Christian and I have never found it terribly difficult to be healthy, but recent events have have inspired us to be even more proactive in our quests for a healthy, happy life. As strange as it may be to think that inspiration to be active and on-the-move can come in the form of a TV show, Jaime Oliver's Food Revolution has done exactly that. Scenes of terrible eating habits and almost no organized exercise programs for school children of all ages shocked us within the first five minutes of the show. It was not only incredible to see the terrible state of health in our country, but equally incredible to see the passion Jaime Oliver brings to the subject. So, fueled by the events on a Friday night cable show (Fox, 9 p.m. Pacific, Friday), a recent mountain bike ride that rekindled my love affair with off-road riding, and a true love of all things fitness, Chrisitian and I embarked on a fitness crusade adventure!
First stop: San Francisco! The weather was b-e-a-utiful throughout the entire Bay Area yesterday! Clear blue skies, 72 degree sunshine, and a cool breeze greeted us as we headed down the street on our bikes. We left from my house after Christian got off of work and headed toward the Walnut Creek BART station. The first fitness task: humping our bikes up the stairs to the BART platform (work those calf muscles!)- it was a great warm-up! We rode the train into the city and arrived at the Embarcadero Station. Again we hiked our bikes up a flight of stairs to busy Market Street. The street vendors were out in full force! We pined over a few paintings, black and white photographs, and even a white tu-tu before we headed toward the Ferry Building. The Farmer's Market at the Ferry Building is an amazing collection of fresh food and drink on Saturdays and Tuesdays. Our recommendation? Get there early and enjoy fresh, free samples of fruit, cheeses, and honey before bellying up to the bar at Blue Bottle Coffee Co. (The coffee is incredibly smooth and rich! And for a different taste, try the New Orleans style Iced Coffee and get the scoop on how it is made! Awesome!) We had to pass up the Farmer's Market this time but we WILL be back!
We jumped back on our bikes and braved the weekend traffic (Christian was bustin' moves that would make a New York City bike courier jealous!) to Pier 39. Once again we jumped off our bikes and took a walk down towards the marina. A nice Italian guy offered to take our picture for us, and once again, we were off. We walked by Christian's favorite, the Sea Lions (she does a great impression!), said our hellos and continued towards Fisherman's Warf. The crowds were at summertime levels and proved an exciting challenge, even for Christian's wicked moves!
Finally, we made it to Hyde Street Pier, made our way around the cove, and successfully climbed the ascent above Fort Mason! Christian was on a roll! I have to say, the Insanity! program has really helped with our cardiovascular ability! With our legs aflame, we made it to The Marina District, ready to tackle the TRX for the first time! Christian and I were ready to go and made a quick change to ready ourselves for the workout. After about an hour of suspended training moves surrounded by other like minded fitness freaks (the day was amazing and brought out athletes of all shapes, sizes, and abilities), we packed up our gear and made room for a group finishing up an active day with some CrossFit training. It was awesome to be in and amongst so many active people!
We pedaled down the multi-use path towards Chrissy Field, all the while being greeted by post-card worthy vistas of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Christian saw the Sports Basement store at the Presidio and had to stop by. Bikes filled the racks out in front of the store and active people filled the aisles inside. After drooling over nearly every item in the store, we asked an employee about gift registry, with obvious hope in our voice. No such luck yet although plans are in motion! I mentioned that we were curious for OUR wedding and all of the employees at the front counter became SUPER excited! We bought some Cliff Rock Shots, an FRS Citrus Pomegranate for Christian (not her favorite), and a Mango Zico Coconut Water drink for me (despite how it sounds, it was actually really tasty- light, refreshing, and didn't leave a sticky film in your mouth like some sports drinks).
We enjoyed our snacks on some benches outside of the store, took more pictures of our adventure (the photos will be available to peruse soon if they are not up already!) and headed back out on the path towards our ultimate destination for the day: The Warming Hut. We stopped briefly to take another picture with the beautiful bridge in the background and continued on the dirt path that lined the beach on the Bay. We rode past a new Bride and Groom who were taking pictures on the beach, which prompted Christian to quietly say to me, only HALF jokingly and with a laugh, "I look WAY better in MY dress!" Hahaha I have no doubt! Finally, we made it to the Hut.... only to find that it closed! (Note to self and others: The Warming Hut closes at 5:00 p.m. ;) ) Undiscouraged, we stopped to take in the view of the Bridge to the West and the skyline of the City to the East. I have lived in the Bay Area nearly my entire life and I have never seen a more clear day! And Bay Area residents were not letting it go to waste! We saw yet another wedding party taking pictures, and tons of families enjoying BBQs and picnics on the grass. Since it was getting late, we headed back towards the BART station. We made great time on the return trip and chatted about how awesome our day had been. When we made it back to Hyde Street Pier, a few guys on mountain bikes stopped us and asked if had any tools to help with a minor bike repair. See, THAT is what being active outside is all about to me. The opportunity to meet like minded, active people, swap stories, and offer whatever you can to make sure that they continue to enjoy their day outside. After much appreciation, and a now-stable crank, the group headed on their way and we ours. We hopped back on BART and graciously accepted the seat of a man who knew what it was like to travel on the trains with a bike. Back in the Creek (Walnut Creek for all you not in the know), we grilled up some Carne Asada and enjoyed some delicious, home made tacos! What a way to end an amazing day on the move!
-John
