Taking Chicago In Stride
They've got energy, purpose and a destination. The Clare has launched a club of devoted walkers that meet each Saturday morning for a hike throughout the Chicago Goldcoast area. The club was founded by resident Nancy Niemi who wanted to share her long-time passion for walking with her neighbors, while also enjoying the amazing surrounding area. “The purpose is to go out and have fun. We have such a wonderful city and so many fabulous places to go with things to see and do. The outing is always an opportunity for viewing what the city has to offer,” she said. The Clare which is located at the corner of Rush and Pearson, is steps away from Michigan Avenue and within close proximity of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, the museum campus and more.
The group of walkers from The Clare meets every Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. and determines their destination. “Usually we go about three to four miles,” Niemi said. “We'll set a destination such as Navy Pier, Lurie Gardens, Lincoln Park, or the lake. People are usually game for going anywhere and doing anything.” Many of the walkers are from the city so are “savvy” about the different sites and landmarks in the area. “When we discover something that someone hasn't already seen, that makes it more exciting for everyone,” Niemi said. “It's kind of an exploration.”
Niemi enjoys the companionship of the other 10-12 walkers who join her. “We walk briskly. We're pretty active people and most of us are involved in the exercise programs at the Clare. We're all pretty adept at moving,” she said. The Clare has a state-of-the-art fitness center and pool as well as a full schedule of exercise and wellness programs.
In addition to being an avid walker, Niemi is also a recognizable one, as she appears to be walking with ski poles. “I do Nordic pole walking. The objective is to increase the upper bodywork out. The poles really make a difference. I'm surprised they haven't caught on very much. I rarely see anyone walking in downtown Chicago with them,” Niemi said. “People always ask me, ‘where's the snow?'”
Despite their best efforts, the group has not been able to agree on a name for their group. “We thought about the Clare Striders or some variation thereof but we need to vote on it,” she said.
The Clare at Rush and Pearson is a continuing care retirement community in the heart of Chicago with incomparable lifestyle, amenities and the financial stability only a debt-free community can offer. The Clare is owned by Chicago Senior Care and managed by Life Care Services. For more information visit: www.theclare.com or call 312-784-8100.