A Case of the Mondays
October 18th, 2010
If you’re like me, your mental state on a Monday is significantly more pathetic than your mental state on a Friday after a long week of work.
I have yet to find out why that is, but I think it is because I’m more tired on Mondays than Fridays. Again, I don’t know why—I defy common sense. Or I lack it.
Anyhow, today Dave, who is a highway design engineer, told me that Canton Avenue in Pittsburgh is the steepest public street in the U.S., and possibly the world.
I didn’t believe it. I know that Pittsburgh has some mad crazy hills, but even more so than San Francisco? No way.
I immediately thought of Lombard Street, which my best friend and I drove in our Cobalt rental we affectionately named “Betsy” while I was visiting her in CA back in 2009.
I know it’s the most crooked street, but it’s also pretty steep (or so I thought).
For some reason I became instantly obsessed with figuring this out. It’s tricky work being a sleuth, but with the help of Google and Wikipedia, I figured it out.
Lombard Street (San Francisco, USA)- 27% grade
Filbert Street (San Francisco, USA)- 31.5%
Baldwin Street (Dunedin, NZ)- 35%
Prentiss Street (San Francisco, USA)- 37%
Canton Avenue (Pittsburgh, USA)- 37%
So there you have it. Canton Avenue is tied with Prentiss Street for having the steepest public street in the world. HOWEVER, it is Baldwin Street in NZ that holds the official title because although it is not as steep, it is longer. Which totally baffles me.
I still feel a sort of satisfaction that my city has the steepest street in the world. Why? No idea. I think it’s because I’m runner and so it adds “points” to my prowess (and I need all the help I can get). It’s like the Monday/Friday paradox above—running in the city with the steepest street is like suicide. Why on earth would I like that? Again, no common sense.
Actually it makes perfect sense. I have never, in fact, run up or down Canton Avenue. In all honesty, I have never even seen Canton Avenue. That’s why I’ll boast being a runner in the city with the steepest street…because I’ll never run it.
But I do live in a very hilly area, so it’s not like I’m all lazy. The nearby trail is relatively flat, and it’s easy to get longer runs there. However, I have to drive to the trail head. So when I’m feeling lazy, what do I do? A normal person would drive to trail to run a flat, easy course.
You should know me well enough by now that I’m not normal. I run HILLS when I’m lazy.
Again, there’s something wrong with my head. And I can’t blame this one on Mondays.
So it’s your turn—what do you do that just makes no sense? Are you a Monday/Friday anomaly, too?
Have you ever driven down Lombard Street? Or did you ever run up Canton Avenue?
What’s the steepest hill you’ve conquered. Extra points if you’ve climbed Everest.
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Some of the steepest/windiest/scariest streets I have been on wear in the Blue Ridge Mountain. I was getting so freaked out I had to just fall asleep because I could not witness the scariness of it all. This of course was driving. I not sure what the steepest hill I’ve run has been.. but I do remember some steep hikes in the appalachain mountain trails from when I was younger.. MD? VA?
The double dips in Hollidaysburg??
Though of course Fridays are more fun than Mondays, I think I have way more energy at the beginning of the week. As the week goes on, I became more and more overwhelmed and exhausted and by Friday I’m actually much less energetic than on Monday, which always seemed weird to me!
That seems normal to me! But I guess it’s all perspective
I grew up in the hills of Fairview in Altoona, PA and I know sledding down 1st Street is the scariest thing ever! Who cares the grade %…..! LY.
David cares, Mom. Who ELSE would care about the %grade?! Not me!
haha, this post is hilarious. I am so with you on the hills! I run them when I am lazy and tired too. But we live in a very hilly area. I love Lombard street, so fun to drive!
So, did you decide on a another race? You guys should come do tough mudder in January!
I was eyeing up the Austin full/half marathon in February. Dave said it wouldn’t be smart…but I’m still considering it!
Just drove down Lombard St a few months ago. I’m pretty sure I’ve walked down it, but never up it. Although I live in the Bay Area of CA, I still act like a tourist when I head to SF.
You’re lucky! I love the Bay Area. I think I’d move to Redwood City in a heartbeat!
Welllll I’m from the Prairie State, so we never had hills growing up unles they were man-made.
That being said, on the trail where I lived in PA, there was a sign that said “Warning 12% grade ahead”…and I thought that was steep! I can’t imagine 37%! It was hard to run up, but realllllly fun to run down once you got your footing under you.
LOL! Now I want to go see what a 12% grade is and compare it!
Did you know that in the Tour de France, riders climb (the equivalent of) Mt Everest 4 times?
Thanks for the info, hubs.
How did we ever figure things out before Google?!? My husband can’t figure out why I brush my teeth before eating breakfast and not after – I don’t know either but it’s what I do every day!
Ahh that is weird!! My husband has to shower first thing in the morning…even if he is about to go on a 50+ mile bike ride. I don’t get it!
I usually go run in Cramerton when I want some hills! Within my four mile run are 7 hills, 3 of them steep, and it feels freakin awesome. Running there has really allowed me to perfect my hill running when it comes to races! Whenever I get to a steep hill during a race I’m like “Ahh, this is nothing compared to Cramerton!” Hehe
I use the same mental game, too! Hills are NOTHING to me (if I say it enough I believe it)!
My hometown is SO flat I can barely think of a natural hill (ie. not a clean fill) within 100 kilometers!
I didnt know places like that existed!!
COME BACK!
i ran/walked up Lombard street about 8 years ago when on vacation.. of course, i used the steps on the side.
but it was an amazing place to see. brings back good memories! thanks!