Seeing and Being Seen at Lake Calhoun
Sunday, late morning, I went running at Lake Calhoun. I didn’t know there was an Aquatennial thing planned, so I was surprised to find a huge crowd on the southwest side of the lake. I mean, I wouldn’t have been surprised for it to be crowded, just not that crowded.
So I was reminded that I generally hate going to Lake Calhoun on weekends, or on weekday evenings because it is always crowded. I know walkers have as much a right to the path as runners do, and I know bikers and rollerbladers aren’t thrilled to have walkers on their path, but there is only so much room. Throw in people that don’t do their part to keep the traffic flowing and you might as well forget making any progress if you’re in any kind of hurry.
I was relating all this to a friend, and she told me that I should have remembered that people don’t go to Lake Calhoun to get their workout on. They go there to see and be seen. It’s all about the people-watching. It’s all about watching people watch you.
I said I’d rather stick to Lake of the Isles. But upon further reflection, I thought maybe I just need to manage my expectations better. I think I’m worth checking out (although I probably looked like I was about to die on Sunday because the humidity was killer and the mass quantities of people were just pissing me off).
So I should pick a day when I don’t need to do a real serious workout and cruise around the lake then. I should definitely rollerblade or walk, not run. Or maybe just get a little sweaty, then walk in my running gear, because it’s a little hoochie to walk around in revealing workout gear if you’re not actually working out. Maybe carry a water bottle. Definitely have sunglasses on. Does it look like I’m not purposely there to be checked out if my outfit doesn’t quite match?
Am I way off base here? Why do you go to Lake Calhoun?
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Having grown up in the Cities, I used to cruise Calhoun when I was in High School. For me, the purpose was to acquaint myself with guys with fast motorcycles and convince them to give me a ride.
I’ve done a few walks with a friend, in which case the purpose is just time to talk while getting a little exercise. I totally avoid Calhoun in my car or on my motorcycle, because the drivers are as bad as the walkers/runners/cyclists when it comes to managing traffic flow.
I go to Lake Calhoun to get a workout. Running the lakes was great while I trained for my marathon. It’s one of the nicest running routes I’ve ever experienced.
Of course, I don’t mind the scenery either!
I’m not quite to the point of running more than one lake at a time, but I’m definitely looking forward to running that particular route when I get there. I’m thinking at that point I’ll be huffing and puffing so hard I won’t be thinking about anyone else around me!
I usually go to Lake Calhoun just to get outside and walk some. I do like to people watch, but I don’t think I’ve even broken the idea to myself that I could actually pick someone up while doing it. I really do think Lake Calhoun in particular is a place to go to be seen, though. You are totally right about that…
Lake Harriet is just as pretty and not as crowded. If you’re rollerblading, which is what I do, watch out for Lake of the Isles. The shore is being redone and the trail is gravel for most of the lake’s perimeter, at least until the repaving occurs, later this year. You can also hop on the Minnehaha Parkway trail, especially if you need some shade or a cooler temp. And if you like nature, try Theodore Wirth Parkway trail. Deer in Minneapolis, I swear.
Who am I kidding? Calhoun has great human scenery! I’m the slowest skater on Calhoun, at least around the volleyball courts!