Bernal Heights

Last week, work took me to San Francisco and the Cisco management shindig known as the Strategic Leadership Offsite. (Yes, offsite is a noun in corporate American, just as surely as offshore is a verb.) Highlights on the corporate side included the welcome reception at which Cisco took over Union Square and the party the following night at the De Young Museum in Golden Gate Park (photo below).



But actually the real highlight was, as is so often the case, running-related: the chance to go running with my old buddies Jeff and Marzuki from GBTC, now relocated to the West. Marzuki's claims to fame include (a) having qualified for the Olympic trials in the marathon; (b) being the sibling of Sufjan Stevens; and (c) having been interviewed by a reporter from Runner's World who spent more time discussing point (b) than point (a). Jeff's claims to fame include being the person who introduced me to Architecture in Helsinki.

Marzuki invited one of his west coast training buddies, also an Olympic trials qualifier, along for the run. Starting in the Tenderloin, we made our way through SoMa and headed up Bernal Heights Hill (depicted at the top of the post). Having learned subsequently that the elevation gain to climb that hill is about 400 feet, I can now say that it's all very well to try to run with a couple of guys who can run 2:22 or better for the marathon on the flat, but think twice about trying to hang with them when the going gets steep.

Ever the gentleman, Marzuki waited for me at the top and then we made our way back down through the city. Post-run showers, top-notch sushi, and a few quiet drinks back in the Tenderloin rounded out a great evening.

A couple of arguably relevant songs to ensure that all four of Cantabloggia's themes are addressed in a single post:

Architecture in Helsinki - Scissors Paper Rock

Sufjan Stevens - Holland