I hit the ground running!

I started with the very popular but relatively challenging “Dish run“.  It is beautiful 4 mile run in the Foothills at the edge of the Stanford Campus, and as the name suggests, takes you along a large radio telescope used for research (it can communicate with spacecrafts orbiting earth).  A paved road takes you up 365 ft. to a breathtaking view of Silicon Valley, the Bay and San Francisco (including the bridges on a clear day).  I ran this loop years ago.  I remember having to catch my breath then, but it seemed a lot worse now. I returned for a hike with my 8 year old son, who loved the views as much as I did!
Parking can get a bit challenging at times, but Stanford is developing more parking space at the end of Stanford Avenue (at Junipero Serra).  Don’t park where you need a permit, they frequently ticket!

Another fun trail is the “Campus Drive Loop”, which basically takes you for a run around the central campus.  This largely flat 4 mile trail lands you mostly on sidewalks, along some fraternity houses, the golf driving range, tennis courts, etc.  I always liked this run, it is not too challenging, just the right distance, and it smells of Eucalyptus trees.  You can park near the athletic fields for easy access.