Chicago Lakefront

Of all of the places in Chicago, probably my favorite destination is the Chicago lakefront. It’s peaceful there, exhibiting greenery and natural things. People there are active, usually enjoying the weather or relaxing on the beach. I feel that when a person lives in the midst of urban congestion, this is a place where he can forget all of that. It’s not too far of a stretch for me, considering that I was born and raised in Indiana among vast plains of fields and forests. So most of my life, I have dwelled in the countryside, and I have grown accustomed to wilderness and the feeling of space that comes with it. To me, I guess that’s what the lakefront somewhat resembles. It’s like a memory of what it is like to be around natural things. Perhaps it is a reminder of what it’s like to be around home.

I run there every weekend. At first I ran by myself and now I run with a large group of trainees preparing for the Chicago marathon. Usually when I am there, I am not only exercising, but also soaking in the sun. All of this combines to make me feel good and pleasant.

When I run by myself, sometimes I dissociate my thoughts (actually a less than desirable running practice). During these occasions, I build and build into a natural kinesthetic rhythm where I let my mind settle into a meditative state. In this state, distances and time feel as though they were nothing. No worries enter my mind. I feel focused.

In contrast, I now find that I am making tons of new acquaintances when running with other people in the CARA marathon training program. We talk about many things as we pound the trail together, dodging snobby bikers (haha) and other obstacles. I find this makes the long distances of 9, 10, 13, and hopefully 20 miles disappear much quicker and more easily.

So no matter the situation, I feel good and comfortable when I on the lakefront.