This week I had my second trip to Chicago of 2024. When I was packing, the weather forecast called for wind and rain, but it mostly cleared up when I was there, although I did have one run that reminded me I was in the windy city.
Simply stunning!
Back To The Windy City
When I arrived on Monday afternoon it was gorgeous—sunny and in the upper 60s. The stars aligned to meet up with Erica for dinner, and we lucked out and got a table at Cindy’s Rooftop restaurant at the Athletic Club.
After dinner, we enjoyed the pastel sunset with views over Millennium Park and Lake Michigan.
My best sunrise run was on Tuesday. When I stepped outside, I immediately saw the sunrise was going to be gorgeous, and chased it down the Riverwalk and out to the Lakefront path.
What a way to start the day!
Weekly Run Down
Between recovering from that core class from hell, and prioritizing running in Chicago over the hotel gym, I didn’t do much strength this week, although I took the same body weight strength class as a warm-up three times.
Sunday: Full body strength + 3.25 Tread Miles
I managed Andy’s strength class with a few modifications and a tread run with Alex.
Monday: Upper body strength + Climb Ride
I had a mid-day flight, so I could do a full workout Monday morning.
Tuesday: 4 mile Chicago Lakefront run
After the stunning sunrise, the sky was bright blue for the rest of my run along the Lakefront trail. I was wearing long sleeves and shorts, but probably would have been OK in short sleeves because it wasn’t very windy.
Wednesday: 20 min Climb Ride + 3 mile Chicago Lakefront Run
I started off in the hotel gym, where I used one of the Peloton bikes to take a climb ride. I tried to do a Lanebreak class to cool down, but it seemed like the wi-fi wasn’t strong enough and the bike froze. Instead of messing around with it, I decided to go outside where I was lured to the Lakefront path for another short run.
It was warm—upper 60s—but very windy!
Thursday: Walking
I had an early flight home, but took time to take Scooby out for a walk before I logged in for a few hours of work.
I borrowed my neighbor’s flowers for this photo.
Friday: Lower body strength + Climb Ride
Trying to catch up with the Breakthrough Crew Ascend April classes, since I mostly did my own thing in Chicago.
Saturday: 5 Scooby Miles
Back home, but showing my love for running in the windy city with one of my Chicago tees. It was in the upper 50s but humid—definitely t-shirt weather.
Don’t let all this running fool you. My hamstring was bothering me after those runs in Chicago, and I am pretty bummed. 🙁 I’m going to do a course of meloxicam (a strong NSAID) and see where that gets me.
A huge thank you to Deborah and Kim for hosting the Weekly Run Down link up. And thanks to all of you for putting up with my hamstring saga!
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
Glad you enjoyed your time in Chicago and actually had some nice weather! Looks like you left before it got cold again. Haha! Hope that hamstring settles done once and for all. Love that pic of Scooby among the flower petals!
Chicago is a fun city to run and play in. Looks like you are back to your normal schedule of activity. Always fun to see Erica
Well, darn- I was fooled into thinking your hamstring was 100%. SIGH! Yep, meloxicam might knock it out- fingers crossed. I’m glad you got those runs in Chicago though! The sunrise pics are beautiful!
There were stunning skies with all the weather going on.
Oh no, I’m sorry to hear that your hamstring is bothering you after your runs in Chicago. I’ve got to admit that running along the lake front is so enjoyable that it would be hard to pass up. I hope the meloxicam will help.
Meloxicam works well for me — I just hope the inflammation doesn’t come back once it knocks it down.
That pic of Scooby with the flowers is precious 😉 I love all your Chicago pics! It’s such a fun city to explore in the running shoes.
Was beautiful skies you had this week!
And yay for neighbour’s flowers! I saw a carpet of cherry blossoms this week, too. And I was thinking it would make a good photo but didn’t want to lie on the floor. 😉
That’s when a dog like Scooby comes in handy!
LOL, I guess it is more normal to get Scooby to pose than to pose myself!
Beautiful photos! And yay for a nice trip to Chicago. But boo for feeling injured – hopefully your hamstring gets better soon. I do love running in Chicago – it’s so easy with the lakefront trail and running in cities/along water is my favorite – and with Chicago you get both!
Yes, I love the lake and the skyline!
And of course I was off all week and could have met up with you for a run! You got some beautiful weather while you were here–a little windy, perhaps. Sorry to hear that the hammy didn’t like all your Chicago miles!
Aw, I don’t think you would have wanted to meet me at 5 am though! Maybe next time —in June!
Some beautiful photos! I’m sorry your hamstring is still not good. Hope the Meloxicam can help. How frustrating after such a long time though. You look so happy in those photos!
I was really happy. 🙂 Chasing the sunrise does that for me.
I haven’t been tp Chicago since I started running. Looks like a great place to run.
Nice meeting up with fellow bloggers, isn’t it?
One day, our stars will align.
That Scooby pic is awesome.
You should do a race in Chicago!!
How fun to catch up with Erica!
I’m really sorry to hear your hammy is still giving you trouble 🙁 Will you try the shockwave again?
I think the next step would be PRP, but probably another MRI first.
I remember running in all of these places on my trip to Chicago. Good times! I’m sorry about the hamstring pain again. It really seemed like everything was heading in the right direction! 🙁 Hopefully it’s just a minor bump on the journey and you get back on track again soon.
Ugh! I’m so sad your hamstring is still giving you trouble! I hope this next course of treatment works!
Scooby is very handsome with his flowers! Love that!
And love that had a beautiful Chicago trip! I would love to visit there again.