fee. Off street parking (away from Grand Avenue) is available and free all days of the week. Bring your own water and layers of clothing.

Please Google the directions as there are several freeways that come into this area and there are confusing directions. Find your best route and go for it!

There are also toilets and water fountains at a few locations on the course.

See you there!

How to Get to Harbor Bay Ferry, Alameda

Meet 8:00 at Harbor Bay Ferry, Alameda -

Bay Farm Island Harbor Bay Ferry Landing Meet Alameda Ferry Landing Parking Lot at Mecartney/Harbor Bay Parkway Meet in front of Ferry Station Toilets, free parking, water available From Berkeley and San Francisco Follow directions to Robert Crown Memorial State Beach until you get to Otis Street. Turn left on Otis instead of entering Robert Crown Memorial State Beach. Stay on Otis for approximately 2 ½ miles, crossing the Bay Farm Bridge. Take the first Right on Island. Follow Island approximately 1 mile to Mecartney. Go Right on Mecartney and follow all the way to the end. Turn Left into the ferry landing parking lot. From San Jose 880 North, Exit Davis Street, turn left on Davis at end of exit, Right on Doolittle Drive, Stay on Doolittle to Otis. Go left on Island. Follow Island approximately 1 mile to Mecartney. Go Right on Mecartney and follow all the way to the end. Turn Left into the ferry landing parking lot. This Bay Trail Link offers a great map of several sections of the trail that we use. Enjoy! http://baytrail.abag.ca.gov/maps/East_Bay.pdf

Directions to Java Beach at the Zoo

Java Beach has 2 locations. Be sure to come to Sloat Blvd for our Lake Merced Workout. Located at 2650 Sloat Blvd, San Francisco, it is about 1/2 mile to Lake Merced. Parking is free and ample in this area. The cafe opens early so, even if it is raining, you have refuge! Here's a link

Photo of Jennifer B and Family. Courtesy of Papa B

See you soon! Coach Stephanie@AskAboutRunning.com

Point Isabel, El Cerrito - How To Get There For WOW Run and Walk Workouts

Meet at 8:00 AM in the parking area to the right of the Mud Puppy Cafe. Look for the group at the entrance to the bike/pedestrian path away from the dog walking area.

Photo of Sharmaine M, Christy G, Arlene L. Courtesy of WOW Member Jen W

From I80 (in either direction) take Central Avenue exit and head toward the bay. Go all the way to the end of Central and take a right on Isabel and follow it to the parking lot at the end (about 1/4 mile or less). We will meet near Mud Puppy's at the entrance to the bike/pedestrian path.

Toilets, Free Parking, Drinking fountains, picnic tables, and a cafe are right there. Always be prepared for the weather with layers.

See you soon!

Track Workouts at Kezar Stadium Every Tuesday Morning

Every Tuesday Morning at 6:30 AM

Meet at Kezar Stadium Track meets at 6:30AM at the northeast corner of the bleachers, on the track benches. These are running workouts geared to the participants who show up. You may join at any time. Drop-ins are welcome. The main entrance is at 600 Frederick Street, San Francisco, 94117. Street parking is available.

Easiest parking is on Lincoln Blvd, on either side. No fee for parking.

Bring water and layers of clothing.

RSVP at http://meetup.com/gowowteam

How to Get to Inspiration Point, Berkeley

Meet Inspiration Point - Tilden Park, Berkeley at The Nimitz Way Trailhead. Be ready to rock and roll! Toilets and parking are available at no charge. Bring your own water for the run. Dogs OK. When the lot is full, parking is available along the roadside. This paved trail is popular for its beautiful views and rolling course. There is one challenging hill for anyone going 4 miles or more... The miles are marked.From 580/80 take the Buchanan/Albany Exit. Head east on Buchanan about a half mile to San Pablo Avenue. The street will make a slight jog to the right just before reaching San Pablo. As you cross San Pablo--the street becomes Marin Avenue. Go approximately 2 miles up Marin to Grizzly Peak Blvd. Right on Grizzly Peak, 3/4 mile to Shasta Road. Left on Shasta. Do not follow signs to the Golf Course, going slight right. Head slight left, downhill to where Shasta becomes Wildcat Canyon Road, stay right where they intersect. Follow Wildcat Canyon Road for approximately 1 3/4 miles to the Inspiration Point parking lot--on the left.

From Hiway 24, Exit in Orinda at Camino Pablo Road/Moraga Way. Head North on Camino Pablo for approximately 2 1/2 miles. Go left on Wildcat Canyon Road--there is a traffic light at this intersection. Continue up Wildcat Canyon Road for approximately 2 miles to the Inspiration Point parking lot--on the right.
Be sure to confirm details with the current week's schedule.


