If you’re new to my blog, then I guess I should let you know that running in a new city is one of my favorite things to do when I travel, whether with Bo, friends, or work. It’s a great way to appreciate the city from a different vantage point and feel like a local.

This week’s work trip was no exception and therefore I was looking forward to my five miler in Chicago as soon as I landed! The weather was supposed to be pretty perfect for August, a cool 70 degrees at daybreak, and super sunny.

Tuesday night, upon checking in at our hotel, I chatted with the front desk to verify my planned route that I’d put together on Map My Run. I highly having locals review your route if you’re in a new city to ensure that it is safe. 

Due to this planning, I was able to wakeup and head out quickly Wednesday morning for five miles along Lake Michigan before my breakfast work meeting. The sight that greeted me as I exited the hotel was breathtaking.

I took the pedestrian tunnel under the highway over to the Chicago Lakefront Trail along the lake and Navy Pier area.  This path is a runner’s paradise as it is 18 miles long (hear that NYC?!) , paved, and includes amenities such as bathrooms, frequent water fountains, storage lockers, and restaurants.

As soon as I exited on the other side I was greeted with the beachfront and a scene of swimmers heading into the lake for their morning run along with throngs of runners and bikers. It was inspiring to see so many other people out this early, enjoying the wonderful weather.

I put in my headphones and just started running along the water, enjoying the scenery and my legs’ unexpected freshness and energy.

I even saw a runner carrying a large American flag around mile 2.

I turned around when I saw 2.5 miles pop up on my Garmin, right along a beach area where there were people doing boot camps, taking yoga, enjoying sand personal training sessions, and swimming in the water. While I love running in Central Park, this area of Chicago is pretty amazing and offers so many different fitness options.

How great would Sun & Moon Beach Yoga be for a Thursday happy hour option after a long day of work?

A kind woman offered to snap a picture of me as she noticed me taking pictures at my turnaround point. A NYC runner enjoying a great Chicago run!

My views running back towards the hotel were even better as I had the sand and lake to my left and the skyline in front of me.

Five miles done bright and early before a long day of meetings! I especially loved the negatives splits during this progression run including my last mile at 9:36! Have I mentioned how ready I am for cooler, Fall weather in New York City? My marathon training will be forever thankful if it comes earlier versus later.

What is your favorite running city?