It was rainy earlier today but Mother Nature knew you needed some photos and that my cheap ass I didn’t want to ruin my new phone in the rain so she was kind to me! As with all lunchtime runs, I got ready in our ladies washroom. Apparently I need a blogger-bathroom-photos 101 course cuz these photos were horrible the best I could get.
I hit the street for a dash to the lakefront path. On days like this I actually don’t HATE enjoy working downtown and being able to run at lunch when I can’t pry Mr. Michael off of me just can’t get it done at home. The chore of getting to/from the lakefront is probably harder than the actual running. I spend a good deal of time weaving around the uncool non-runners pedestrians, waiting at traffic lights and then finally I hit the lakefront at Monroe Harbor after crossing Lake Shore Drive (LSD). The first glimpse of the lake and the sun attempting to peak out is refreshing.
I frequently head South toward McCormick Place because: 1) It’s a less traveled route, most runners and tourists head North toward Navy Pier, Oak Street Beach, North Beach, etc.; 2) The path is slightly off the water so if the weather is less than ideal, there is a bit of a shield between runner, water & elements; 3) McCormick Place has a bathroom right off the path; and, 4) Portions of the trail have a soft shoulder for my plantar fasciitis the injury prone .
As I hit the Museum Campus, still in Monroe Harbor territory, I noticed two “ship wrecked” vessels. Remember last week when I planned to run the lakefront but ran Yankee Woods in the ‘burbs instead? Well, it was because portions of the lakefront path were closed due to 25+ foot waves. About a month ago when we had waves “almost” that high nobody was smart enough realized they should stay away from the water and several runners/bikers got swept into the lake. This time officials closed the path to protect the stupid people and apparently it was a good move…..these sail boats were destroyed by the waves.
Moving on into the tunnel under the drive to Museum Campus.
Coming out of tunnel….STUNNING view!
This is about a mile from McCormick, if I run to McCormick it’s a 6 mile trip, if I want 8, I go a little further. I took a lot of photos in the beginning and then put the phone away to make up some time. The last photo stop was actually on the return and I had to stop, climb up off the path and onto the lawn at the Shedd Aquarium to grab a crystal clear pic of the Chicago Skyline. Now that’s priceless!
8.01 miles – 1:14:19 – several street crossings to/from lake front, lots of photo stops and even stopped to take a photo of a group of tourists on their camera so everyone could get into the shot. GREAT day to get out and run!
“Run”way Fashion: Athleta Accelerate Tee (select sizes on a killer sale now!), Athleta Quick Step Capri, Feetures No Show Tab socks, Saucony Guide 5 shoes
Cheers, Amanda – TooTallFritz
TooTallFritz 
Amanda,
Love your blog-site and Nicely done. You know how to weave a story being the runner admidst the surges and pitfalls that working people must persevere to fulfill their running goals. Very nice assessment and portrayal of running on the Lakefront Trail. A great place to run and bike as well! Not sure about the references to “too tall” or “big ass” and in my humble frog opinion you are just one fine beautiful lady that for some reason just likes to run! Hubby should understand, or just get his ass out there to run. You keep it up – you rock!
peace
amanda – do you notice some words in your blog have lines thru them like you had changed your mind about what to write.
Eileen – I know; it’s a “joke”. And thanks, Frogger!
Nice photos! Looks like a great way to spend your lunch hour.
Love the pics. You certainly have better scenery than we do running around the Y. Oh well…at least it’s pretty with all the leaves changing. Also love the bathroom pics! Ha! You look super skinny!