Finding Community

Posted on September 25, 2010 | 7 comments

When I moved to Elgin over four years ago, I knew exactly four people in town, all high school friends. Two have since moved away.

I wasn’t too concerned about it. After all, I had several college friends in Chicago proper, where I was commuting daily.

But over time, I found a real community unlike anything I had ever experienced.

People here are friendly. And involved. And just plain nice.

I grew up in a cornfield subdivision with large lots and no sidewalks, miles from town. We vaguely knew our neighbors – or rather, their cars – and waved as they drove by, but even after more than 20 years, my parents don’t know the names of most of their neighbors.

It’s different here. Even before I moved in, one of the boys from next door had stopped by on his bike and asked if I had kids. When I said no, he instantly responded, “Well, you should get some.”

I joined our very active neighborhood association and met so many of my neighbors. Walking home from the train, I met additional walkers (or “hill climbers,” as I call us) who introduced me to their friends and family. I’ve volunteered and met still others. Via Facebook, I connected with other friends of friends who I now know in real life.

It’s to the point that I can barely leave my house without running into someone I know, in some capacity. I’ve begun referring to Elgin as the “biggest small town” because despite its 100k+ population, everyone knows everyone else.

In my parents’ neighborhood, front yards are larger than most lots in central Elgin, and yet no one ever sits out front – they’re all behind the houses on their decks. As I run or bike through my neighborhood, I typically see dozens of people out on their front porches, sipping coffee in the mornings or having an after dinner drink. Instead of playing on backyard swing sets, kids are running between front yards or biking or skateboarding down the sidewalk, or drawing on the sidewalks themselves. On some of the blocks with less traffic, kids actually play soccer in the street, or set up a basketball hoop at the foot of someone’s driveway.

And since the kids are out, their parents are watching, whether from the porch or through front windows. There are eyes on the street. We inherently know who belongs on a block. Even when I’m six or seven blocks from my own house, I recognize kids and their parents and have a vague idea of which house they belong to.

As an undergrad, I took a couple classes in urban politics and policy because they really interested me, especially since I was suddenly living in a big city (Chicago) after growing up in a cornfield. We talked a lot about Jane Jacobs’ The Death and Life of Great American Cities, about the function of sidewalks and short, walkable blocks, about parks and churches and how a single broken window on a block can telegraph a lack of care to n’er do wells. Though the book is nearly 40 years old, I am constantly reminded of its theories and research as I walk around my own neighborhood.

This neighborhood is even older than Jacobs’ book. My house dates to roughly 1890, and there are some that are even older. Large swaths of bungalows were built in the 20s and 30s, so the neighborhood is well-established, with many families here for multiple decades. As such, a community has really developed around those sidewalks and schools and churches.

I feel very fortunate to have accidentally found such a great community, and I love working to build it even more.

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Posted in Elgin, Neighborhood

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An Evening at Rest

Posted on September 24, 2010 | Leave a comment

I’ve been hurtling through the last few months and loving (nearly) every minute of it. (I’ll admit – scrubbing the floors? No love lost there.)

Between work, neighborhood commitments, friends, family (loving the increase in family time), cooking, grocery shopping, running – it’s been a breakneck couple of months.

This week I started grad school, so things are looking even busier.

Even my weekends have been packed, especially as I try to finish some outdoor projects while the weather holds. And I traveled to New York last weekend for a friend’s wedding, which threw me off even more. I haven’t gone grocery shopping in two weeks, which has made for some interesting meals the last few days!

But tonight, I’m at rest. I have a DVR that has been accumulating season premieres, and I’ve spent some glorious time on the couch. It’s just cool enough that a hoodie is perfect, but the window is still cracked open.

I know tomorrow I’ll be back at it – I’ve got a full day of volunteering with Habitat for Humanity scheduled, and I’d like to sneak in a run before I go. Plus, the Elgin Pub Crawl is tempting me for the evening – is anyone going?

But come Sunday morning, when I get to sleep in unfettered for the first time in three or four weeks, it will be glorious.

It had better be – I’ve got lots to do!

