country runnin'

I was home in Barrington last weekend for a wedding, and did my long run on Sunday since it had been storming out on Saturday morning.

I went a little less than 9 miles... From my parents' house north to Route 68, then east to Old Sutton, south to Creekside Lane, around that loop, continuing south on Old Sutton, past Penny, to the railroad, back to Penny, west on Penny to Healy, north on Healy, east on 68, back to my parents' street, down to the end and back. Literally over the river and through the woods.

I was gone about 95 minutes -- enough time for my mom to get worried and start gathering her things to get into the car to come look for me [or my corpse]. ("... a lot of joggers disappear!")

There are a couple differences between jogging in the city of Chicago and jogging in Barrington. In the 'burbs, you will experience:

1. Less people
2. More bikers
3. Faster cars, that don't really care that you're running 3 feet to their right
4. More roadkill. Specifically squirrels, birds, a raccoon, and LOTS of frogs (?)
5. Less water
6. More hills

I like running in Barrington (and other "new" places) though. Going up and down the lakeshore path is always great, but a change in scenery never hurt anyone.

I really need to get some new running gear (white, breathable hat; pace watch; more clothes, etc.) though. Especially with this hot weather, I'm not too into wearing my gear more than once or twice. I feel sick enough after running for an hour and a half...

This week, the training gets a little steep. I'm sort of busy at work and during the evenings, but am trying to squeeze about 25 miles in M-F this week, then 14 on Saturday. Should be interesting...