So it's been a little while since I've written anything here. I wanted to leave the last posting up for a while in case anyone wanted to make a contribution to the Lung Association, but then I realized I can put the link up top here, and then move on. So here is the link to my fundraising page for the Chicago marathon. http://lungpower2007.kintera.org/faf/login/partMenu.asp?ievent=226982&lis=1&kntae226982=FE83D709A870414EA631D16502DADA78
A big thank you to everyone who has contributed so far!
Now, I have to tell you about the last couple days. I was at a journalism convention in San Jose, California. You know, 'do you know the way to San Jose', and all that. Anyway, it's otherwise known as the silicon valley, and is just south of San Francisco. I'd never been there, but I've been to San Francisco a number of times, and I was looking forward to being able to sleep in (a bit) without the kids, and get a few good runs in without the constant time pressures of home.
The only challenge was, I didn't know where to run. Fortunately, my hotel had a free computer with internet access, and I was able to search 'San Jose running trails'. I immediately learned of a number of good paths, most of which seemed to link to the Bay Trail, which apparently runs from San Jose up through San Francisco.
Needless to say, I checked it out immediately. You can see for yourself from the pictures, it's a nice path. Crushed gravel, gravel, and dirt are much nicer to run on than concrete any day, and the views are also very nice. I started in Sunnyvale, a little north of San Jose, near a water treatment plant. I noticed immediately that I was near the headquarters of Lockheed-Martin, the big defense department contractor, and Yahoo, the internet 
company. I noticed a couple of other runners and dog walkers out on the beautiful mornings, but for the most part, I felt like I was the only one out there. Occasionally that's a really nice feeling, being alone with your thoughts. I managed a couple of shorter runs, and a nine miler on Saturday morning. It was a nice break from the crowded Lakefront path, or some of our other usual runs.
This week, though, it's back to the grind! Not really. There are a couple of fun races coming up that I'm excited about. First, on Thursday evening is the Jim Gibbons run. It's a 5k named for the legendary reporter from my station. I was never blessed with the opportunity to work with him because he passed away just before I started, but I watched his stories while growing up in Chicago, and now am blessed to work with many colleagues who did work with him. Channel 7 is a proud sponsor of the run, and it is much more personal than many of the other events we sponsor.
And coming up in July is an exciting new race that I'm sure will be a huge success. Nike is sponsoring this run finishing at U.S. Cellular field. They just put out the information in the last couple days, and this is one of those 'breaking news' bits I can offer in this space. The race is called the Nike+ Rock 'n Run on July 14th. It's a 5k and will run through the Bridgeport neighborhood and finish on the field. They have a concert planned in the ballpark after the race, along with appearances by former Sox players.
Nike is not doing the 'Run Hit Remix' in Chicago this year, but this sounds like a great replacement. I'm looking forward to it.
Of course, there is a marathon or two looming in the fall, and at some point I'll have to start thinking about that. But in the meantime, 5k's sound fast and fun. I'm back from the little break in California, and ready to enjoy the Chicago summer running!
Hope to see you at one of those races, or on one of the many other great Chicago running trails!
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