San Francisco Running Adventures

Trail running clears my head. Maybe it's getting lost in nature, which reminds me of growing up in Alaska, where being outside wasn't a workout; it was just life. Maybe it's the freedom of moving without a power meter or performance pressure bearing down on me.

Whatever the reason, trail running has become a cornerstone of my cross-training routine, especially in the off-season. It keeps my aerobic engine humming without the repetitive stress of being clipped in day after day. As a cyclist, running also helps build bone density. Endurance cycling is almost entirely non-weight-bearing, which means without deliberate cross-training, you're quietly losing the bone strength you don't realize you need until you crash.

I've also started running with friends more intentionally. Some of my favorite Saturday mornings this year have been spent in the Marin Headlands for 90 minutes, with no agenda other than moving and talking. It sounds simple. It is simple. That's the point.

The best cross-training isn't just about physical benefits. It's about reminding us why we love moving our bodies.