There is a delightful walking trail located around my house for the ultimate quick fix of fitness. Park aficionados of Chicago know it as the Dan Ryan Woods. In the Winter, it's a hotspot for sledders and snowboarders because of the hills. In the warmer to cooler months, it's a well-known workout spot for walkers, joggers, and power-walkers. (According to my father, it's also a place for older gentlemen to come and clean their cars out for an "escape" from the house.) As I'm always on some quest to lose a pound or 200, I made an effort for a couple of days to try this trail out. Let me put it this way--don't let the size fool you. Though it stands at about an eighteenth of a mile, this is a trail to take very seriously. Once you get the hang of it, you won't get tired. Since I haven't been to the trail in a while, let's just say this portly blogger gets winded around the halfway mark.
All abilities (or lack thereof) aside, walking this trail during the warm season is a treat. Fresh, lush grass, a multitude of trees and a few scattered patches of flowers, getting fresh air and exercise turns into a cleansing, comfortable experience. On average, it usually takes me about twenty to twenty-five minutes to fully get around this course. Someone in better shape might be able to handle it in a shorter amount of time. It's also a great little ride-around for bikers and people on smaller motorbikes and Vespas. With few cars around during the morning and early afternoon, you'll find there's not a lot of people around. Depending on your personal preference, you might want to come early to avoid major crowds. I personally prefer the earlier time as I'm a bit self-conscious about crowds and such. Armed with my iPod and an alert set of eyes (it's best to keep to the far right so as not to get in the way of cars. Also, to watch for cars backing out of spaces.) I have a good go around at least once. In any case, if you live in the Beverly area, or in Brainerd (my area), you know about this little park. People often stop by to BBQ in the bench area in the middle of the trail. For tourists and the rest who aren't as familiar, you can
find out more about this area here,
and here. Go for the exercise, stay for the beautiful scenery.
There is a delightful walking trail located around my house for the ultimate quick fix of fitness. Park aficionados of Chicago know it as the Dan Ryan Woods. In the Winter, it's a hotspot for sledders and snowboarders because of the hills. In the warmer to cooler months, it's a well-known workout spot for walkers, joggers, and power-walkers. (According to my father, it's also a place for older gentlemen to come and clean their cars out for an "escape" from the house.) As I'm always on some quest to lose a pound or 200, I made an effort for a couple of days to try this trail out. Let me put it this way--don't let the size fool you. Though it stands at about an eighteenth of a mile, this is a trail to take very seriously. Once you get the hang of it, you won't get tired. Since I haven't been to the trail in a while, let's just say this portly blogger gets winded around the halfway mark.
All abilities (or lack thereof) aside, walking this trail during the warm season is a treat. Fresh, lush grass, a multitude of trees and a few scattered patches of flowers, getting fresh air and exercise turns into a cleansing, comfortable experience. On average, it usually takes me about twenty to twenty-five minutes to fully get around this course. Someone in better shape might be able to handle it in a shorter amount of time. It's also a great little ride-around for bikers and people on smaller motorbikes and Vespas. With few cars around during the morning and early afternoon, you'll find there's not a lot of people around. Depending on your personal preference, you might want to come early to avoid major crowds. I personally prefer the earlier time as I'm a bit self-conscious about crowds and such. Armed with my iPod and an alert set of eyes (it's best to keep to the far right so as not to get in the way of cars. Also, to watch for cars backing out of spaces.) I have a good go around at least once. In any case, if you live in the Beverly area, or in Brainerd (my area), you know about this little park. People often stop by to BBQ in the bench area in the middle of the trail. For tourists and the rest who aren't as familiar, you can find out more about this area here, and here. Go for the exercise, stay for the beautiful scenery.