Running

I like to run. It was only about three years ago that I decided to stop using the treadmills at the gym and actually go outside, mostly along the lakefront path. I started going from the Argyle underpass the totem pole (in Lakeview) and then back. Eventually, I went to Belmont later all the way to Fullerton and back. Sometimes I will go to the overpass near North Avenue if I want to round out my mileage to 10.

On one particular night about a year or so ago, I ran all the way past Navy Pier and back. I think that was a total of 14 to 17 miles. I lost track. The upside is the sense of accomplishment. The downside is the hallucinating that goes on. Well, maybe hallucinating is too strong of a word. I was running past the long stretch of beaches just south of North Avenue and I was so zone out, tired really, that I start imagining things, as if the beach and was the desert and I was crossing it. For my tired and aching feet, it may as well have been.

My main run that I do twice a week (sometimes three) is from Argyle underpass to Theatre On The Lake (North Avenue).

Running outdoors have given me more motivation to get out of the house and be with nature. Of course, running through the Argyle District to reach the lakefront. People usually don't give me trouble, but it does surprise me how many homeless people will ask for change as I am running past them with only shoes, shorts and a t-shirt on. Sometimes there are more obstacles then I prefer. The smell of piss and pools of spilled beer and rotting fish in the dumpsters can be enough, but despite that, it makes reaching the lakefront path all the more rewarding. I am greeted by towering trees and a nice gravel path.

The path from Argyle to the golf course (between Montrose & Diversey) is not too exciting, but when it gets busy (as it usually does) around the Belmonth area, I really look forward to it on the return leg of my runs.

Animals sightings are always fun--the brown, red, black and brown squirrels are common, but it's when I see a coyote that it gets exciting. They usually stop, look, decide I am not tasty enough, and then trot along looking for, say, rabbits or other delectibles.

There are a few "avenues" of straight and wide path that is pleasing, but I think entering the part that resembles a winding grove with a canopy of trees just before south Belmont Harbor is the best.

Belmont Harbor itself can be lovely. Last winter, thousands of small pieces of broken ice sounded like wooden wind chimes. It was extraordinarily beautiful to hear.

The run between Belmont and Theatre On The Lake (Fullerton) varies. Sometimes it is crowded, other times not. The grade can be challenging depending on my energy level and some of the runners can get competitive with each other.

The only danger with running are the bikers with their touring bikes. And I will be say it bluntly, they act as if they own the path. They lack courtesy, often fail to slow down at points that are clearly marked for the safety of others. They will snarl and yell if you do anything that threatens their slowing down (they ride very fast). In other words, yes, they can be a bit of a nuisance. And like the Canadian Geese pooping on the path, they only seem to increase in numbers. That's the downside of running along the lakefront.

One of my favorite things about the lakefront is the lake itself. I like to study the color difference between the sky and water. It's never quite the same on any given day. The cloud formations and colors can be quite wonderful. I am a painter and I've learned more about light and color from my observations with running (I think) than I had in art school.

Physically, it's helped me a lot. If I resist Oreos (not easy to do!), I can shed wait fairly quickly after only a few runs. I try to challenge my pace and keep my heartrate up for good solid cardio workouts. I also enjoy slowing it down to concentrate on my form and familiarizing myself with the ground and the way my feet negotiate its contours. A good stretch before, at Theatre On The Leg (half way point) and when I get home, I am good about, although sometimes I am prone to underdo it or overdo it, depending on my mood and/or energy.

Lastly, there is a thing called bilateral stimulation, in which both hemispheres of the brain are activated and engaged by the left/right movements of walking or running, and often creative thoughts will spontaneously occur and/or a good (or better) mood will come on during bad days. But overall, it has a remarkable effect -- like a happy drug?

But yeah, running. I'm glad I took it up. I find very rewarding and I enjoy the time.