Tuesday, August 25th, 2026
A side-quest I've been on whilst in San Francisco is to try and run across the Golden Gate Bridge from my flat.
Each weekend I've been attempting it and getting closer each time.
Two weekends ago I made it to the base of the bridge and back, which was exhausting.
I thought I'd have no chance of doing it - I would have to climb 60m vertically up from this point to get to the bridge and then run 1.7 miles across it each way.
Last Sunday, I woke up early for my final attempt before flying home. It was hot - I didn't bring any water, and had just a single banana for breakfast, but I decided to bring sweets as energy boosts.
I made it comfortably along the flats to the base of the bridge again at sea level, then it got tough- I began the vertical climb up some stairs to the bridge itself - my legs were killing.
Then it was just the bridge.
There were lots of tourists walking across that I had to dodge, which I expected - but what I didn't realise was that the actual bridge itself slopes slightly upwards to the middle - which was not fun for my legs!
I made it across, knackered, and then was hit by the fact I had to do the exact same thing again in reverse to make it back.
It was gruelling - I don't think I've been so exhausted. Back across I went, and then back down to sea level, then a long plod back along the flats.
My brain was screaming at me to stop, which I find so interesting about exercise/running- the whole mental battle. I pushed on km after km.
17km in, I gave in - my mind won and I had to walk, but I didn't stop -1 minute walk, 2 minute run, 1 minute walk, 2 minute run- still up hills (damn you Fort Mason park).
20km and 2 hours later I had done it!
I was so tired I collapsed onto a bench for almost an hour, and then just lay down in bed for the rest of the day. I'm still aching 2 days later.
It was tough, exhausting, but I'm glad I did it- a bit like this accelerator, where tomorrow I will be completing the main quest: Demo Day.
See you on the other side!
