Journey Amidst the Marathon Fever
WRITTEN BY: MICHELLE SILLS | OCTOBER 7, 2023
This morning, as I tried navigating the bustling streets of Chicago, the energy was palpable with the anticipation of the Chicago Marathon. Renting a bike amidst the crowd of marathon enthusiasts, tourists, and fervent bikers made me feel somewhat out of place. Adorned in my wool coat and long johns worn as leggings, I couldn't help but feel like an outsider amidst the energetic and very athletic buzz.
But as I pedaled along the lakefront, an entirely different emotion took over. The vastness of the lake, with its crashing waves and the constant wind, made me feel overwhelmed and claustrophobic simultaneously. As a kid, I used to brush off these lakes as just slightly larger versions of what we had back home. But today, as I stood at its edge, the enormity of this body of water made the ocean seem comprehensible. This experience humbled me, causing me to see from a new perspective the size of our world.
Pedaling with the wind pushing against me and the waves crashing against the lakefront trail, I struggled to take in the beauty around me. Perhaps my longing for a slower pace or my relentless desire to savor every moment made the journey challenging. When I finally reached a safe point to drop off the bike, I cherished the feeling of solid ground beneath my feet as denser crowds met my journey into the city's core—likely there for the upcoming Chicago Marathon.
As I aimlessly explored the streets of the north loop, I stumbled upon a farmers market in the street. Showcasing an array of fruits and vegetables, I wondered how far this produce had traveled. Do others appreciate farmers' efforts in growing this food, or is it merely a transactional relationship?
The simple act of closing a street transformed the entire atmosphere, fostering a palpable sense of community. People seemed more connected, undivided by the barriers of cars.
I couldn't help but notice that while some stands bustled with customers, others with minimal presentation and fewer options stood without crowds. With hopeful eyes, their owners scanned the crowd, maybe wondering some of the same things I wondered—Why aren't people curious about their produce? Is the pace of life too fast-moving for someone to try something new? As consumers, are we driven only by abundance, ignoring the ones who might need our support the most?
Today's journey was more than just a bike ride. It was a series of reflections for myself—on the vastness of our world and the speed at which we choose to experience it, the communities we surround ourselves with, and a hope for mindful consumption. As I near the end of my first week away from my family, I choose to find lessons in each day that I hope to carry with me and develop into a holistic view of the world. I hope I will soon have a meaningful approach to sharing my lessons with others.
The streets of Chicago, one of the calmer moments of my morning adventure.