Truly, though, I wouldn’t have it any other way. While I need the occasional night like this, I’m happiest when I’m doing a dozen things.

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Posted in Musings

Running Goals

Posted on September 14, 2010 | 2 comments

Soon after I started running in March, I joined The Daily Mile, which I’ve heard described as “Facebook for Runners.” That’s pretty apt: the people on Daily Mile (mostly) vaguely know each other, but by interacting with friends’ friends, you build your network. Only this network is made up entirely of runners cyclists and other people interested in fitness.

It has been incredibly helpful and supportive as I’ve gone from Couch-to-5k to my first 5k to looking ahead to my first 15k (gulp).

As you post workouts, people provide good comments, advice and support. It’s so motivating after a tough run to have someone tell you it’s okay, the next one will be better. Plus, there’s a certain level of accountability inherent in publicly logging your runs. If someone doesn’t post for a couple weeks, Daily Mile gives you an option to send them a note saying, “I miss your training!” (Not that I’m the nagging sort.)

One thing I really like about Daily Mile is that you can set goals. When I first joined, I set my goals as: “Break 30 minutes in a 5k at some point this summer, be able to run 5 miles by Labor Day.”

I’ve hit both those goals – and blown them out of the water! I’ve had two sub-30 minute 5ks, and I’ve run 5+ miles several times recently.

So it’s time for new goals:

Run the Hot Chocolate 15k; Run a 10k in under 60 minutes; Break 27 minutes in a 5k

Here are my (tentative) race plans for the rest of the year. Join me at any of them, or just follow me on the Daily Mile!

Sycamore Pumpkin Run 10k – October 31 – Sycamore

Hot Chocolate 15k – November 6 – Chicago

Thanks a Lot Turkey Trot 5k – November 25 – Elgin

I’m also considering the South Elgin Harvest Hustle 7k on Oct 2, the World’s Largest Corn Maze 5k on Oct 17 in Spring Grove,  and potentially the Dec 5 Cross Country Challenge in Gilberts.

Join me for any of these, or let me know if there’s another one you’re curious to try!

(Psst… and if you’re thinking about starting to run, a 5k is a great goal that will help motivate you! Coincidentally, the Nov 25 Turkey Trot right here in Elgin is 72 days away… just enough time to start and complete the Couch-to-5k program!)

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Dog Chase

Posted on September 13, 2010 | Leave a comment

I had planned out my very first seven-mile run for Sunday morning. As usual, I dawdled getting ready to run, despite waking up before my alarm. I ate some toast and flipped through the Sunday papers as I listened to the steady tick-tick of the clock in the quiet house.

Finally, at 8:15 I laced up my shoes and left. It was a beautiful sunny morning, cool but not cold. I was very comfortable in capris and a short-sleeved tee. I started along my route through my neighborhood, the streets familiar from countless strolls, bike rides and shorter runs. Leaves crunched beneath my feet (already?!?) and I passed a few solo Sunday morning walkers, out with their dogs.

I followed Highland Avenue west, past the construction and the gorgeous Painted Ladies, beyond where the sidewalk ended and a man in a motorized wheelchair sped along on the gravel shoulder, smoking a cigarette I was desperate to get around.

I turned south onto Lyle, into a neighborhood I knew only vaguely, filled with homes built in the 7os and 80s, and then onto Lin-Lor, wondering where the name came from.

And as I turned onto Jane Street, I noticed a dog by my side. I don’t know where she came from. I looked around for an open garage, someone out for a walk or on a front porch, but everything was perfectly, serenely quiet, with no signs of life anywhere. I stopped and looked at the dog, saying, “Go home! Go back home!” with shooing motions in the direction I had come. The dog looked at me quizzically, but patiently. It seemed friendly, but it also looked like a pit bull, and I didn’t want to encourage it or anger it.

After a minute, I decided that maybe if I just resumed my run and ignored her, she would get bored or distracted by a squirrel. So I did, for about a block, but she stayed with me, stride for stride. I stopped again, again saying, “Go home!” and shooing her with my hands, but instead she jumped up on me in a very playful manner. I tried walking a block, with no luck, then running again, but she stayed right with me.

