Last weekend, we returned to Chicago for the first time since we moved last November. We were celebrating Mike's birthday and spending some time away from the Dallas heat. We stayed at a hotel downtown at the northern end of the Magnificent Mile which provided us easy access to the Lakefront Trail (and an Equinox across the street which had a pool). I ran on the trail last Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings and was reminded just how much I enjoy it. I love the views of downtown and having the lake right there. If we ever move back to Chicago, we definitely want a place with easy access to the trail. This was the first time we have been on it since they completed the separation of bike and running lanes and I was pleased with the results. There are a couple spots where I found the running lanes to be a little narrow, but overall it was nice not to worry about bikes speeding right by you.
On Thursday and Saturday I ran north for several miles before turning around. On Friday we decided to do long runs in preparation for the marathon since our preparation to date has been rather last minute. I ran south that morning which tends to be less crowded. Despite fewer people, I think I prefer the northern part of the trail because I am more familiar with it and have spent more time on that section of it. I ran 16.8 miles which was my longest run since Boston in April. It was humid that morning so I was especially soaked by the end -- but I felt accomplished about getting it done. My pace isn't as fast as it was getting ready for Boston, but it is by no means slow and I know I will be able to finish Chicago.
We are talking about possibly going back again next weekend for one last long run before the marathon. This weekend all the running groups there are hosting their final 20 milers so we will miss out on that. I am not aiming for 20 the following weekend but would be happy getting in 17 or 18 -- something to remind my body what it's like to run that long again. Hopefully we see more great running weather then.
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| Starting to run south of downtown |
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| Made it several miles south before I turned around |
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| Longest run since Boston |
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| Running north Saturday morning |
