Taking a Royal Tour of San Francisco
“The journey behind the journey”
By Bertrand Newson

On Sunday July 29th, I completed my first marathon and I must to give credit to a fellow Greystone team member for the motivation.  Two years ago during a conversation with Mr. Norbert Mede, GM of Hotel Griffon & Inn at Union Square, he inspired me to take closer look at my overall health at fitness activity.  At that point in 2010 I could barely run a mile without stopping.   That single conversations has touched many different life’s (family, friends and co-workers etc.) as they have made a concerted effort to live a healthier lifestyle and steadily increasing their level of activity/exercise. 

The race started on the Embarcadero (near the Hotel Griffon & Ferry Building), traversing San Francisco. The Full Marathon continued through Fisherman’s Wharf, the Marina, across the Golden Gate Bridge (and back!), through the Presidio and into Golden Gate Park. After a tour of Golden Gate Park, we ran down the famous Haight Street and through the Mission, Potrero and Mission Bay Districts. After a pass behind AT&T Park (home of the SF Giants) I was almost home – just ran under the Bay Bridge and crossed the Finish Line which I was greeted by my family who surprised me (priceless)!  I would have never thought in a million years that I could run a marathon especially in lovely San Francisco filled with so many challenging hills.

There are fun/healthy events for all fitness levels going on all the time in your area (LA, SD, Palo Alto, Bend etc).  Active.com is a great website to find local fitness events and get really good tips on increasing your activity level and improving your overall health (less sick days, less injuries, more enjoyable time off, longer quality of life).

-Bertrand Newson