And so we continued, crossing major streets, passing into my own neighborhood, where I hoped I could find someone – anyone! – to help me figure out what to do. At every corner, I’d stop again and try to shoo her home. I tried cutting through yards and taking quick corners to lose her, but nothing worked. She remained right by my side, keeping my pace no matter if I sped up or slowed down.

I’ve been chased by dogs before while running, but never more than three or four house lengths before they either see something more interesting or get called back by their owners.

If I had my phone on me, I would have called the police non-emergency number. We’ve had several problems with loose dogs lately, and the police have begun cracking down and fining the owners (when they can be found). This dog had no collar or tags, so I decided that by re-routing myself onto a more major street, I would hopefully encounter a police car on patrol.

Finally, at Gertrude and Walnut, I was able to flag a passing squad car. The officer rolled down his window and I explained the situation. “Open the back door,” he said, “and see if she’ll hop in.” Without hesitation, she did just that, and the well-prepared officer pulled out a dog treat which she eagerly took. He radioed in the information, hoping to match it against a report of a missing dog. He was very surprised by how far she had traveled – when I got home and tracked it, she was with me a full 2.1 miles.

I wasn’t ever afraid, but rather more annoyed (that my until-then awesome run was screwed up) and concerned for the dog. I didn’t want her to get hit by a car, or encounter another, less-friendly dog, and I was worried she was straying far from home.  But wouldn’t a good owner at least have a collar on her?

The officer said they’d take her downtown to see if she had a microchip, and if not, she would go to a local shelter.

I later called my sister – a dog lover and veterinary technician – and asked what you should do if a dog starts chasing you. “Stop,” she said, “so they don’t think you’re playing, and so they don’t have that hunting instinct to follow.” She also said they can sense fear, which I knew, and is why I tried to remain calm and not panic.

Overall, it was very odd, both in distance and how it started. She was actually a pretty good running companion for awhile. I just hope she finds her way home.

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Posted in Elgin, Fitness, wildlife

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Chilly-Willy the Commuter

Posted on September 1, 2010 | Leave a comment

Why is it so damn cold on Metra trains?

I’m not talking about that momentary blast of cool when you step from the hot sidewalks into the house, or the comfortable 77 degrees I set my thermostat at when I close up the house and turn on the AC.

I’m talking about see-your-breath, numb nose and toes, where’s-the-coffee cold. The cold that prompts everyday riders to carry a jacket, a hoodie or a scarf  to brace against the inevitable cold.

After spending all day working in my meat locker cubicle, the four block walk to the train is just far enough to thaw out my arms and legs. That initial step outside from the icebox to the heat is divine, as the warmth washes over my body.  I start to enjoy the summer weather, to remember why I like being outside.

Then, I board the train, and the cold is a slap in the face as I walk through car after car, trying to find the least cold spot to sit, passing other commuters wrapped in pashminas or wearing fleece sweatshirts more suited for November.

Over time, I’ve identified trends in my usual trains: which cars are even colder, which ones may merit gloves and a hat. A friend and I often referred to these cars as “penguin cars” and joked about seeing polar bears and eskimos rather than Chicagoans.

Occasionally, a car’s AC will go out entirely, rendering it insufferably hot. You can always tell these cars as you come through the train by the absence of passengers. For awhile, one car on my usual evening train had a faltering AC system that only worked about halfway. This was my favorite car, as I could leave my pashmina in my bag and ride home in relative comfort.

A couple weeks ago, this car was suddenly as cold as all the others. In the vestibule, a sticker proudly read, “This car’s HVAC system was repaired with funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.” Once again, the good intentions of government have gone awry.

Perhaps I should stock up on pashminas.

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Posted in Work & Commute

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There’s a Mouse in My… Air Conditioning?

Posted on August 30, 2010 | 2 comments

The last month or so, during an unusually hot August, my car’s air conditioning has been acting funny. It still gets cold, but when I turn the fan up, it makes a horrible rattling noise.

And there’s a smell, kind of like a wet dog.

It wasn’t urgent enough to act on right away, as I don’t drive a lot (a tank of gas typically lasts 3-4 weeks) and besides, my first car didn’t have AC, so I can suck it up and sweat a bit.

