a southern kid in the big city

mileage today: i'm guessing around 4

on the iPod: "flake" -- jack johnson

CHICAGO!!!! Had a great run this morning in downtown Chicago. The energy of a city makes running so much more enjoyable. Jason and Sarah live in Logan Square, just a few train stops from Grant Park, so I took the train and ran along Lake Michigan. So amazingly gorgeous. The weather was mildly overcast with a few sprinkles. I found the starting line for the marathon in Grant Park and crossed it with a speed in my step and smile on my face.

Went for a good 45 minutes, maybe more, then checked out the hotel where we'll be staying. I was there about six or seven years ago for a conference, it's a really big conference hotel. But being very close to the start/finish line, it's going to be the ideal place to stay. Out of excitement I called Mrs. Pugh and Mrs. Murie to give them a quick update on the recon work I'd been doing. After talking to them, I headed out and ran some more through downtown Chicago. My pace was really fast because of adrenaline. I loved it.

Jason and I headed out in the city this afternoon and had a great time! Lunch at Kuma's Corner for huge-ass burgers with an edge. It's a metal bar with tons of attitude and good music. We sat at the bar and enjoyed ourselves. After lunch we hit the Art Institute of Chicago. Totally amazing and beautiful. I was enthralled. Monet. Degas. Mattisse. Frank Lloyd Wright. And so much more. There were great galleries of impressionism and American folk art. There were Islamic and African pieces. We walked, talked, looked, laughed. Completely moving.

We walked the Magnificent Mile, past the big-ass bean and kids playing in the fountains. Found the Nike store and I picked up a new tech shirt and some socks. Win! Hit the Apple store next door. I bought nothing. But saw many shiny things. Dinner tonight in Andersonville, Cubs game tomorrow. Life is swell.