Pay attention to these directions. People do not get to our site when they use GPS!

How to Get to Presidio Sports Basement

From I 80 follow The Embarcadero to Bay Street. Left on Bay and continue to Laguna. Go right on Laguna, past Fort Mason to Marina Blvd. Follow Marina Blvd. going West, past the Yacht Harbor. Keep to the right on Marina Blvd and drive into the Presidio as if going to Crissy Field. Marina becomes Mason (Old Mason). Follow Mason about 1 mile until you arrive at the Sports Basement parking lot. Go left into the lot.

Sports Basement in the Presidio 610 Old Mason Street near Marina Blvd., San Francisco.

Park in the Sports Basement Parking lot. Park in parking lot area closest to Marina Blvd, north/east corner, away from the entrance of the store, please. Parking is free. Meet in the same area, away from the store, near Marina Blvd.

Piedmont Track Every Wednesday

Every Wednesday at 6:30 PM- Runner's and Walker's Track Workout at Piedmont High School Track Meet Every Wednesday at Piedmont High school Track at 6:30 PM. See you there! We encourage walkers and runners

Piedmont Track is just below 301 Wildwood Avenue (Wildwood Elementary School), Piedmont, Calif, 94611. Park on the street and walk down to the track. The WOW Team meets every Wednesday at 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Drop-ins are welcome. Bring water and layers of clothing.

Please RSVP at http://meetup.com/gowowteam

Great Hiway, SF Sunday October 18 for Nike Women's Marathon Viewing

Meet Great Hiway, Sunday, at 8:30AM
Meet 8:30 AM at the beach sidewalk at Fulton and Great Hiway in San Francisco. This location is just slightly north of the entrance to Golden Gate Park and makes meeting a bit easier as the area can get crowded. To get there, from the East or north, follow Fulton all the way to the end (going west) where it dead ends at The Great Hiway and Ocean Beach. From South you can follow Skyline Blvd to SF Ocean Beaches and drive north along the Great Hiway to Fulton. Park at the ocean or on Fulton Avenue. Parking is free. There is a public bathroom at The Beach Chalet Restaurant, one block south.

Map of where to meet at Great Hiway

Actual address: http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/map/35414251/san_francisco_ca/ocean_beach.html

NOTE: For Nike viewing, you will have to park farther away and walk down Fulton to get to this point in the race. It will be worth it though. Great fun to see all those women doing great things!

How to Get to The Emeryville Marina

The Emeryville Marina is a new location for us. Follow Powell Street all the way to the end. We'll meet right at the pier at 8:00. This will be a great location for some variety for us. The area has parking, bathrooms, and picnic tables. Bring your thermos of coffee. We can sit around after our workout and enjoy the view.

Emeryville Marina Park
3390 Powell Street

Emeryville, CA

Walkers, runners, walker/runners all welcome!

E-mail me with questions at Stephanie@AskAboutRunning.com or go to http://GoWOWTeam.com or http://meetup.com/gowowteam

There is a drop-in fee of $6 or, ask about other options for joining.

Kezar Meeting Point for Saturday Long Runs

Saturday, October 3, Meet at Kezar Stadium , 8:00 AM This week we'll do 60 minutes up to 14 miles for CIM, Nike Half, and US Half Trainees

Meet at the main entrance, in front of the arches at 8:00 AM. We will take off from here for Golden Gate Park and run for an hour or longer. The main entrance is at 600 Frederick Street, San Francisco, 94117. Street parking is available on Frederick and Lincoln.

Please RSVP at http://meetup.com/gowowteam

Cezar Chavez Park, Berkeley Marina UNA Peace Race and Festival

Sunday, September 20, 8:30 AM

Berkeley Marina, Cesar Chavez Park, Meet at junction of Marina Blvd and Spinnaker Way

Map of area

Do not go to the Sea Breeze Market Parking Area! Continue on University Avenue, past the Sea Breeze Market to Marina Blvd. Go right at Marina and, when you get to Spinnaker Way, park at that junction. We will start our run from this entrance to the park - at the junction of Marina and Spinnaker Way. Park on Marina, please.

There are porta potties near-by.

How to get to Sawyer Camp

Meet at the trail head of Sawyer Camp Trail Park at Crystal Springs Reservoir To Sawyer Park Trail South Entrance in San Mateo - From I-280 (north or south) take Black Mountain Road/Hayne Road Exit. Go west to Skyline Blvd., then south on Skyline one mile to trail entrance at the junction of Skyline Blvd. and Crystal Springs Road. Park on the shoulder of the road but be careful to note the "parking signs" and not to park where it is not allowed. Bathrooms are available. Water is a maybe. Better to bring your own. The best thing about this site is that each 1/2 mile is marked.