But I had to make some repairs to the emissions system (thanks, State of Illinois!) and was at the mechanic’s anyway, so I had them take a look at it. I dropped the car off, walked home, and buried myself in work.

A couple hours later, the mechanic called with a diagnosis. “Miss, you have a nicotine-addicted rodent living in your garage,” he said with a bit of a chuckle. Apparently, mice living in my garage had been building a nest in the car’s blower vent, using the cigarette butts left over from my ex’s habit.

“You’re lucky,” the mechanic continued, “we occasionally find dead mice in these vents. And that REALLY stinks.”

Two hundred bucks later, the problem was fixed, replaced with the faint hint of citrus. The mechanic advised me to put down traps and mothballs to curb the mouse problem.

I knew about the mice in the garage. I’ve seen them darting by late at night, startled by the headlights, and they ate through most of a bag of grass seed. But for the most part, I’ve left them alone, reasoning that if they’re looking for shelter, I’d rather cede the garage to them than let them find their way into the house.

Apparently I was wrong. I let them live, and how did they thank me? By burrowing in my car?

It’s on, mice. You’ve been warned.

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All Uphill from Here…

Posted on August 29, 2010 | 6 comments

Today was the Helping Hands 5k in Elgin, and it was a beautiful morning. After far too much hatefully hot weather, this morning it was actually chilly! I grabbed a hoodie on my way out the door, though I ended up leaving it in the car.

The race was at the Bowes Creek Country Club on Elgin’s far west side. I had never been out there and was pleasantly surprised by how pretty it was.

Earlier in the week, when I picked up my packet, I had asked about the course, but no one seemed to have a map or know what it was like. After the surprise giant hill at the Founders Day race last month, I was a bit wary but reminded myself I’ve been running lots of hills lately and it shouldn’t matter.

As we got closer to race time, the director announced that the start line was a piece of tape near the crest of a hill in the adjacent brand-new subdivision. We strolled up the hill and milled around, making small talk with other runners. Then someone announced that the race actually started off by going down the hill we had just climbed. “Whew!” I said. “Glad we don’t have to climb this hill!”

Famous last words.

When the race director made his pre-race announcements, he smiled and said, “Those of you who were here last year know what a challenging course this is, but if you’re new this year, well, it’s very scenic!” People nearby chuckled and nodded in agreement. “It’s up and down and up and up and down and up again!” quipped one guy.

The gun went off, and the crowd bounded down the first big hill. I had started nearish the front this time, determined not to get trapped in traffic that could cost me the sub-30 time I was determined to get. I think I started off too fast and nearly lost my legs under me, but that was remedied as soon as we rounded the curve to the first of many uphills.

The first mile passed by quickly. We were running through the partially-completed subdivision, where the homes are brand new or still under construction, with few residents so far. One lady stood in her bathrobe at the end of her driveway, newspaper tucked under her arm, clapping as we passed.

“8:36…8:37…8:38…” a girl with a stopwatch called as we passed the one mile mark. Wha??? I thought. No way! I’ve NEVER run a mile that quickly. But I was thrilled, and also happy that there were people calling times at the mile markers. (One of my downfalls at Founders Day was that I had no sense of time – no one was calling out splits, and I hadn’t worn my watch, so I thought I was way behind the pace. I had my watch on this morning but never looked at it.)

Then we looped around a girl in a cul-de-sac wearing what appeared to be a viking helmut from the Warrior Dash, along with a pink feather boa. “Love your outfit!” I called with a smile. I hope to do that race next year.

Soon we were out of the subdivision and onto the golf course. We looped up and down hills, then back up the other side, running on the walking paths that ring the course and the golf cart paths between holes. At one point, though, we were suddenly on the open prairie and the path switched to a very narrow mix of dirt and loose gravel, reminiscent of the track at Grolich Park that I often run when rain is threatening.  Like Grolich, it was a slow incline. It was so quiet through there, and beautiful as the sun rose higher in the sky, surrounded by coneflowers and black-eyed susans.

