Featured Running Event of the Week - Go Run-Humboldt Park

Go Run-Humboldt Park is one of the 3 simultaneous Go Run events that happen almost every Saturday from Spring through Fall in Chicago.  The other two occur in Warren Park and Washington Park.  More information about the Go Run as a program can be found at the bottom of this blog entry.

I've been to Humboldt Park (the actual park, within the neighborhood of the same name) for a 5k before, it was a RAM Racing event and it took place 100% on the streets of the park.  The route on the streets almost resembled a bow-and-arrow.  This run however is VERY different - VERY different.

This run takes place 0% on the streets - as a matter of fact, a runner never puts a foot on the street except going to or from their car.  The entire 5k takes places on the paved bike/walking/jogging path which weaves in and around Humboldt Park (the park, not the neighborhood).  As a matter of fact, it actually goes UNDER a street, twice, as part of the route.  The route first runs a 1-mile loop on one side of the main street, then on the 2nd time around, runners are diverted under the road, on a path that is next to a stream that the road is going over.  The runners then complete about 1 mile on that side of the street, then go back under the same bridge, on the other side of the stream, and finish up on that first loop.  The course is VERY WELL marked, and has a volunteer at that split-location to make sure everybody goes the right way.  

The race starts and finishes next to Little Cubs Field which is amazing ballpark, complete with real stands behind home plate, fencing, and a view of the skyline in center field.  This in itself makes the race scenic.  But the race also goes alongside wetlands, open fields, streams, ponds, and a beach - yes a beach.  This is NOT on Lake Michigan, but rather a pond in Humboldt Park that is used for swimming and beaching.  It even has a boathouse from the way-back times of Chicago - and it's quite a grand building.  90% of the course is shaded, with large trees everywhere.  For a brief moment runners run alongside the park roads, but still on the paved bike/running bike trail.  Runners never need to cross a road or run on a road - the only potential traffic are some Canadian Geese on the trails - and they were kind enough to say in the water during the 5k.  Saying this is a scenic run is an understatement.  It's almost impossible to believe one is right in the heart of city when on this course, except for the view of the skyline when passing Little Cubs Field.  A very serene setting for a 5k.  The course is relatively flat, except for the up and down hills going under the road.  This is one of those 5Ks where it is worth it to get there early (or stay late) and check out the park as a park, and not as a course.  And, as always with Go Run events, excellent volunteers!!

Now, the following section is copy/pasted from an earlier blog about Go Run-Washington Park, but I believe it is important to understand the concept and reason for the Go Run events.  So, if you missed that blog entry, here it is again.

First, a little bit about "Go Run".  Go Run is a series of races, sponsored by CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association), which takes place on Saturdays from Spring through Autumn, at Chicago Parks.  The races are held each Saturday at 9:00am (with check-in beginning at 8:15am) at Washington Park, Warren Park, and Humboldt Park - at the actual parks that the neighborhoods are named after.  The three races literally occur simultaneously - each 5K run/walk (or 1 mile run/walk) kicks off at 9:00am at each park.  This goes on all Spring, Summer, and Autumn.  Pretty much rain or shine, unless the conditions are dangerous (pretty standard for running events).

What makes these events even more unique (aside from occurring every weekend and simultaneously) is that they are FREE.  Yes, 100% FREE.  CARA is a registered charitable organization and one of their methods of giving back is to encourage people to get out and run - or jog - or walk.  And to do it for 5K or 1-Mile, whichever.  These races are timed, but are non-competitive.  There are no awards for first place or for age groups.  It is stressed that people may choose to use this for a leisurely walk around these scenic parks, to jog, to begin or continue a healthy plan, or to run to try and get a fast time.  And every participant understands this and the camaraderie is amazing and healthy.  Just like most running events, participants encourage each other before - during - and after the race - regardless of time and speed.  The fact that this is non-competitive allows for shy newbies to take their first steps (pun intended) into the running event world.  Many people often are self-conscious about joining a crowd run or a competitive run - these events are the PERFECT welcome wagon for ALL levels of running and walking.  In addition, usually entering a running event costs money.  I've seen events as low as $10, but that's a rarity - most start at $30 and just go higher.  Again, another hurdle for the newer runners - or for people who WANT to run every weekend in a friendly group environment, but simply do not have the extra cash to that.