Sunday, August 30 WOW is at The Berkeley Marina

Sunday, 8 AM at Berkeley Marina for 65 minutes to 11 miles. Walk, Run, Walk/Run Berkeley Marina, Sea Breeze Market, 595 University Avenue at Frontage Road Last time I checked there were porta-potties on site so, we're meeting at the same old place. Please be there and ready to run at 8:00 sharp! Heading East on I-80 (from South Bay or San Francisco) take Berkeley, University Avenue Exit onto University Avenue. Make first U-turn possible and head back, over the freeway, to the Frontage Road on the bay side of the freeway. The Sea Breeze Market is to the left. Heading West on I80 (toward San Francisco)Exit at University Avenue and head toward the Frontage Road on the Bay side of the freeway. The Sea Breeze Market is at the junction of University and Frontage Road. The parking lot is small and dirt. We’ll be able to see each other easily. Amenities include: outhouse style toilets, free parking, water fountains along the routes, market with food and drinks. Note: One of our group members had her car window smashed and her wallet stolen. Avoid bringing valuables and keep them out of sight. Questions? Comments? Contact Stephanie@AskAboutrunning.com or go to http://gowowteam.com/ or http://meetup.com/gowowteam

Please RSVP at http://meetup.com/gowowteam

For more information about The Berkeley Marina, look at Stephanie's article at the examiner.com

Wednesday Marin July 8 Tennessee Valley Trailhead

Take exit for Stinson Beach, Mill Valley, Hiway 1 and look for Tennessee Valley Turn signs, shortly after crossing under the freeway. Go left onto Tennessee Valley Road and follow it all the way to the end, to a parking area and stable on the left. The trailhead starts here.

The WOW Team Details and Directions for June 29-July 5

Tuesday, June 30 - Meet at Kezar Stadium Track meets at 6:30AM at the northeast corner of the bleachers, on the track. These are running workouts in Kezar but you may join at any time. Drop-ins are welcome. The main entrance is at 600 Frederick Street, San Francisco, 94117. Street parking is available.

Wednesday, July 1 - Marin Run/Walk Group. Meet 10 AM at Tamalpais High School Track. Park on Almonte Blvd, Mill Valley, away from the track score board. We'll meet at the bleachers. I'll wear my black WOW cap.

Wednesday, July 1 - Runner's and Walker's Track Workout at Piedmont High School Track Meet Every Wednesday at Piedmont High school Track at 6:30 PM. See you there! We encourage walkers and runners Piedmont Track is just below 301 Wildwood Avenue (Wildwood Elementary School), Piedmont, Calif, 94611. Park on the street and walk down to the track. The WOW Team meets every Wednesday at 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Drop-ins are welcome.

60 Minute Run/Walk to 12 Mile Practice Run at Sawyer Camp on Saturday, July 4 at 8:00 - Meet at the trail head of Sawyer Camp Trail Park at Crystal Springs Reservoir To Sawyer Park Trail South Entrance in San Mateo - From I-280 (north or south) take Black Mountain Road/Hayne Road Exit. Go west to Skyline Blvd., then south on Skyline one mile to trail entrance at the junction of Skyline Blvd. and Crystal Springs Road. Park on the shoulder of the road but be careful to note the "parking signs" and not to park where it is not allowed. Bathrooms are available. Water is a maybe. Better to bring your own. The best thing about this site is that each 1/2 mile is marked.

Sunday July 5, 2009 Meet 8:00 at Harbor Bay Ferry, Alameda - Bay Farm Island Harbor Bay Ferry Landing Meet Alameda Ferry Landing Parking Lot at Mecartney/Harbor Bay Parkway Meet in front of Ferry Station Toilets, free parking, water available From Berkeley and San Francisco Follow directions to Robert Crown Memorial State Beach until you get to Otis Street. Turn left on Otis instead of entering Robert Crown Memorial State Beach. Stay on Otis for approximately 2 ½ miles, crossing the Bay Farm Bridge. Take the first Right on Island. Follow Island approximately 1 mile to Mecartney. Go Right on Mecartney and follow all the way to the end. Turn Left into the ferry landing parking lot. From San Jose 880 North, Exit Davis Street, turn left on Davis at end of exit, Right on Doolittle Drive, Stay on Doolittle to Otis. Go left on Island. Follow Island approximately 1 mile to Mecartney. Go Right on Mecartney and follow all the way to the end. Turn Left into the ferry landing parking lot. This Bay Trail Link offers a great map of several sections of the trail that we use. Enjoy! http://baytrail.abag.ca.gov/maps/East_Bay.pdf

Where is WOW This Week?

