My wife Ann and I run every morning along the 18-mile Lakefront Trail. one of the most spectacular urban runs in the country, gorgeous views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, urban beaches, marinas, and beautiful parks, passing by some of the city's famous and beautiful cultural institutions. The trail is lit making it perfect for pre-dawn runs while it is still dark.
My favorite run is Chicago Street at Navy Pier to McCormick Place Convention Center, seven Miles in length. This beautiful trail parallels the heart of downtown and the Magnificent Mile, and includes sights such as Navy Pier, Grant Park, the Museum Campus, and Soldier Field where my favorite team plays, the Chicago Bears. Lots of great sights, but the trail can be crowded on a nice day, that is why we run in the early morning. The trail is particularly spectacular around the Museum Campus, where we can pop off the main trail and do a spectacular loop around the tip to the Adler Planetarium.
There are even additional trails along Northerly Island Park. Edgewater Beach to Navy Pier seven miles in length. The northern terminus is at Edgewater Beach, and runs along the water passing Foster Beach, Montrose Beach, and Lincoln Park. A little more bucolic with a gravel running path in parts. McCormick Place to Rainbow Beach Park, eighteen miles. South of the Convention Center area are several gorgeous miles with wonderful waterfront views, featuring Prairie Shores, Burnham Park, and Promontory Point. There are some fantastic skyline views headed north from Promontory Point. Trails in Jackson Park, paths around the University of Chicago Campus, Midway Plaisance (59th St.) west to Washington Park.
We run and talk taking in the sights and sounds of our wonderful city. A great way to start my day before heading to the office or court. Of course are runs always end with a hot soapy shower for two. A great morning workout routine, now on to a shower. Turning on the hot water, I sat on the toilet to pee, as the bathroom filled with steam.