The Running Man: Dean Karnazes, Ultramarathoner
Dean Karnazes, 46, has scorched 350 miles in 82 straight hours; run 50 marathons in all 50 states in 50 consecutive days; written Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner (Penguin); and earned a spot on Time magazine’s list of “Top 100 Most Influential People in the World.” The SF resident and father of two is now focusing on being a fitness motivator. “I’m not talking about running a marathon,” he says, “but perhaps getting off the couch and walking around the block. All great journeys start with a single step.”
“Down the Peninsula, a 7.3-mile stretch of Cañada Road is closed to traffic on Sundays from 9 to 3 p.m. Start walking, running, riding or rollerblading at the northern end where parking is abundant and rolling hills make a beautiful backdrop. I like to refuel with lunch at Roberts Market in Woodside.”
“My favorite run starts at East Beach. Head through Crissy Field and across the Golden Gate Bridge. Duck under the bridge at the north side and head up the Coastal Trail to Pantoll Station—bring a trail map, it gets confusing. Drop down the Matt Davis Trail to Stinson Beach for waterfront grub.”
“Starting at Ross Commons in Marin, try mountain biking or running up Lagunitas Road past Lagunitas Reservoir onto Eldridge Grade Trail. Follow Eldridge Grade to the top of Mount Tam. On the way down, turn on Shady Lane and hit Comforts Café in San Anselmo.”
“With a bottle of wine in tow, start hiking up Conzelman Road to the top of Hawk Hill from the parking lot on the northwest side of the Golden Gate Bridge. At the top, uncork, unwind and enjoy an incredible 360-degree panoramic view of the Bay. Toast the sunset!”
“I like the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa. Sign up for a New Leaf Metabolic Assessment with spa director and fitness guru, David Erlich. Then rent a bike and hit the nearby trails.”
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Dean Karnazes photographed at Crissy Field by Robyn Twomey