Saturday June 27 at 8AM and 11:00 Sports Basement in the Presidio
610 Old Mason Street near Marina Blvd., San Francisco. Park in the Sports Basement Parking lot.

Park in parking lot in area closest to Marina Blvd, north/east corner, away from the entrance of the store, please. Parking is free. Meet near the picnic tables in front of the store.

From I 80 follow The Embarcadero to Bay Street. Left on Bay and continue to Laguna. Go right on Laguna, past Fort Mason to Marina Blvd. Follow Marina Blvd. going West, past the Yacht Harbor. Keep to the right on Marina Blvd and drive into the Presidio as if going to Crissy Field. Marina becomes Mason. Follow Mason about 1 mile until you arrive at the Sports Basement parking lot. Go left into the lot.

Sunday, June 28 - Lake Merritt - Meet at 8:00 in front of Children’s Fairyland at 699 Bellevue Ave. Oakland

The WOW Team will run at Lake Merritt starting at Fairyland. We'll do 1 -4 laps. Coach Stephanie needs to get in her 12 miles.

Toilets available. Free parking is available on Sunday outside on the street (1 block away on Grand Avenue), otherwise there is a $3.00 park fee or meters on Saturday. I think the meters start working at 8:00AM. Bring your own water.

$6 drop-in fee or membership applies

Directions and Details for This Week

Tuesday, June 16 - Meet at Kezar Stadium Track meets at 6:30AM at the northeast corner of the bleachers, on the track. These are running workouts in Kezar but you may join at any time. Drop-ins are welcome. The main entrance is at 600 Frederick Street, San Francisco, 94117. Street parking is available. Parking is always available on Lincoln, on the north side of thepark.

Wednesday, June 17- Runner's and Walker's Track Workout at Piedmont High School Track Meet Every Wednesday at Piedmont High school Track at 6:30 PM. See you there! We encourage walkers and runners Piedmont Track is just below 301 Wildwood Avenue (Wildwood Elementary School), Piedmont, Calif, 94611. Park on the street and walk down to the track. The WOW Team meets every Wednesday at 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Drop-ins are welcome.

Saturday June 20, 7:30 AM meet in front of the Willie Mays Statue at AT&T Giant's Stadium in SF for the Stadium to Stadium 10K Race. AT&T Park
24 Willie Mays Plz
@King St (btwn 2nd & 3rd St)
San Francisco, CA 94107

Sunday, June 21- 8 AM at Berkeley Marina for 50 minutes to 11 miles for the SF Half Marathon Trainees.

Berkeley Marina, Sea Breeze Market, 595 University Avenue at Frontage Road
Last time I checked there were porta-potties on site so, we're meeting at the same old place. Please be there and ready to run at 8:00 sharp! Heading East on I-80 (from South Bay or San Francisco) take Berkeley, University Avenue Exit onto University Avenue. Make first U-turn possible and head back, over the freeway, to the Frontage Road on the bay side of the freeway. The Sea Breeze Market is to the left. Heading West on I80 (toward San Francisco)Exit at University Avenue and head toward the Frontage Road on the Bay side of the freeway. The Sea Breeze Market is at the junction of University and Frontage Road. The parking lot is small and dirt. We’ll be able to see each other easily.
Amenities include: outhouse style toilets, free parking, water fountains along the routes, market with food and drinks.
Note: One of our group members had her car window smashed and her wallet stolen. Avoid bringing valuables and keep them out of sight.

Questions? Comments? Contact Stephanie@AskAboutrunning.com or go to http://gowowteam.com/ or http://meetup.com/gowowteam

Where is WOW June 8 - 14, 2009?

Tuesday, June 9 - Meet at Kezar Stadium Track at 6:30AM at the northeast corner of the bleachers, on the track. These are running workouts in Kezar but you may join at any time. Drop-ins are welcome. The main entrance is at 600 Frederick Street, San Francisco, 94117. Street parking is available.

Wednesday, June 10 - Runner's and Walker's Track Workout at Piedmont High School Track Meet Every Wednesday at Piedmont High school Track at 6:30 PM. See you there! We encourage walkers and runners Piedmont Track is just below 301 Wildwood Avenue (Wildwood Elementary School), Piedmont, Calif, 94611. Park on the street and walk down to the track. The WOW Team meets every Wednesday at 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Drop-ins are welcome.

