It’s almost summer and the running here in my neck of the woods is peaceful! This week on the Tuesdays on the Run Linkup we’re talking all about where you run. Are you an urban runner, a trail enthusiast, do you pound the pavement in suburbia? Tell us! Better yet? Show us!
While I haven’t gotten out before the crack of dawn as often as I’d like lately, it truly is the very best time to run. I live an hour from downtown Chicago, give or take, in a sleepy little town known for its nature preserves. 99% of the time I run right out my back door. Now that school’s out, the middle school track is all mine and it’s less than a half mile away.
I’ve got easy access to lots of prairie trails. The main roads around here are fast and busy so I try to minimize the time I spend running or riding my bike on the shoulders of them.
I’m blessed with several running loops so you usually won’t find me running in the same place day after day. Typically my shortest run is 3 miles and my longest is 22. The long one gives me a tour of 5 different suburbs.
When it’s really hot and I’ve got marathon training to do, I hit the Des Plaines River Trails which are about a 10 minute drive away. I can run 20+ miles there since they go almost all the way to the Wisconsin State Line.
What’s it like where you run? How would you answer the question in the headline?
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
You are so lucky to such beautiful trails close by!
Summer running tends to be hard for me. Don’t like heat & humidity & often can’t easily get out as early as I’d like (like today). I just hold onto the idea that hopefully it makes me a stronger runner!
Although I do love running in a tank & skirt. 🙂
Melissa says
That’s beautiful!!!! You have great scenes for running!! I’d say that as much as I don’t move the heat, I do love it being bright and not icy. I can at least get out for a few miles in the summer!
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
Wow, you have some really nice options for running! I cant go very far without hitting a main road. Im loving getting out in the early mornings when its not yet super hot and the sun is just rising.
Laura says
I’m hoping to be back to running next week! I run a mix of roads, paved paths and occasionally trails. Love your gorgeous spots!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I have been thinking about the Des Plaines trails as an option. I’ve been doing my long runs at Busse Woods and that’s been nice. Even though it’s super congested around here, we do have nice options for running, don’t we?
Rachel Frutkin says
You have some lovely scenery for running! I probably drove right past your town on the way back from Duluth.
Kimberly G says
You have some awesome running areas near you! Unfortunately I have to do a lot of my runs on streets with traffic so that’s why I try to run early on Saturdays to avoid as much traffic as possible. I usually start most of my long runs at a local park and then move out to the streets,
Lesley says
One thing I miss about Massachusetts is my town has a great running path, covered by trees. It could be warm during the day, but the coverage allowed for a lot of shade.
Darlene says
I get tired of the same locale. Lucky to have quite a few parks and bike trails not too far.
I love summer running because it is easy to pack a bag to run after work and it stays light out later.
However, I definitely adjust my paces and am just happy to get it done no matter how much walking takes place.
vicki says
Those are some lovely places to run!
Mary BEth Jackson says
You have some very nice options! I like nice and quiet, nothing wrong with that! I wish I could get on more trails and less pounding on the concrete!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
You do have some beautiful morning scenery. I am so not an early bird but those pics almost make me want to be
Debbie says
Your trails are beautiful and so different from mine! Getting out early is the best. Not only for cooler weather in the summer, but just for the peace and beauty. And the sunrise!
Sherry says
Sounds like you’ve got lots of nice trails to run on. That’s awesome! I am more of a road runner but have just started running more on trails and loving it. Shady trails are perfect in the summer.
Kimberly Hatting says
I wish I had access to more trails! I have many routes in my itty bitty town (population about 10,000)…ranging from 2-miles to 7-miles (and numerous combinations when I need longer routes). I think I have run almost every road in my town…..(and I’m not bragging when I say that)
Zenaida says
I am jealous of your running trails. The closest ones to me are about 30-45 minutes away.