We moved into our new home in the Mission 3 years ago, 10 months after a pandemic was declared, 3 weeks into a new administration + 2 months before I would find out I was pregnant. Running in a new neighborhood, one monstrous hill (mountain?) continued to intrigue + intimidate me : Bernal. I only attempted to run up once in those early days, making it about half way before peeling off onto a side street, conceding to try another day.
While I wouldn't get to try running up Bernal again for another two years, all running put on pause while pregnant, it became a regular route for us after my son was born, tucking him into his carrier and heading out for a long walk while he napped. We'd first stop off at our local coffee shop for some caffeine (decalf oat milk latte for me, almond matcha for my husband) before wandering the side streets and climbing the numerous stairways up to the peak, when my son would inevitably always wake up + cry the entire way home.
We still continue our family walks up Bernal although now my son is walking (most of) the way sans carrier. It's also become a favorite running route of mine, having long since conquered the challenge of reaching the peak; I now traverse the paths that criss cross the grassy hillside every time I feel the need to touch dirt + immerse myself in the nostalgia of those early days as a new family.
Climb up to the peak once for about a 3 mile route, or twice to add extra mileage. Feeling adventurous? Go rogue + climb up all the various hidden staircases as you make your way up to the top.
The route starts + ends at CoffeeShop, one of the best places in the neighborhood to refuel post run with an almond matcha latte + a croissant. (I have it on good authority from a French man that their croissants are one of the best he's ever eaten.)
*k