For those not acquainted with Milwaukee, it's eastern flank is mushed against Lake Michigan. We figured if we headed east, we would run into the lake and then be able to head south along it. That general concept was confirmed by maps, but somehow we followed a curvy road that turned north, and after twenty minutes knew something was wrong. (Perhaps TJ suspected our plight earlier, and perhaps I insisted we were on course, but I digress).
We re-oriented ourselves, but we still didn't know the best way to get to the lake. Finally, we stopped and TJ asked for directions (I was still pretty sure I knew where to go, but if it made her happy, fine.) The couple bringing groceries from their car to their house wanted to be helpful, but weren't sure how to direct pedestrians to the lake. "I think you can get there by going through the arboretum," they offered hesitantly.
That turned out to be true. After one more wrong turn and a more helpful set of directions, we made it to the lake.
Lake Michigan is huge, deserving its status as one of the Great Lakes. It's hard to imagine that you could live less than a half mile from such a lake and not be sure how to reach it on foot. It made we think about other treasures that for one reason or another might be off our radar. Is there a Great Lake in your backyard?
- If you live in the Twin Cities and haven't run along a river or around a lake, you are missing out. We have a remarkable system of trails that allow hours of running without worrying about cars. While our lakes are not 'great,' they're pretty good. Try a different direction on your next run, and see if you get a new perspective on your neighborhood.
- If you buy your shoes at chain stores, you are missing the true treasures offered by shopping at a locally owned running store. They not only sell the product, but live the lifestyle, you'll always find runners on duty, and if you mention 'fartlek' they won't snicker. They'll even listen to your story of how wet you got in the marathon, though its possible they've heard that one before.
- If your food is only purchased at places that make you bag your own groceries, you're missing out on the wealth of specialty and health food stores and bakeries in the Twin Cities. The prices may be more (and that's not necessarily true), but the selection and quality is noticeably better. As a runner, food is your fuel, and you deserve to put good fuel in your tank. Whole grains, locally grown and organic foods are a great place to start.
- If you only run the mega races with the fancy brochures, you may be missing something on race weekend. Sometimes the smaller events give you a chance to avoid the crowds and add more fun to the experience. The race experience is entirely different if you eliminate finding a parking spot and standing in line for the toilets from your running routine. You'll have more time to catch up with your running buddies before and after the race.
- If your idea of a musical concert involves sixty-year-old rockers in spandex, you might find a refreshing change if you look into the local music scene. From music venues to the airwaves to the Internet, local music is there for you to enjoy. Just don't bring that iPod to the mega race!
We all have a blind eye to one great lake or another. Fortunately, taking the blindfold off is an easy step to take. TJ and I will be back in Milwaukee in a few weeks. This time, we're heading straight east.
What are your backyard treasures? Here is my totally biased list:
- For trails: Fort Snelling State Park. It's easy to get to and has a different look each season.
- For running stores: Run N Fun and TC Running Company. These stores are the local leaders for a reason. They'll make sure you get what you need at a fair price. Outside the metro, look for a store where the owner is a runner and works in the store.
- For healthy eating: Whole Foods Market (Minneapolis and St Paul) and Great Harvest Bread Company (Minneapolis and St Paul), or your local co-op.
- For small races: Sure I'm biased, but our Turkey Run at Como Lake in St Paul is one of my favorite small races. The drawings after the race give everyone a chance to win.
- For local music: The Current. For variety, local music and concerts they fill a void in the Twin Cities radio market.
