Tag Archives: Chicago Lakefront

Restoration….

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res·to·ra·tion

  1. the act of restoring; renewal, revival, or reestablishment.
  2. a return of something to a former, original, normal or unimpaired condition.

There have been a lot of things weighing me down as of late and I think that is one reason the “sickies” caught me x2.  Things that a good run can’t fix.  Things I can’t fix.  Things I can’t understand.  As a control freak Type A personality, it’s hard to let go and realize that there are some things, no matter how important, which are beyond my control. 

As my body repairs itself from the “sickies”, I look within and begin the process of restoration.  What makes me happy?  What makes me feel good?  What can I do to “return” to my former self? 

First, I need to pay attention to my health and not take it for granted.  I’m an AdvoCare distributor but “may” have been lax about taking my ImmunoGuard.  Why?  Not sure.  I know it works.  I know that it normally keeps me healthy when others are sick, but I wasn’t taking it.  So this week, I’ve been focusing on my ImmunoGuard, and the olive leaf extract that Dr. Alexis likes, and Emergen-C (since I ran out of my CitriZinc Chews).  Overkill?  Maybe but who cares if it works!

immonogard    olive_leaf_extract   Emergen-C

Second, as soon as I could breathe, I wanted to run.  Okay, let’s be honest, I wanted to run before I could breathe but tried on WED and  it didn’t work out so well.  Today, I laced up and headed out to run. 

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Thirdly, I ran toward the water.  I always feel better when I’m near water:  a lake, a stream, a river, an ocean.  The water has restorative powers for me and makes me feel calm inside.  At peace.  Healthy.  Alive.

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Fortunately, Chicago has an abundance of water.  Its just a short run from my office building and I have…..

Sand.Toes in the sand_chicago_12-14-12

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And a little sunshine.  Chicago Lake Front_north beach boathouse_12-14-12

I’m feeling better already!  Now to focus a little more on getting back into my normal routine, taking my supplements, building my miles and letting go of things I can not control.   Only then, will my body and mind truly begin the process of restoration. 

What has restorative powers for you?  Do you feel at peace when you are near something, in a particular location or just sitting at home cuddling with the kids and pets?

** Restoration In Progress ** Amanda – TooTallFritz

Slow Times in the City….

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As with everywhere, even the city of Chicago becomes slow and almost desolate at times.  Yesterday and today are such days as the workers/commuters are finishing things up before the holiday with many already on vacation.  We are suspended somewhere between the normal hustle & bustle of city life and the approach of the holiday.  Most take delight in this short, temporary lull which precedes the Black Friday rush.  Things are good.  Quiet.  The streets are empty with few to be seen.  The trains carry only a scattering of commuters, all with the same sole desire to go back home to their family for the upcoming holiday.  It’s a tranquil time, even in Chicago.  The fog veiling the city just adds to the desolate feel. 

It’s cool but not cold. 

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Gloomy but not rainy.

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Quiet but not silent.

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Calm but not motionless.

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Its a great time to be a runner in the city.  Easy to take a few steps and be at peace in the surroundings that are normally alive with constant activity.

I’m wishing you a very happy holiday with lots of happiness, laughter and maybe a long peaceful run (or two) where you can reconnect with yourself and have a minute to give thanks for all the blessings in your life.

** Happy Thanksgiving ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

The Windy City….

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The only story in Chicago these days is the weather.  No, nobody cares about the election, we just don’t want to fly away as the remnants of Hurricane Sandy bear down on us.  We are currently under a Wind Advisory and a Lake Shore Flood Warning.  Shocker, the lakefront path is closed.  And yes, they are serious. In case you were contemplating going out there to “take a peak”, please be careful so you don’t get swept into the surf like last time. 

The lakefront path was last closed on September 30, 2011.  Some idiots people didn’t believe that the path could really be closed.  NBC Chicago was kind enough to capture some of those individuals on film for our viewing pleasure to help us realize the seriousness of the situation.  Please, do watch the video below:

On that day (above), the “surf” was only 10-15 foot.  Today, and for the next couple of days, they are predicting 20-30 footers on Lake Michigan, plus wind gusts around Chicago up to 60 mph.  Some idiots adventurers are out enjoying the waves.  See this crazy guy surfing at Montrose Beach.  Photo courtesy of Chopper 7HD, ABC7Chicago:

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Now, I know you all expect me to go out and get you some REAL.LIFE.PHOTOS.  I want you to know that I’m not really considering it.  I have submitted a proposal to the Association of Chicago Running Bloggers to find a few brave souls to create a human chain of running bloggers to break thru security, sprint to the lakefront and take as many photos as possible before we 1) get swept away or 2) are forced asked to leave.