Too quickly, though, we were back on a cart path, with a giant hill ahead. Aha, I thought, here’s the beast I will slay! Corny, but it’s what popped into my head as I tucked in my chin and powered up it. It felt really good to pass a couple people who had slowed to a walk.

I made it to the top, rounded a small downhill curve… and found another hill! This one wasn’t nearly as bad, and I could see the finish line another quarter mile down the path. But my legs just wouldn’t do it, and I walked the last few steps up the hill before taking off and charging towards the end. My friend (who finished with his own incredible new PR) doubled back and cheered me in.

I finished with a 28:36! Not bad at all, especially given the terrain. I was thrilled, and even more thrilled that I had promised myself a massage if I beat 29 minutes.

The post-race party was good, with the usual bagels, bananas, and beer, plus oranges that I squeezed into my beer. Results took awhile, but it was a gorgeous morning and I didn’t really mind sitting out in the sunshine, beer in hand, happy about my time.

Overall, it was a great race. Though small – about 110 ran the 5k, and there were another couple dozen doing a 2 mile walk – it was very well organized and everything appeared to go smoothly. I loved that there were lots of volunteers around the course, calling out splits, handing out water, and directing traffic. For the most part, they were energetic and enthusiastic, which makes a huge difference.

Next Friday, I plan to run the Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset 5k. The course is supposedly “fast and flat,” and I can’t wait! The forecast right now calls for a high of 75 and sunny, so it should be a nice cool evening to run.

Anyone else up for it? The race starts at 7 PM, and the goody bag includes admission and food tickets for the adjacent festival.

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Faster, Please

Posted on August 27, 2010 | Leave a comment

Everything seems so much faster lately. Summer has raced by, each individual day blurring into the next.

And yet it feels like I’m not moving fast enough. Walking the sidewalks in the Loop, I’m easily impatient with tourists and dawdlers, and women walking three abreast, not paying attention. I grow annoyed with the people trying to text while walking (though they deserve some scorn), and I find myself weaving in and out of (sidewalk) traffic, rushing to the next light, where I wait impatiently before sprinting across the street.

I’m not sure what has happened to speed up my pulse, to make me anxious to move, move, MOVE.

Is it running? Since I started running this spring, I’m literally moving faster, if only for a couple hours a week. Has this subliminally affected my pace at other things?

Is it my newfound need to do even more? I feel like I’m trying to squeeze every last drop out of every day, to leave no stone unturned, to push and go as hard as I can.

Is it my increased caffeine intake?

Regardless, the world’s just not keeping up with my pace.

But I think that’s okay. It’s good to have some tension to push you harder and faster.

Though I do wish those tourists would stay to the right.

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Posted in Musings

In the Kitchen

Posted on August 20, 2010 | 3 comments

I’ve been cooking up a storm lately. In the past, my cooking has consisted of  whatever pre-packaged items I could whip together and call “homemade.” When I’ve lived alone in the past, I lived on soup, salads, grilled cheese and the occasional stir fry.

On the other hand, I’ve always been quite adept at baking from scratch. The precise measurements and chemistry behind it are perfect for my temperament. And really, anything that results in cookie dough or brownie batter is worth the effort.

But in the past few months, as I’ve begun eating clean and cutting out processed foods, I’ve realized that cooking isn’t actually so bad. In fact, it’s kind of fun. And when you get the hang of it and feel comfortable enough to experiment, it’s even better. Not needing to be precise with measurements or ratios of baking powder to baking soda is liberating.

I’ve started subscribing to Clean Eating Magazine and love, love, love their recipes. Beyond those, here are some of my recent favorites:

Scrambled Eggs – I’ve figured out that I can indeed actually MAKE breakfast in the morning, provided I don’t hit the snooze button. I typically scramble two eggs with some spinach, onion, mushroom and feta, then throw it all into a corn tortilla. I’m getting better at planning ahead and chopping extra onions or mushrooms with my dinner so the mornings are super quick. This breakfast fills me up so much better and starts the day off right.

