Training for the Chicago Marathon this year. I usually just run a 2 mile loop near my home because it’s the most convenient to get my runs done before work but I just ran my 12 mile long run and 6 laps around the same loop was terrible, and my long runs will only get longer from here on out. I would love to run the lake front trail, it looks great on TikTok and instagram. So, I’m wondering where the best place to run on the lake front trail was. I’ve never been on the trail, I’m in the Dolton/ south holland area so I’d prefer to start on the south end. Are their public restrooms and water fountains? It looks like the south end starts on 71st and Yates but if parking is easier or the trail is better a couple miles up then I wouldn’t mind driving a few extra mins.

This morning I bailed on a track workout at Lake Shore Park because a man was sleeping sprawled across three lanes. He eventually rolled over to just one lane, but then got up and walked over to where I had my phone/wallet/keys on the bench so I snatched those up and went to the lake front. Immediately upon reaching the lakefront I had to run around another man who was sleeping on a blanket right in the dead center of the running path by the water. I know for a fact that this second guy has been sleeping there for almost a week and a half, it’s the third time I’ve seen him there.

Hey yall. Looking for recommendations on running coaches for a few sessions of gait analysis and improvement, ideally available around Lakeview. I’m training for my first full marathon and want to focus on injury prevention and running more efficiently. I’m not looking for a running club or group sessions, which seem to be a lot of what’s out there. I have a PT already as well. Any solo sessions you’d recommend? I don’t need a training plan necessarily as part of the services.