Saturday June 13 at 8AM at Kezar Stadium. We meet at the main entrance on Frederick Street, near the columns and head out from there. The main entrance is at 600 Frederick Street, San Francisco, 94117. Street parking is available.

Saturday, June 13 at 11 AM at Sawyer Camp, San Mateo, WOW Team will meet this Saturday at 11AM at Sawyer Camp for a 60 minute run/walk. Meet at the trail head of Sawyer Camp Trail Park at Crystal Springs Reservoir To Sawyer Park Trail South Entrance in San Mateo - From I-280 (north or south) take Black Mountain Road/Hayne Road Exit. Go south on Skyline one mile to trail entrance at the junction of Skyline Blvd. and Crystal Springs Road. Park on the shoulder of the road but be careful to note the "parking signs" and not to park where it is not allowed. Don't make the mistake of taking the Crystal Springs Exit if you are coming from San Francisco. Bring your own water. Bathrooms are available. The trail miles and half miles are marked.

Sunday, June 14 at Inspiration Point, Berkeley, 8:00 AM Meet Inspiration Point - Tilden Park, Berkeley at The Nimitz Way Trailhead. Be ready to rock and roll! Toilets and parking are available at no charge. Bring your own water for the run. Dogs OK. When the lot is full, parking is available along the roadside. This paved trail is popular for its beautiful views and rolling course. There is one challenging hill for anyone going 4 miles or more... The miles are marked.From 580/80 take the Buchanan/Albany Exit. Head east on Buchanan about a half mile to San Pablo Avenue. The street will make a slight jog to the right just before reaching San Pablo. As you cross San Pablo--the street becomes Marin Avenue. Go approximately 2 miles up Marin to Grizzly Peak Blvd. Right on Grizzly Peak, 3/4 mile to Shasta Road. Left on Shasta. Shasta becomes Wildcat Canyon Road, stay right where they intersect. Follow Wildcat Canyon Road for approximately 1 3/4 miles to the Inspiration Point parking lot--on the left.From Hiway 24, Exit in Orinda at Camino Pablo Road/Moraga Way. Head North on Camino Pablo for approximately 2 1/2 miles. Go left on Wildcat Canyon Road--there is a traffic light at this intersection. Continue up Wildcat Canyon Road for approximately 2 miles to the Inspiration Point parking lot--on the right.

Be sure to confirm details with the current week's schedule.

Where is WOW May 25 -31, 2009?

Tuesday, May 25 - Meet at Kezar Stadium Track meets at 6:30AM at the northeast corner of the bleachers, on the track. These are running workouts in Kezar but you may join at any time. Drop-ins are welcome. The main entrance is at 600 Frederick Street, San Francisco, 94117. Street parking is available.

Canceled - Wednesday, May 26 Runner's and Walker's Track Workout at Piedmont High School Track - Canceled Meet Every Wednesday at Piedmont High school Track at 6:30 PM. See you there! We encourage walkers and runners Piedmont Track is just below 301 Wildwood Avenue (Wildwood Elementary School), Piedmont, Calif, 94611. Park on the street and walk down to the track. The WOW Team meets every Wednesday at 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Drop-ins are welcome.

Saturday May 30, 8AM at the Warming Hut, Presido, SF Old Mason Street, at the very end of Crissy Field and slightly beyond is The Warming Hut. From I 80 follow The Embarcadero to Bay Street. Left on Bay and continue to Laguna. Go right on Laguna, past Fort Mason to Marina Blvd. Follow Marina Blvd. going West, past the Yacht Harbor. Keep to the right on Marina Blvd and drive into the Presidio as if going to Crissy Field. Marina becomes Mason. Follow Mason (Old Mason) about 2 miles, past Sports Basement to a sign that says West Beach Picnic Area. Take an easy right and follow it to the end, parking area, just below Long Avenue. The Warming Hut is facing the water, away from the parking area. Meet in the parking area.

Sunday May 31, 8AM Point Isabel El Cerrito (near Costco)
Meet at 8:00 AM in the parking area to the right of the Mud Puppy Cafe. Look for the group at the entrance to the bike/pedestrian path away from the dog walking area.From I80 (in either direction) take Central Avenue exit and head toward the bay. Go all the way to the end of Central and take a right on Isabel and follow it to the parking lot at the end (about 1/4 mile or less). We will meet near Mud Puppy's at the entrance to the bike/pedestrian path.

Toilets, Free Parking, Drinking fountains, picnic tables, and a cafe are right there. Always be prepared for the weather with layers.

See you soon!