The Workout: The Best of Winnetka Running Routes

Spring is here and so is running season. As we bid good riddance to winter, runners all over the area are lacing up their shoes and taking to the streets. Finally, no icy patches to navigate, no piles of snow to jump over, no sub-zero temperatures to deter us. We are once again free to run at will, whenever the mood hits us. But of course, that begs the question: “Where should I run today?”

My favorite route is the 2-plus-mile loop around the Indian Hill golf course. Indian Hill is a narrow but quiet road that makes a scenic circle with stately homes on one side and open space on the other. Cars are few and far between, and the likelihood of getting hit by an errant ball is slim (although it depends on who's golfing). Unfortunately, to make the full loop, one must run for a small stretch on Locust, which has no sidewalk, just a gravel shoulder. A better option is to run the loop and reverse it when you get to Locust, thereby doubling the distance and avoiding traffic hazards.

For some extra mileage, you can make your way south and slightly west from the golf course over to Indian Hill Estates in Wilmette. Most of the area is lightly traveled, and many roads have sidewalks. They streets, however, get a little confusing, so you may need to make liberal use of the map function on your phone.

For the directionally challenged, Sheridan Road offers a nice, straightforward out-and-back option, as well as some fabulous homes to gawk at. Be warned, however, that running on the pavement is not recommended on such a busy road. You'll need to stick to the concrete sidewalk, which can be rather tough on the joints.

Looking for some elevation as opposed to fancy real estate? You're in luck. For hill repeats, we're blessed with fabulous beach bluffs. Glencoe beach offers a nice circular route, with a comfortable flat loop at the top to help you catch your breath. Tower Road Beach has a steeper and longer hill. A fun or painful option, depending on your perspective, is to run up the hill at Tower Road and then take the stairs down. For a challenge, pick a beach that is 1-3 miles away, jog to it as a warmup, do some hill repeats, and jog back home as a cool down.

If avoiding vehicles is a priority, you can take advantage of the trails nearby. Trail running requires a partner, for safety's sake, so rustle up a fellow runner or recruit a family member to escort you on a bike, and always bring a phone. Remember, too, that you'll be sharing the trail with cyclists, rollerbladers, pedestrians, and maybe a dog or two. But at least you wont have to worry about texting drivers.

One of my favorite trail routes is the North Branch Trail around the Skokie Lagoons, about 4.4 miles for the loop, plus you can add extra mileage by running into the Botanic Garden at the north end. As a destination, the Botanic Garden offers public bathrooms, a chance to refill your water bottle, and even snacks and people watching if you are inclined to take a break. You may, however, find you're having such a good time at the Garden Cafe that you lose your motivation to run back. That's why I recommend running with a phone, so you can call someone to pick you up.

The Green Bay Trail offers a convenient out-and-back option adjacent to the train tracks. For the truly adventurous, you can take the Metra train for a few stops and run the trail home. Or, for the truly lazy, take the train, run across to the other side of the tracks, and then hop the next train back. Like the North Branch Trail, the Green Bay Trail is not advisable for solo runs, so always drag along a buddy.

Looking for something more convenient? Try just running around the block a few times. You'll get some fresh air, you won't get lost, and you can stop to refuel whenever you want. Happy running!