A couple of weeks ago, I had a fairly successful (read: balanced) trip to Chicago. I ran every morning and stopped at Starbucks for oatmeal, a much healthier start to the day than a giant pastry from the continental breakfast. Because of the success of that plan, I decided to scope out the nearest Starbucks to my hotel. Sadly, the three closest to the path are all in office buildings that are closed for the weekend. Ok, I thought, not a problem. I can just get some oatmeal at the hotel coffee shop. Nope. What about the hotel restaurant? Nope. But I can get a nice bowl of steel cut oats through room service, starting at $8.00 plus $3.50 delivery fee and 21% service charge. Am I so desperate to start the day right that I’m willing to spend $14 on a bowl of oatmeal? Sadly, I don’t think so.
After missing lunch because of my flight, I was starving by 5:00 pm. At the suggestion of the concierge, I walked from my hotel over to the West End Historic District for dinner, an area that was recommended as being both walkable and great for late-night entertainment. It was Cinco de Mayo street festival night, a lovely little party with live music. I grabbed a burrito, wandered among the booths and listened to some good live music.
When I got back, I asked the same concierge for a map of a good running route for the morning. As he drew the path right through the West End, he said, “You’re not going after dark, are you? It’s not safe to run after dark.” Wait. What? You were fine with sending me over there to eat and drink, but not fine with sending me running in the same direction? I’m starting to have some concerns about the recommendations of this particular concierge.