Go Run is also eco-friendly.  Results are not printed out on paper and posted at the event.  Instead they are uploaded to the Go Run webpage - usually within 60 minutes after the final participant crosses.  In addition, participants are given a bib with their assigned number written on it.  This bib can be used at EVERY Go Run event, regardless of which park or which week.  The computer system recognizes the number.  This doesn't sound like much, but the amount of paper that is saved over a 3-month season of 3 races per week adds up to a mound of paper saved!  (by the way, if a person forgets or loses their bib, they do get another one, no charge, no penalty)

Featured Running Event of the Week - CPD Run/Walk to Remember 5k

The CPD Run/Walk is held to honor and remember the 575 fallen officers in Chicago.  The money goes to a scholarship foundation which is used to put the children of the fallen through college.  The 2017 event had more than 5000 participants, and the event has raised over $8 MILLION throughout the years.

Many Chicago races start near Soldier Field, either at Stadium Green or the McCormick Place Tailgate Lot.  This starts near those places, but instead starts on the West Side of the CPD Gold Star Family Memorial Monument and finishes on the East Side of the same monument.  Giving participants plenty of opportunity to stop and pay their respects and show their appreciation.  The final 1/4 mile (a guess) of the course is lined with photographs of each fallen officer on each side of the course.  The entire event is presented with the highest level of respect and class.

Participants can register as walkers or runners.  The run is chip-timed start and finish.  The course itself heads north from the Soldier Field campus and winds through the Museum campus on route to a Lake Shore Drive bike/walking path.  The first half of the race is run with LSD to the left, and cars honking in support.  Participants pass Buckingham Fountain as well - and the Chicago skyline in sight the entire time.  As the course gets further north, it turns around, and the final half is run directly along the Lake Shore itself, down away from the noise of the Drive and with beautiful Lake Michigan on the left this time - literally 5-10 yards away.  The course finishes by going around the Aquarium, between the Oceanarium and the Lake - and the towards the finish line by the Gold Star Family Memorial. 

In addition to a truly scenic route, the race has a spectacular start as well, with a Prayer, the National Anthem (sung live), a bag pipe band at the start line, and a flyover.  Yes - honestly a flyover - as the Chicago Police Helicopter swoops down over the starting line just before the race.  The Helicopter is visible the entire race, which is not only cool, but also good in case there is some sort of injury or life threatening situation (hopefully not).  In addition, in the Lake, are the Police Boats, using their sirens as encouragement.

There is a post-race party, for a fee (which goes to the scholarship fund), which includes hot dogs and pizza (just like a Chicago event should), soft drinks, and beer.  Yes, beer.  There is also a live band as well, plus all the standard post-race amenities.

The race draws many First Responders from all departments (FD, PD, Ambulance, etc) - plus teams from far away, like NYPD, and other suburban departments.

A great event, a great course, a great view, and a great cause!!

If you decide to do this race - usually the first Saturday in May - be sure to get there early or stay late and take some time to reflect at the monument, it is truly moving.

Featured Running Event of the Week : Go Run Washington Park

First, a little bit about "Go Run".  Go Run is a series of races, sponsored by CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association), which takes place on Saturdays from Spring through Autumn, at Chicago Parks.  The races are held each Saturday at 9:00am (with check-in beginning at 8:15am) at Washington Park, Warren Park, and Humboldt Park - at the actual parks that the neighborhoods are named after.  The three races literally occur simultaneously - each 5K run/walk (or 1 mile run/walk) kicks off at 9:00am at each park.  This goes on all Spring, Summer, and Autumn.  Pretty much rain or shine, unless the conditions are dangerous (pretty standard for running events).

What makes these events even more unique (aside from occurring every weekend and simultaneously) is that they are FREE.  Yes, 100% FREE.  CARA is a registered charitable organization and one of their methods of giving back is to encourage people to get out and run - or jog - or walk.  And to do it for 5K or 1-Mile, whichever.  These races are timed, but are non-competitive.  There are no awards for first place or for age groups.  It is stressed that people may choose to use this for a leisurely walk around these scenic parks, to jog, to begin or continue a healthy plan, or to run to try and get a fast time.  And every participant understands this and the camaraderie is amazing and healthy.  Just like most running events, participants encourage each other before - during - and after the race - regardless of time and speed.  The fact that this is non-competitive allows for shy newbies to take their first steps (pun intended) into the running event world.  Many people often are self-conscious about joining a crowd run or a competitive run - these events are the PERFECT welcome wagon for ALL levels of running and walking.  In addition, usually entering a running event costs money.  I've seen events as low as $10, but that's a rarity - most start at $30 and just go higher.  Again, another hurdle for the newer runners - or for people who WANT to run every weekend in a friendly group environment, but simply do not have the extra cash to that.

