Rave (suburban) Runs - Mallard Lake

Today’s rave run is Mallard Lake.  (well, technically not today, because I only ran in my neighborhood this morning on account of the rain and my inability to get out of bed.)  But Mallard Lake is one of my favorite new suburban running spots.  Waffles is pretty fond of it too!

 

My thumb is frequently spotted at Mallard Lake

It’s right near Army Trail and Gary Ave in Bloomingdale.  My shitty i-phone pictures don’t actually do it justice.  There is a main loop that goes around the lake, that is maybe a little over a mile.  But, rather than a standard edition lake loop, it actually cuts through the lake with a series of islands and bridges.  I suppose it has something to do with creating awesome fishing spots, but I like to think it was just to make me happy.  Something about the little islands makes me feel like I am transported somewhere way more awesome than Dupage county (no offense, Dupage..) The loop isn’t very large, and running laps is awful for some people, so you can always make a loop and then hit one of the offshoots.  If you’re really ambitious (or just need to squeeze in a 10 miler) you can cut through a neighborhood and end up on another trail that is super remote (some kind of hawk preservation area, as if the hawks need  help.)  I also found a hidden single track trail off to the side of the lake.  I totally chickened out though, even with waffles as back up.  The last thing I need is to get lost in a preserve at sunset (and, for all I know, that phantom Meacham wildcat is still out there.)

I know people say to take the road less traveled, but sometimes those people end up dead.  Or at very least, they get ticks.

There is also a giant hill to the side of the lake.  Sadly it is fenced off, and it turns out it used to be a garbage dump.  The runner in me wants to find a way to run up that hill (it’s really like a garbage mountain though – seriously guys.) but the anxiety-filled OCD germaphobe is concerned about what diseases might lie on top of mount garbage.  Although I went home, and was snooping on map my run, and someone has totally found a way over the fence into mount garbage.  How are you doing it, bonerko???

So, Mallard Lake:

PROS

Water fountain

Permanent bathroom structure (still just an outhouse though…)

Super awesome scenery

Plentiful garbage cans (when running with canine companion)

Lots of variety

CONS

Not a lot of shade when it’s sunny (the one time I dragged Matt there it was hot and sunny, and he vowed never to go back)

Some sidetrails lead to nowhere and is slightly annoying

Cannot run up garbage mountain!!! (yet….)

Lots of ducks and cranes (only a problem if you run with an easily distracted poorly trained hunting dog.  Waffles….)

How brave are you when it comes to hidden single track trails – should I have just gone for it??  Do you snoop on Map my run and steal borrow people’s routes (or am I a creepster?)

Rave (suburban) runs

Before i go all sass-mouth on the suburbs, i figured i would highlight some of its redeeming qualities.
The main being, there are a shit ton of places to run.

When a runner moves to Chicago, and they are like, "hey - where do people run around here?" the unubiquitous answer is the lakefront path.  Its the place to be.  It's a little more complicated out here because there is not a "go to" spot where all the runners go.  Instead, there are a variety of places, all offering different things for a runners needs.  SO, since i wish there had been a "running in the suburbs for dummys" guide, i am just going to make one myself.

First up is Meacham Woods!

Meacham Woods is technically in Bloomingdale, and meets up with the North Central Dupage Regional trail.  Matt chose this as his favorite, and while i wouldn't call it the best, i do like it.

PROS: 

• There are a couple nice limestone loops that are fairly wide.  These go around a lake though, and have no shade cover, so think about that unless you want to end up a little fried crisp, like i did.  
• If you want to go off-roading, there are two wooded areas with tons of bike trails.  Just be careful, as they are not marked, and you can easily end up lost and going in a circle for an hour.  (guilty.)
• There is a giant hill.  It is covered in runners single track trails, because obviously, a runner must run up a hill.  Over and over.  It also has great views.
• Like all the Dupage forest trails, its really quiet.  You will see a couple people, but not many.  
• Because its nature, there are wild raspberries growing everywhere, and YOU CAN EAT THEM.  Who needs GU when there are BERRIES.

CONS:

• The only bathroom is a porta-potty.  gag. 
• It's not huge, so if you are looking to run more than 6 miles, be ready to retrace your steps.
• There is just one water fountain, and maybe two garbage cans on the trail.  This one is a big deal to me because i have running with waffles, who poops once a mile, so even on a three mile run, i can be carrying three bags of poop, which really sucks.  And, i know i could use the same poop bag  (but thats gross) or just leave the poop (but thats gross. and illegal!) or just stop feeding her so much (who poops that much??)
• There is a giant hill.  Seriously, i almost threw up on it.
• Apparently, there is a "unidentified wild feline" roaming the woods.  Here is the picture they released, so judge for yourself

Seriously?  maybe my eyes are going bad, but that looks like nothing to me.  And, based on the size of the trees there, i feel like that is just an obese house cat at best.  Either way, i am on a mission to find it.  
You've been warned.

So check out Meacham Woods!  (but don't go when i go, because its mine.  ALL MINE!)


unubiquitous answer is