Marathon Mommy

What if you didn't go running?

Have you ever wondered what you missed on a day that you don't go running?
This past weekend I was visiting Chicago for my first time. I had big plans to go running. Friday night I set out my clothes, shoes and even brought my 4 bottle water belt in the suitcase. When I got up that morning and realized I was staying on Michigan Ave, I decided to not go running and just go shopping. I thought I can run in my home town but can't experience Chicago at home. I took a shower, got dressed for the day. As I was getting ready to leave the hotel room I looked down at my pile of running gear begging for me to give them some attention. I felt guilty. I changed my clothes and put on my running gear and delayed my trip down the Magnificent Mile.
Here is what I would have missed if I would not have gone..


I would have missed knowing my hotel was right at the edge of Lake Michigan and seeing the beautiful beach. I would have missed running with masses of people - most in Chicago Marathon training shirts. That is probably a great marathon to run.
I would have missed following a group of runners over this bridge that had better manicured foliage than my garden
I would have missed running around people playing baseball in fields on a Saturday morning
I would have missed running across a finish line a few hours after a race had ended

I would have missed this cool monument that lead me down another path..a path to the... Zoo!

I would have missed this cute man playing his violin

I would have missed seeing this camel that reminded me of riding one this summer in Morocco

I would have missed this monkey scratching his bottom

I would have missed the opportunity to document my trip in the sand

I would have missed the cheerleaders taking group photos in the water - it was fun to watch

I would have missed seeing how awesome Fleet Feet was for providing water and and Gatorade to Saturday runners!

Thanks Fleet Feet of Chicago - here is my plug for you in thanks for the Gatorade!!

I would have missed the wedding right by my hotelI would have missed taking my self portrait all sweaty and gross
and I would have missed the joy of laying in the complimentary robe after my second shower for the day and then truly enjoying the shopping on Michigan Ave.