Go Run is also eco-friendly.  Results are not printed out on paper and posted at the event.  Instead they are uploaded to the Go Run webpage - usually within 60 minutes after the final participant crosses.  In addition, participants are given a bib with their assigned number written on it.  This bib can be used at EVERY Go Run event, regardless of which park or which week.  The computer system recognizes the number.  This doesn't sound like much, but the amount of paper that is saved over a 3-month season of 3 races per week adds up to a mound of paper saved!  (by the way, if a person forgets or loses their bib, they do get another one, no charge, no penalty)

Now, onto the Washington Park event.  The park itself is located just west of University of Chicago campus.  The 5k is 2-laps around the park on interior paths, and the 1-mile is an out-and-back on the same paths.  Both events start together.  The path itself is pavement for about 50 yards - and then is all crushed gravel - very soft crushed gravel and very easy on the feet and legs.  It almost feels spongey and bouncy.  It is also a very well-kept path, no large rocks, no garbage, few twigs, and very clean.  At one point, before the first mile, if participants look up to their left, the park trees frame Chicago's skyline perfectly!!!   The course crosses no streets and only crosses one parking lot entrance which is sparsely used at 9:00am.  The path also passes by several baseball diamonds, usually with youth teams playing or practicing.  And last, but most definitely not least, the volunteers are very friendly and very encouraging.  There is also water and Gatorade at the start/finish, which is also the half-way point.  Plenty of parking very close to the start/finish as well as other areas in the park.

As the band Chicago once sang : "Saturday In The Park".

Information about these events can be found on the CARA website at http://www.cararuns.org/gorun/

Featured Live Music Artist of the Week - Ozzy At The Aragon Part 1

So the timing of this Throwback Thursday post works out well.   A year ago, in January, I saw Ozzy live at United Center as part of Black Sabbath.  And now, just days ago, Ozzy announces he is headlining one night (as a solo act) at Chicago's Open Air Concert at Toyota Park.

However, the event I'm going to talk about took place decades ago - literally.  And it took place in November - the Tuesday before Thanksgiving to be exact.

The event was Ozzy Osbourne's Theatre of Madness Tour - 1991.

The place - the legendary ARAGON BALLROOM in Chicago (the brawlroom).

This was Ozzy's warm-up tour, prior to embarking on his very large scale, stadium sized/outdoor arena "No More Tours Tour".  The supported CD was "No More Tears".

Ozzy had put together a tour of small arenas as a warm-up tour.  The tour was announced on very short notice and tickets were released only a short time before the shows.  The Aragon Ballroom was a general admission (festival seating) venue.  And that is where Part 1 of the story begins.

Any Chicagoan knows there is just something special about attending a rock show at the Brawlroom.  It's legendary, everybody's older brother had stories about it - and down the line.  Everybody's story is different - but one thing that is common - is that they will always remember it - always.

This is my story - told is 3 parts : "Ozzy at the Aragon : Part 1 (or Before Dawn)"

Typical of a November day in Chicago it was cold, and there was a "cold November Rain" - long before GNR sang about such a thing.  A trip to the legendary Aragon Ballroom (Brawlroom) was an event - not just a concert - it was a pilgrimage, a journey, a rite of passage, and all those other cliches.  Though it wasn't a cliche - it really WAS an event, an expedition, and a moment in time.  There are several ways to do a Brawlroom show.  Show up just before it starts, mosey on in and stand somewhere near the back of the ballroom attempting to see over everybody's heads on this flat ballroom floor - or make it an event.  My friend and I chose to make it an event.

The show started at 7:00pm, which meant doors at 6:00pm (if we were lucky).  What time did we get there?  6:00am.  Yep, you read that right - 6:00 A M.  And guess what, we were NOT first.  Nope.  We parked the car in the parking garage structure next to the alley - about half a block from the entrance of the venue.  But the alley was the important place now - it was where the line started.  The layout was parking garage, alley, "L" tracks, store fronts, Aragon entrance.  There was a good half a block from where the general admission line formed and the opening of the venue.  The design of the "L" tracks actually had it so that there was a wall next to the tracks to support the elevation.  So, the line formed against this wall and the parking garage.  (the garage is no longer there, and parking is blocks away).

