San Francisco » Active Girl

Sports Basement

Anh-Minh Le — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 04:05:16 +0000

No matter how many times this store moves around or where its current lease takes it, sports enthusiasts will follow. Originally located near AT&T Park (or whatever they’re calling the Giants’ ballpark these days!), the sports emporium moved to Potrero when rents got to high in their old neighborhood. Now, they’ve crossed over to the other side of Potrero Avenue and landed in the old Hamm Brewery. An enormous mural at the store’s entrance, next to the bicycle parking, is an homage to the building’s history.

In this brand-new location, Sports Basement has lots more square footage so it no longer feels cramp. Previously, they had just too much merchandise crammed into too small an area. Now, with several levels, you can browse more easily for whatever it is you’re looking for — including bicycling, running, fitness, hiking, camping, swimming and skiing gear. And there’s even free parking, so you don’t have to fight for a spot out on the street.

Sports Basement
1590 Bryant Street
San Francisco, CA
(415) 575-3000

610 Mason Street (at Crissy Field in the Presidio)
San Francisco, CA
(415) 437-0100

1177 Kern Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA
(408) 732-0300

lululemon athletica, Cow Hollow

Anh-Minh Le — Sat, 07 Jan 2006 23:11:06 +0000

Okay, I admit it: I don’t work out — no yoga, no running, no gym membership for me. But, I like wearing clothes that are comfortable (who doesn’t?), and it just so happens that athletic-wear is really comfortable. Plus, thanks to lululemon, it’s also really stylish.

On a recent visit to the store, my sister — an avid gym-goer and runner — and I both managed to find something to our liking. Her picks: the shape tank, the deep v-tank and the whisper tank. (She deemed the latter cute enough to wear out and about.) For bottoms, the reverse groove crop and gaucho crop were especially comfortable and flattering.

As stylish as they are, the beauty of the garments is really in the details — jackets with credit card and key pockets, taping and ironed-on labels to prevent irritation, locking zippers. The Silverescent line — which is indeed made with silver thread — is anti-bacteria and anti-stink. All lululemon pieces are pre-shrunk, so the way it fits you in the dressing room is the way it will continue to fit you once you get it home and wear/wash it a few times. It seems like nothing has been overlooked. Even the pants come in regular and tall length. And, in case you’re short like me, you’ll be happy to know that the store offers complimentary hemming.

lululemon athletica
1981 Union Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 776-5858

Canada Road, the Peninsula

Anh-Minh Le — Tue, 20 Dec 2005 17:58:04 +0000

Every Sunday, Canada Road — from Highway 92 to Edgewood Road along the Crystal Springs Reservoir — is closed to motorized vehicles. Although the weekly closure is referred to as “Bicycle Sunday,” you don’t have to hop on a cruiser to enjoy the scenic car-free thoroughfare. There’s 3.8 miles of flat road that is wide enough to easily accommodate all levels of cyclists, hikers, roller-skaters, joggers, walkers and even strollers.

When you need a little break, stop in at the Pulgas Water Temple. You’ll find restrooms, drinking fountains and an unlikely sight: a Roman-styled temple with fluted columns. The monument celebrates the completion of the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct that brings water 167 miles from the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the Bay Area. Beside the 60-foot-tall temple is a rectangular reflection pool lined with elongated cypress trees.

It’s hard to believe this tranquil spot is just a short distance from the City.

Off-limits to cars: 9am-3pm November-March; 9am-4pm April-October.

To get there: From San Francisco, take Highway 280 south and exit at Edgewood Road (heading east). Park at the Park ‘n Ride lot and go back under the freeeway (a short distance) to Canada Road.

For more information: Bicycle Sunday.

Kezar Stadium, Cole Valley

Anh-Minh Le — Tue, 30 Aug 2005 00:50:49 +0000

Before there were step-aerobic classes and treadmills, there was Kezar Stadium. Originally built in the 1920s and once home to the San Francisco 49ers, it is now a popular spot for those who yearn for fresh air — and maybe the coolness of the fog — while they exercise.

After an overhaul in 1989, Kezar now boasts an all-weather track surrounding a football/soccer field, as well as capacity for 16,000 spectators.

The bleachers’ 35 steps offer a good cardio workout. And, after a couple of trips up and down the stairs, you can hit the quarter-mile track below. Run, walk, jog with the stroller … With eight lanes, you can go at your own pace without fear of hindering others.

The stadium is open to the public from 6:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m., seven days a week. (For post-sunset workouts, the lights are usually on.) Kezar does play host to quite a few events throughout the year, so call and check before you make plans to go.

Kezar Stadium
755 Stanyan Street (at Frederick)
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 753-7181