Chicago, is there a better place to live? I'm slightly biased as I was born and raised here. Not counting the four years I lived at school, I have lived in and around Chicago all my life. I was born in Marquette Park and raised in the suburbs. I have enjoyed working in downtown Chicago my entire adult life on the trading floor of the CME (Chicago Mercantile Exchange). I'm writing this blog to rave about my favorite place to run and ride, Chicago's lakefront. The Illinois Prarie Path which I live next to is a very close second and has charms all it's own but, the lakefront in Chicago has no parallel! I have been lucky enough to get out and run on it the last two Fridays in a row. I primarily run on the IPP but sometimes stay after work to run in the best spot Chicago has to offer. My run usually begins at Roosevelt and Michigan avenues in the South Loop. I traverse the bridge spanning the railyards heading east toward Lake Michigan. What is nice about this area is the two wide mouthed pedestrian tunnels that allow users to avoid the traffic of Columbus Avenue above. Once you pass through the second labeled "Museum Campus" you are immediately reminded of how beautiful Chicago can be! The Shedd aquarium on your right and the pearlesque green waters of the lake straight ahead. There is just something wonderful about seeing the lake, and feeling the cool fresh air, especially after a five month stretch of bone chilling Chicago winter. I typically make a left turn and head North toward Navy Pier and Oak Street beach. I'm usually so pumped up just to be here drinking in the beauty of the lake and all the runners and bikers whizzing by, I really don't notice the distance I'm running. about two miles in I pass Oak Street beach. What a scene; packed with families in and around the water, a huge outdoor bistro, and countless volleyball players, It's easy to forget what I'm doing. Don't get me wrong, for all the nice distractions, you do need to be careful as many people are crossing the pathways just excited to get to the beach, failing to notice all the running and cycling traffic. It's our duty as well to slow down and call out, "OnYerLeft!" or "Heads Up!" as appropriate. As I trek further, I can see North Avenue Beach in the distance. It looks closer than it is, never the less I keep going. Now four miles away from my original start point, I need to go a little further to the Beach, North Avenue! As charming as Oak Street is, it can't match up with the sweeping panorama at North Avenue. This is where Lincoln Park begins and all the energy and charisma that goes with it! When I lived in the city, near Wrigley Field, my roomate and I would run the oppsite direction, south from Addison Ave to North Avenue and back through Lncoln Park. (another favorite run to be chronichled later) Anyway, I run through and past North Avenue taking in the scenery of the boathouse (actually shaped like a boat) the sunbathers, more volleyball players, tons of them, and as always the emerald green lake waters. There have been times in the past that I just keep going as far as Belmont harbor. Today, tho, I need to turn around and head back. The nicest surprise, as I do a quick turn, and head South again, is the stunning vista of the city! This never fails to enchant me. Chicago's architecture is truly beautiful to look at as well. Most notably the Hancock building, the majestic anchor of the Miracle Mile. The return journey of the run goes nearly as fast as the front end, and although I'm always glad to be done physically, I'm just as bummed to be leaving such a remarkable spot! It was truly amazing foresight on Mr. Montgomery Ward's to fight for and reserve such an awe inspiring stretch of park space for the enjoyment of the masses! If you've never run here, I strongly recommend it! I will include a blog about the stretch of path that goes South of the museum campus, toward Hyde Park, a beautiful run full of it's own hidden gems. Until then, See ya on the pathways, Dave