As we exited the garage on foot, we noticed about 5 or 6 people already in line.  Yep - 6:00am - in the rain - and not even first!!!  The one guy, who sort of looked like Dio himself, was at the front of the line, he was sitting propped up on a barricade with his boombox (yep, that's how long ago this was) blasting out classic Sabbath tunes.  The other 5 or so people were hanging out with him.  He was sort of "holding court" as they say, telling stories about seeing Black Sabbath and discussing which albums were better, and the classic Sabbath vs. Ozzy dispute or Ozzy vs. Dio dispute.  The rain wasn't hard, but it was cold, and everybody was wrapped up in typical Chicago layers, winter coats, and sleeping bags.  But all 8 of us now (with us included) were oblivious to the weather and having fun.  Oh, I forgot to mention, there was a brief respite from the cold, as the "Dio guy" had stated a garbage can fire - basically that stereo-typical garbage can fire seen in every alley in every movie where they try to make the area look dangerous.  So, we did have that going for us.  Not sure where the wood came from - or how we kept it going though.

Sun was not up yet, and even if it was, it was cloudy.  But then came two more people and 4 more people and 10 more people and so on and so on and so on.  Suddenly, there was actually a crowd - a real crowd - and the sun was just starting to show.  Time became meaningless, and I have no idea if this occurred over several minutes or two hours - I just remember talking and talking and singing and laughing and smiling and absorbing (the atmosphere, not the rain).

Then, of course, it started to snow.  So, when I tell people I stood in line in the rain AND the snow to see Ozzy, and I was thankful!!!  It's not just old-person talk - I really did.  (uphill both ways too).

Here we were - about 11 hours before the show started and already talking everything Ozzy.  And everything rock and roll.  Even though this was the prelude to the "No More Tours Tour" (which ended up NOT being his last tour) - The Ozzman was at the pinnacle of his career, No More Tears, was probably his most successful album to date and was dominating MTV (when they had videos) and the radio airwaves.  And, in about 11 hours, we were going to see him - live.  And, based on our spot in line - up close!!!

The line continued to grow - very informally but yet very organized.  There was no arguing, no cutting, no creating of a new line, or any of that other jazz.  Was it that everybody was harmonious or just afraid of starting a fight and missing the show?  Who knows - but it worked.  People started talking to people around them, getting to know the 7-10 people in their immediate vicinity and just having a good time.   Sharing drinks, smokes, stories, laughter, and music.  And the fire kept burning (still don't know how, considering it had been raining and snowing and sleeting - and the fire was going before we got there - hours ago).  Maybe it was that Dio-looking guy, maybe he really was a warlock.

It was still sometime before noon - and to be honest, thoughts like "what if I have to pee?  How do I get out of line - and WHERE do I even go?" started to creep in.  Along with, "okay, I'm starting to actually freeze now."   But the mind kept distracted with discussion, music, singing, laughing, and now, even card playing with the new neighbors in line.

Well, this is getting lengthy now for a blog post - so check back next Thursday for Part 2 (or "The Arrival of the Corrals).

And I don't have a name for part 3 yet.

The 1909 Plan of Chicago - The Burnhan Plan

Public Plazas, Parks, and Preserves - and of course a lakefront.

The 1909 Plan of Chicago - aka, The Burnham Plan -
http://burnhamplan100.lib.uchicago.edu/files/content/documents/Plan_of_Chicago_booklet.pdf

"The Lake front by right belongs to
the people, It affords their
one great unobstructed view, stretching away
to the horizon, where water and clouds seem
to meet. . . . Not a foot of its shores should be
appropriated by individuals to the exclusion
of the people.” - 1909 Plan of Chicago

Of course there is MUCH more to the plan - public plazas/gathering places, forest preserves, parks, streamlined transportation, and much much more.

"Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men's blood and probably will not themselves be realized" - Daniel Burnham, Chicago's greatest champion. A true urban visionary.

Featured Live Music Artist of the Week - Him Who Reigns

Him Who Reigns is a Christian Music band based in the Crete area, with a "home church" of Trinity Lutheran Church, also in Crete. Though that is their "home church", they most certainly do not restrict their spreading of God's word to just that church and its congregation. They have, and will, play at other venues.

The band takes what is commonly called "Blended Hymns" - hymns that are set to rock/pop music, as opposed to the older organ based hymns. This type of Christian Music is being seen (heard) in more and more churches across the globe. It has a wide appeal to both the traditionalists and the younger generation of worshipers.

