07.28.07
Familiar paths
I always enjoy running in Chicago. Most large cities are not really great places to run in, but I like to think that the one I grew up in is unique in this respect, particularly if one has easy access to the lakefront. From my parents’ place in Hyde Park, one can go south towards Jackson Park, the Museum of Science and Industry and the South Shore Country Club, or one can venture north towards downtown and beyond to Lincoln Park. You can even run along the Midway Plaisance towards the west and Washington Park. There’s no need to worry about dodging cars or poor air quality (the wind in this city takes care of that). My only gripe about running here is that despite these options, it can get boring after a while. There are none of the elevation changes I have come to enjoy, and then, running along the lake can seem repetitive after a while. For a few days, though, it’s splendid, and pretty easy to gauge one’s pace along the well-marked bike trails.
I also have good running memories here. My only two marathons have been run here, and I was happy with both of them. I have run some smaller fun races here such as last year’s Thanksgiving Turkey Trot in Lincoln Park. And there are the other memories too…
I am actually home for my ten-year high school reunion. It will be a time of introspection, introductions, and re-introductions. This is the first reunion for my graduating class from Lincoln Park High School. Shuwen is with me, and will get to see a whole new part of my life up close (she’s only formerly met one of the people attending ). It am looking forward to seeing people again.
And of course, interspersed with the reunion events and family time are my runs (including a long one) and some work I need to get done; those are the regulating features of this unusual trip.
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