Yesterday, on Ed’s recommendation, we met up with some CHUGs for a long run at Des Plaines River Trail.  I had never been there before and was looking forward to seeing a new area.  Jim picked us up at 7:15 AM and we headed north and west out of the city.  When we pulled into the parking lot, Brian and Ed were both there.  We said hello and got ready to roll.  They had gotten a fair amount of snow and the warm temps of the week had turn it into an uneven hardpack with ice underneath; the footing wasn’t bad but you did have to pay attention.  Paige’s ankle was bothering her some so she opted to turn back and run the paved trail around the lake, the rest of us continued on for an hour before turning around and finishing our run with her around the lake.  If you haven’t been to this area, it is a beautiful park with a lot of trail (both paved and crushed limestone).  They have picnic areas and a place to rent bikes.  The lake is good sized and a lap around is just shy of 3 miles.  As beautiful as it was with the frozen lake and snow, I’d love to see this place on a warm sunny afternoon.  I finished the day with 16+ miles.

We stopped for breakfast at the Townee Square Restaurant in Libertyville.  The food was good but it was the company that made the day, always good to spend some time with the CHUGs.  Thanks for driving Jim!

With Rocky Raccoon just 3 weeks away, it feels good to be getting in a few more miles.  Today, we will do 20+ which will be our first back-to-back long run for this go around - already looking forward to it!