I’m currently training for a half marathon and really excited as it the longest distance I’ve attempted! I’ve been trying to get over to the lake now and then because the LSD trail is so sublime. But what has really surprised me is how many energy gel packs you see on the ground along the way, and so many as well, right next to a trash can. I understand people not wanting to stop and break their stride to put it in the trash, but if you had the space to hold the gel before you consumed it, why don’t you just put it back in your pocket until you are done with your run? I pickup trash regularly and it’s so damn hard for me to not want to stop my run and pick them up. As a community of runners, can’t we and shouldn’t we, do better?

Also, please let me know what your favorite energy gels/ mid-run snacks are because I know I’ll need to get some eventually. I promise I won’t litter them. Thanks! 🏃‍♀️

The Lakefront Trail gets plenty of attention, but Chicago has so many neighbourhoods with interesting routes to explore. Do you have a favourite street, park, or quieter path where you enjoy running? Always interested in discovering places beyond the usual routes.

Fucked up my ankle. Can’t run the race. Don’t want it to go to waste.

I’ll give it away for free and have found someone online. The marathon doesn’t have undercover agents trying to buy bibs do they?

where are some good hills to train on near lakeview east/lincoln park? i cant find any on strava.

There are two really large 2-3 inch deep puddles on the pedestrian path (branch closest to the lake) just about halfway along. You will want to switch to the cycle path (closest to the road) at the Barry underpass going south or at the fork just past Diversey Harbor Bridge for this portion of your run unless you are training for a steeplechase and want to practice running with soakers.

It looks like the puddles will last for a while as they are still snowbanked in and there is major puddles in the park on the lake side of the snowbank as well.

[oops meant Diversey Harbor in the title]

If you guys are here, a big bear hug thank you to you!

You ran by me just after I turned around half way through my last long run before my first ever half marathon next week. I was so over it. I was considering calling my husband to come pick me up. The distance home seemed impossible.

You two yelled the biggest heartiest happiest "Hello! Good Morning!" It almost knocked me over! Your huge grins and happy energy got me home. It turned my run completely around from miserable to really really good.

• just a reminder that a simple smile, nod, wave, hello, whatever can really make a huge difference for that fellow runner you see out there.

Hi! Anyone selling their hidden gem marathon registration for 2024, sep 7th ? Pls let me know , would love to buy! Pls DM me and will respond right away.

Here’s the Chicago Racing Circuit race recap from Shamrock Shuffle. Is this the type of content this sub would be interested in?

https://www.cararuns.org/post/chicago-racing-circuit-recap-circuit-rookies-shuffle-to-victory

Hello runners !!

I've been doing some research on recreational cross country (not road) races, and been coming up short so I figured l'd ask you guys. I love cross country since I’m a fellow cross country runner that would love running XC again if possible..Is there a national organization that has a competitive team aspect for post-collegiate non-elite cross country? I appreciate all the info I could get !

Hey folks I know some of yall probably want to run the 2024 Chicago Marathon. Instead of relying on the drawing I wanted to share a guaranteed way to get to the starting line. WBEZ and The Chicago-Sun Times now have a charity team and are looking for runners. Joining the team is a great way to secure your spot in the race and also support independent local journalism.

As a WBEZ & Sun-Times runner you’ll get an official team race shirt, a virtual training program, fundraising support, team dinner, events on race weekend and more. Join the team and be part of something bigger than the race itself. If you are interested you can fill out this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd6p7ncBvPTznm_h_0gKjYuZU0_vQjLEc5qsBonOYMctzbdPA/viewform?usp=sf_link

My friends and I are headed to Chicago and we want to run in every state. We know where to run in Chicago.

But we are debating heading to just across the boarder in Gary, IN. I know Gary has a reputation for being pretty rough.

Would Wolf Lake park be a good spot for a morning 5k?

Hello everyone,

Following up here. My keys were found and left at Oakwood Beach along the lakefront trail on one of the wooden benches between the blue bridges, likely one of the last two before the 43rd street bridge at 10:45am on Saturday. Yesterday I ran the route at 1:00pm did not see keys and prior to this morning had not seen this post. If you find the keys please let me know. I lost the keys on Thursday afternoon and have been out here everyday since. So I imagine the keys have been picked up and moved around frequently since I dropped them.

Please Upvote for visibility 🙏

https://www.reddit.com/r/chicago/comments/1463i77/keys_left_on_lake_shore_path_1045am/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1

Would love to run it - tried to register and the event is obvi at capacity. In from NY during the race so would like to try to make it happen

EDIT: last minute bib OMFG

Dues anybody know how long the track at Chase Park is? It's definitely a non-standard shape, so curious how long it is.

I’m thinking about moving to ravenswood, so I’d probably start running at the north shore trail. Are there usually other runners out there around 6am? Obviously I take precautions living in a city, but I always feel a little better when there are other runners around so I’d like to know!

St. Ignatius and Trinity kids are completely mobbing the lakefront trail on the North Side. From at least Belmont to Castaways. Pedestrian and the cycle trail where they run alongside each other. They're ostensibly supervised....

You may want to stick to Lincoln Park instead.

The trail was almost entirely clear. Just two small patches of very slippery ice in the northbound lane by the Indian monument past Diversey Harbor Bridge before Barry. They caught me a bit off guard because the conditions otherwise were so good I wasn't paying attention. It was starting to get a bit wet on my return Northbound leg so it will probably melt.

Puddles at Castaways (always!) but you could avoid them to make the loop around the building.

Lots of serious fast runners out there today. Looks like Spring Marathon training season has begun. Also some ruckers pounding out miles heading North.

It was nice to wear lighter breathable shoes for a change.

Chicago winters don't exactly make it easy to get outside and run. Do you keep running outdoors or switch to a treadmill until spring?

The hot chocolate run is going to be my first race. For anyone who’s done it before or does a lot of races, what should I expect? Is there anything I need to know and what tips do you have?

Hey all,

Returning to Chicago after almost 20 years in Boston. Getting reacquainted with the city again. I'm a runner, but also love yoga. Anyone got any rec's for a hot vinyasa class in or around Lincoln Park?

Looking for a personal running coach? Coach Steen Running is a great option in the Chicagoland area (also can offer remote). Offering fully personal training plans for any distance from the mile up to the marathon.

For more information, check out website:

https://www.coachsteenrunning.com