Countertop Salad – I’ve started making big salads using the farmers market veggies that pile up on my kitchen counter. While I’ve always done this, I’ve stopped bothering with lettuce and instead give these a Greek twist, using cucumbers and green onions as the base, with plenty of tomatoes and whatever bell peppers I have on hand. Then I dress with lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, pepper and – most importantly – feta. I top it with quinoa and sunflower seeds to add some extra protein and heft. Simple and refreshing on a hot day, with nearly infinite variations depending on what’s on the counter.

Eggplant Caponetta – From the Primal Blueprint Cookbook. Anything that involves grilling eggplant (yum), frying bacon (double yum) and using garden fresh tomatoes is a win. I served it over grilled Italian chicken sausages for even more yum.

Garlicky Lime Fish Tacos – I adapted this from my How to Cook Everything bible that I’ve loved over the years as a reference. Now I’m actually trying more of the recipes. Basically, you simmer thin fish filets (I’ve been using tilapia because it’s so cheap) in lime juice and lightly browned garlic, sprinkle on cayenne and sea salt, then top the whole thing with fresh avocado and cilantro. It’s such a summery beach meal and reminds me of the fish tacos I had in San Diego last winter.

Popsicles! – When I was little, we used to make Kool-Aid or lemonade popsicles. I’d forgotten how easy it was, and how refreshing a popsicle can be. Inspired by a recent blog post by Jenn of The Whole Kitchen, I made her chocolate banana peanut butter pops. Though I burned my finger and set off the smoke detector while melting the chocolate (oh, the irony of doing so while making popsicles), they turned out wonderfully. Since then, I’ve made cantaloupe-lime popsicles and have plans to try plenty of other combinations.

And of course, I’ve been baking – zucchini bread, peach oatmeal muffins and more zucchini bread.

What have you been cooking lately?

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Posted in Cooking

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A Softer Light: Summer’s Not Over Yet

Posted on August 19, 2010 | 3 comments

It’s happening: we’re rapidly losing our long hours of languid summer sunshine. The last few mornings, when the alarm goes off at 6, it’s still sunrise rather than nearly-full daylight. This morning, the sun loomed as a big red ball to the east.

And at day’s end, the light is coming to an abrupt halt much quicker. A month ago, I could wait until 7:30, even 8 PM before heading out for my run, assured of plenty of daylight. Last night, I got home from my run at 7:45 and the front porchlight was already on. (It’s on a timer that automatically adjusts for sunset.)

The other night, leaving work at 5, a coworker commented on the light. “It’s different,” he said, looking at the way the sunlight ducked between the skyscrapers. “Has it always been like this at 5?”

“It’s nearly fall,” I replied. “Not long and it will be dark when we leave.”

I hate the darkness of the winter. I hate leaving the house in the dark and returning home in the dark, when entire workweeks can go by without ever feeling the sun on my face. But in some ways, I’m more focused in winter. When it’s light out, I want to be outside, running or biking or just lounging in the yard with a book. As long as it’s light outside, the day seems full of possibility and promise. There’s no rush to get things done. In winter, I don’t feel as if I’m missing out on the gorgeous, fleeting weather. Another gray, slushy day? I’d rather be inside working, thank you.

But now, as the sunlight softens and falls farther to the horizon earlier in the evening, fall is coming. The free evening concerts at Wing Park are over, the last one rained out. Kids are already back to school, and I just learned I’ll be joining them in a few weeks. We’ve had a few cooler nights when I’ve had to wake in the middle of the night to close the bedroom windows.

Several years ago, the Tribune’s Mary Schmich quoted Mary Oliver’s “The Summer Day” in a column.  I clipped it and stuck it on my fridge, and notice it many mornings as I’m waiting for the coffee to brew. (Schmich quoted it again in a recent column, but I’ll stick with my yellowed, brittle copy.)

I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?

This summer’s nearly over, but there’s still time for a stroll through the fields or a trip to the farmer’s market. It’s already been a great summer, but let’s go out on a high note.

What’s left on your must-do list for summer? I still have to break 30 minutes in a 5k, and I want to spend more time in the backyard, with wine, after dinner. I may need to invest in some anti-mosquito tiki torches to make that one happen.

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Posted in Musings, Weather

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