This week we caught up with Team ChiParksmember Eric Lombardo to discuss his marathon training and his favorite places to #runfortheparks! 

WHY DO YOU RUN FOR CHICAGO’S PARKS?

Running to support the Chicago parks represents an opportunity for me to celebrate and promote an invaluable environmental positive in our communities. So often we hear of urgent environmental negatives like global warming and poisoned water or lead in our homes, causes that deserve significant attention and action. However, I believe we must also focus on the good that can be done through stewardship of our environment. Places like urban trails, green spaces, and community farms give us opportunities for relaxation, exercise (running!), and fresh food, all of which are cornerstones of a healthy lifestyle.

WHERE IS YOUR GO-TO RUNNING LOCATION IN CHICAGO?

I’m based in Evanston so my choice has to be the variety of beach parks and roads connecting the Lakefront Trail’s northern terminus in Edgewater to Northwestern’s campus. It’s a fun trip featuring a great bike trail in Evanston, Leone Beach in Rogers Park, and a beautiful run through the campus of Loyola. I really enjoy taking a weekend morning to run to a bakery or coffee shop in a Chicago neighborhood that’s new to me, grab a bite to eat and catch the L back!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY IN A CHICAGO PARK?

Two years ago I had the opportunity to speak in front of the incoming class of Northwestern students and teach them our school fight song during their new student orientation week. The school rented out the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park* for the day and fit 2,000 new students into the seats and on the lawn. The park was a beautiful way to introduce the hundreds of students from across the country and globe to the beautiful city of Chicago. The day for me was full of nerves and afterward relief and excitement, hopefully the marathon will be similar!

Raise a glass to Team ChiParks on September 12th at our Revolution Brewing Happy Hour Event! Proceeds will go towards the fundraising goal of the runner of your choice. 

*Although Millennium Park is not one of the Park District's parks, green space is important no matter where it is in the city.