Risky Running

Greetings!  Our hotel in a Chicago suburb was precariously located on an Interstate access road. Our first morning there I opted to use the treadmill in the fitness center. However, to my dismay the machine had an issue with maintaining the set speed.  As it turns out, the experience with faulty fitness equipment didn't turn out so dismal. I lit out and ran early enough to avoid speeding cars. In short order, I reached a quiet neighborhood with sidewalks. I happily and safely traversed around downtown Hillside, IL. 

I enjoyed jogging through the still morning. I was particularly fascinated to see the city hall located in a former church, a large ornate one at that. I learned there was once a Catholic seminary in town. At present, there still is a Catholic school and convent. Perhaps city hall has taken up residence in the church and seminary of old. Behind the religious buildings is a very nice trail system called Prairie Path.

Opposite the Interstate, which made my initial run so unsettling, sits a shopping plaza.  Some years ago, Hillside served as a vibrant shopping center outside of Chicago. Social, economic and demographic factors led to an economic downturn for the area and many of the business closed or relocated. Hillside, has once again defined themselves as a place for retail. I enjoyed exploring some of the old and the new. 

Once I returned, Shannan and I set out for a day filled with an architectural cruise on the Chicago River and visits to some of the Windy City’s world class museums.

Minimize the Risks and Run.

Tom