If I Could Run Anywhere in the World...

Disclaimer: This is an update of a previously published post.

If you could run anywhere in the world, right now, in 2020, where would you choose? Would you pick a city you've never been to but is on your bucket list? An exotic locale? A place that you return to over and over again? Or a place that's as familiar to you as the street you live on?

Me, going with an old favorite, I'd choose Chicago. 

Chicago, I miss you. With the cancellation of just about every big race this year and most small ones too, I haven't run in my favorite city for a long time. The last time I ran in Chicago was in February, at a fun race at the Chicago Auto Show.

It's no secret to the blog readers that I love my hometown, Chicago. While I grew up in a small town about 50 miles outside the city, my grandparents lived in the Old Town neighborhood and I visited them frequently. I felt as much a part of the city as if I lived there. After I graduated college, I moved to the north side of Chicago. I lived and worked in the city for 10 years. Chicago is where I started running and racing. Driving into the city, whether for a visit or a race, seeing the skyline, never fails to excite me!

I've run more races in Chicago than I can count including the Chicago marathon, which I've run 3 times. Without a doubt, if I could run the Chicago marathon again, I would. I don't know that my body could hold up to the distance anymore and so now I have to be content to spectate, which is such a fun experience. I'll take whatever I can get!

Some people complain that Chicago is too big, too dirty, and too noisy. They fear crime. Runners don't like how the tall buildings mess with their GPS. The weather is definitely a challenge, but good weather or bad, there is no place I'd rather run.

So, what do I miss about running in Chicago?

The lakefront: If you've never run on the lakefront trail in Chicago, you are missing out on one of the most scenic running spots in the world, IMHO. With Lake Michigan to the east and the skyline to the west, the views can't be beat. The trail runs for 18 miles from Ardmore on the north side to 71st street on the south side. The city planners really did a wonderful job preserving the lakefront for recreational use. I've run all of it at one time or another--but not all at once! 

The start line of just about every race: All the big races start heading north on Columbus Drive and across the Chicago River. The races have taken me in a variety of directions after the start, but this is the iconic starting line. It's just like an old friend. The sight of the tall buildings gets the adrenaline flowing. If you run in Chicago, this never gets old.

At the start of the Shamrock Shuffle 2018 and every other big Chicago race

The people: I'm always amazed at the wonderful spectators that come out to cheer runners on for the big races in Chicago. No matter what the race, I love seeing the people lining the Randolph Street Bridge as we run underneath it once we start up Columbus Drive. Spectators line every mile of the marathon course. The first time I ran the marathon, it was really warm and I was so impressed by the kindness of strangers. One woman was carrying around a bowl of orange slices. Another had a big bowl of pretzels. In one neighborhood, a guy was handing out bottles of water to the runners.

Chicago Marathon 2014
Chinatown

The sites: It doesn't matter how many times we run down State Street, I still get goosebumps when we run by the Chicago Theater. I always feel like a tourist when I see one of the classic buildings--I have to stop and take a photo. I'd love to do one of those running tours once things start back up again. Fellow blogger Erica is starting her own running tour company. I hope to go out on a run with her!

Marina Towers as seen on a run

The street art: There's always been amazing graffiti and street art all over the city, but with all the unrest and protests this year, the artists have come out in force! One of my favorite neighborhoods is Pilsen, home to a large Latinx population as well as many artists. I'd love to go back and view more murals and stop by Lo Rez for some of their unique craft beers.

There's always more to explore: I've got a couple spots I want to hit in 2021. My oldest son moved to Logan Square, a fun, hip vibrant neighborhood that offers some new running opportunities for me! The 606, the boulevards...anyone want to join me?

Buckingham Fountain

If you could run anywhere in the world, right now, where would you run? @oldrunningmom #running #runchat 

Where would you run if you could go anywhere right now? 

I'm linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics and with the Runners' Roundup: Debbie, Deborah, Jen, Laura, and Lisa.