I almost feel guilty considering something so crazy adventurous with Gingerfoxxx out of town.  I know she is going to be so sad to have missed the theatrics fun but I’m hoping that Running Kellometers and Mag Mile Runner are up for the task at hand.  So if you see a bunch of crazy women Chicago Running Bloggers bound together in a human chain, be swept off the lakefront path and into the surf……feel guilty.  Very guilty.  Cuz we were just there trying to get YOU a few photos!  🙂

Post inspired by another crazy Chicago Running Blogger, Xaarlin.com, who is seriously wanting to go get some photos of those big waves. 

Be safe my friends!

** Happy Adventure Seeking ** Amanda – TooTallFritz

Anticipation…..

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I got up this morning planning to hit the road for a run but my little man was only minutes behind me.  I didn’t even have my running clothes on toothpaste on the toothbrush before he was screaming my name.  As I calmed him down and laid back down, I was hoping he would fall back asleep fast and leave me enough time to still grab a few miles before work.  But realistically, I knew that wouldn’t happen and I quickly crafted Plan B.  Lunch Run.   I even started looking forward to the thought of running the lakefront at lunch.  Well, I’ve anticipated the lunch run all day and now am staring down the reality that it just won’t be happening.  Plan C anyone?

Here are a few of the sites I anticipated seeing on this glorious 70 degree day in the CHI.  Now you too can anticipate your next run by the lake!

First glimpse of the Planetarium from the path beneath the Shedd Aquarium.Lakefront_planetarium_8-29-12

Planetarium:

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Leaving the tunnel under Museum Drive heading south:

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Do you ever have to optimize Plan C after anticipating both Plan A and Plan B and then just not being able to make those happen?

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

Beautiful Day in Chicago!

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This week has been a bit of a scramble but I did manage a swim on Monday (70 laps = 1750 yards = .99 miles = 40:04 minutes) when Aby’s track meet was canceled due to rain.  Yesterday I squeezed in a lunchtime shake out run.  My legs were still heavy from Sunday’s race so I needed something slow and relaxed.  When I run at lunch, I always hit Chicago’s lakefront and it was a perfect day yesterday for lollygagging and photo taking!  I ran out on the lakefront, then came back thru Grant Park to get a view of the fountain!

Sears Tower:

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Entrance tunnel (under Lake Shore Drive) to Grant Park by Museum Campus:

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Shedd Aquarium:

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Chicago Skyline looking North toward Navy Pier:

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Grant Park:

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Buckingham Fountain:

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All in all, I ran 4.5 miles at a very leisurely pace.   The City is so alive, there are lots of people milling around doing the tourist thing and I love seeing them and seeing the sights myself in the brightness of spring.  It’s the days that I can get out and run at lunch that really help me appreciate the beauty of Chicago.

People frequently ask what I do when I get back to work and am hot & sweaty.  I wash up in the bathroom!  If I actually go to the gym, to run on the treadmill, I can shower there.  However, I normally run outside so I just wash up and use the Yes to Cucumber Wipes.  Then I tell people to stay away from me.  🙂

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Over the next 3 weeks, I will be focusing on increasing my run miles.  A couple days a week I will be running more than once (2x and eventually 3x per day).  My first multi run day will be this Saturday with a hilly 13 miler in the morning and a 5K Fun Run in the afternoon.  I will continue to build the bike miles.  I will also be focusing on getting out as much as possible on mid-day lunch runs to acclimate to the heat pre-Ragnar.  The heat is the one thing we can not control and we will be running all hours of the day & night, particularly since there are only 6 of us running the 200 miles.  Stay tuned for lots of fun training in the weeks ahead!  Oh, and send me a truck load of ice for ice baths, okay?

What is your next goal and/or focus?  Everyone needs a goal, please share yours with us in the event that something YOU are doing might inspire and/or intrigue someone else!

Happy Running **  Amanda – TooTallFritz **  amanda@tootallfritz.com **