I completed my third half-marathon this morning, running along the San Tomas Acquino Creek Trail near my house in Santa Clara. The first time I ran this far was way back in ninth grade, when I was fourteen years old! I was pretty fast (and light) then, averaging each mile in about 7:51 for a total time of 1:43:00. I didn’t run another half until a few years ago, when Rae and I did our own self-supported run to Cupertino Village and back.
I did today’s by myself, starting out at 9:00 am and returning two hours later. We only recently found out about the San Tomas Acquino Creek Trail, even though we’ve lived in Santa Clara for four years now. It’s great in that you can do most of the trail without ever having to stop at a crosswalk or light. I ran all the way to the old 3Com/Palm headquarters (now it’s the Atheros corporate offices). The first part of the run was much quicker than the return trip, as I was slowed by blisters on my forefeet. I guess I haven’t run long enough to develop callouses on that part of my feet yet. Every step back was somewhat painful, but I managed to truck back home. Fortunately, the return trip always seems shorter (to me at least) than the initial leg.
There were a number of people on the trail today, from walkers to runners to bicyclists. I passed by the parking lot where the San Francisco 49ers and the City of Santa Clara want to build the new 49ers Stadium. I can easily see the trail being used by Santa Clarans to get to gameday. I’m still torn whether to vote yes or no on Measure J. Part of me is still not convinced that the stadium deal works out financially for the city. For instance, there really not much parking around the proposed stadium, unless the Silicon Valley tech companies are going to open up their parking lots of Sundays. I can see traffic being a killer because of this. Second, there’s not much to do or see around the Great America area without driving. With AT&T Park and the Shark Tank, there’s ample shops and restaurants within walking distance in San Francisco and San Jose respectively. I can see people driving to attend after-game parties and events outside of Santa Clara; that doesn’t really help the city then, does it?
If you judge the stadium vote based on the number of Yes on Measure J versus No on Measure J signs around town, you’d think that Yes is going to win by a landslide. They definitely have the money and the backing of the 49ers and City behind them. Still, there’s a part of me that leaning towards voting no come June. What are your thoughts on bringing the 49ers to Santa Clara?
tow.com 