Join Me for an Escape to the Country

One of my favorite ways to unwind and get away from it all is to escape to the country. Lucky for me, we live on the fringe of the Chicago suburbs so it doesn’t take long for my little red Yaris to reach the rolling farm fields. But what I love most is walking or running down these country roads, many of which are dirt or gravel. Often I’ll drive to a scenic location, park my car, and go for a run from there. It allows me a chance to enjoy new country scenery. We don’t have hills to hike outside of Chicago, but we do have beautiful scenes from the prairie.

An ample supply of beautiful red barns that portray an earthy life of growing produce and being close to nature dot the country lanes. I love the big red ones the best.

Here’s my little red Yaris on a country gravel road less than 5 miles from home.  I love it out here!

You never know what you’ll find around the next corner, like this falling-down rustic barn. So much to see and enjoy as I’m running … and when you’re training for a long race, scenery is important to making the time go by faster.

When I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll sometimes poke my head in a door or window of a barn. It gives me a chance to rest and stretch my legs a bit before continuing on my journey.

A white farmhouse with a welcoming porch oozes charm and country living.  To help pass the time, I think about how the people in these classic farm houses live their lives.

Another rustic barn waits around the bend. I love the vines winding their way through the openings.

An old cement corn crib is no longer in use but brings a smile to my face. I love old farm buildings and this one doesn’t disappoint.

The wheat gently blows in the wind and the fresh air always makes me glad for this quick escape to the country.  It keeps me energized, breathing in the fresh country air.

The sun begins to set over the farm fields and takes my breath away. I love watching the sun rise or set when I’m out getting my daily run or walk. It’s the perfect way to start or end any day.