Him Who Reigns is a 7 piece band consisting of piano, acoustic/electric guitar, drums, bass guitar, 1 male vocalist, and 2 female vocalists - plus a full choir. The guitar player also performs lead vocals on a couple of songs as well. The inclusion of 4 vocalists has a major effect in two areas. The first, it allows for a wide variety of songs across many vocal ranges, and provides a variety of styles and songs. No two songs sound alike. The second is the amazing harmonies and backing vocals that can be provided with 4 voices, all different, on the same song.

The choir, used on a few songs, provides another added dimension to the music, bringing in that very full sound of a choir in a balcony in a large sanctuary. However, definitely more subtle than the "Old Landmark" choir in The Blues Brothers.

The songs have a very modern pop feel to them, to take a quote from the past, "they have a good beat and you can dance to them". But seriously, the music is fresh and vibrant and upbeat. And the lyrics - the lyrics - are inspirational!!! Themes taken directly from God's Word and translated into musical verse. Christian themes of redemption and joy. Infectious music and lyrics! I mean, how could they not be inspiring and joyous given their root source of Christian Beliefs and The Holy Bible?

The members of the band are inspirational as well as their joy is evident to anybody watching. All the members smiling and getting into the music. Certainly not your average rock show - but just as fun!!!
And on a side note, I happened to be working the recording system for the show, and I was able to listen via headphones and focus on various inputs. Not only are the music and lyrics amazing - the musicianship is superb. The vocalists are amazing - the musicians are equally amazing. And the Choir, equally as amazing. Their contributions to the songs are quite impressive!

"That my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever" - Psalm 30:12

This is their facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/HWRTrinity?fref=ts

Featured 5k of the Week - Resurrection Mary 5k

Few things say "Chicago" better than a run dedicated to the memory of Resurrection Mary!!!

The Resurrection Mary 5k benefits the Indian Springs School District 109 in Justice and Bridgeview - the two towns directly adjacent to the famous Resurrection Cemetery on Archer Avenue.

The course starts at Commissioners Park in Justice, located slightly off of 79th and Archer, in a residential area.  Due to the way the roads in the area are configured, this alcove neighborhood feels completely separated from the nearby Archer Avenue, LaGrange Road, 79th Street, and I-294 thoroughfares.

The race begins with the most unique pre-race speech of all time as the DJ tells the sad tale of Mary's legend, demise, and perpetual return!

The route leaves Commissioners Park and winds through the neighborhood which is a nice blend of older houses and large trees and newer houses and open skies.  After a long straightaway to start the race and spread the field out, the course begins making several small turns as it weaves through the neighborhood - to eventually emerge on Archer Avenue...................................insert scary music here..............almost directly across from the gates of Resurrection Cemetery!!!!  

The course then heads up Archer for a few before making a U-turn and heading directly in front of the Cemetery gates, the home of the legendary "burnt bars", that Mary bent trying to get back into the cemetery after one of her first "nights out".  (Those bars have since been removed by the Church, by the way).  The course then proceeds nearly a mile on Archer Avenue going past the legendary Chet's Melody Lounge before turning back into the neighborhood on a sharp 90+ degree turn.  (Chet's Melody Lounge is known for leaving a fresh Bloody Mary drink at the end of the bar during operating hours, in hopes of enticing Mary in for a drink some day)

Almost immediately after the hairpin turn, the course begins a nice comforting downhill trot before turning to a minor uphill and then a long, well-deserved downhill, which lasts quite a distance.  The course then turns back towards Commissioners Park for a nice 2-3 block finish line homestretch.

Speaking of the downhill, the course actually begins with a very gradual uphill climb for almost the first 1.5 miles of the course.  It's gradual, so it's not all that noticeable to the eye, but participants tend to look back before their first turn, as they start to realize they might have been running uphill for a while.  Which is why those downhills after leaving Archer Avenue are so enjoyable to finish the race.

Even though this event is held in an area generally considered "congested", the entire event has that nice small-town feel to it...........maybe just the way Mary remembered the neighborhood.

Runners have commented on seeing Mary while running.  Were they just seeing other runners in costume......................or not????

HALLOWEEN - 1950s style

Celebrate the Halloween Season at the newly relocated 1950s Park Forest House Museum until November 7th.

Now located at St. Mary's Church - 227 Monee Road.

Convenient parking and fully accessible.