Category: Well-being

Best Run

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/750 sec, ISO32
 “New Shoes” Cedar Park, 2023

Today I had one of the best runs ever. It started off just like any other, even a bit too cold for me, but soon I was just cruising along. I had so much energy, and the songs that were appearing from my playlist were perfect. A mix of energetic, nostalgic, and feel-good. I was smiling almost the whole run!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/1700 sec, ISO32
 “Railway” Cedar Park 2023

In fact, I waved at pretty much all the runners that I saw. I think the combination of morning coffee and two day’s worth of mashed potatoes and stuffing gave me a ton of energy, and I didn’t feel any aches or pains other than the normal muscle soreness. My shoulder usually starts hurting at about 6 miles, but I didn’t feel any pain the whole run!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/3200 sec, ISO32
 “Open Road” Cedar Park, 2023

I’m not a fast runner, but today I felt like I was on cruise control. It was lik my second wind kicked in early and never let up. I guess I was experiencing the proverbial runner’s high as well, and I only stopped for drink of water and to stretch.

I mentioned that the music was perfect today, and one of the songs that gave me the most energy was Venus by Hitomi. And I realized that playing the air drums while running is so much fun! 😂

I honestly can’t remember a better run that today’s. It felt so good. And I ended up setting a half-marathon PR. Woohoo!!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 2.71mm, f/2.2, 1/560 sec, ISO25
 “Running Selfie” Round Rock, 2023

On to the Next Notebook

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-T10, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/40 sec, ISO3200
 “Notebook Collecton” Cedar Park, 2023

I started writing my Morning Pages a few months ago, and since then I’ve completed two notebooks. Today I am starting a new one, so I need to choose from my unused collection. Most of these are just blank pages (no lines or grid) so I’m not sure how the writing will go, but I’m not too worried about it. I’m mainly just happy that I’ve been able to keep at it almost every day. It’s so therapeutic to write out my thoughts without censorship, editing, or worrying about grammar, spelling, or penmanship.

And it’s such a treat to take the finished notebook and throw it into the recycling bin. Onto the next notebook!

Morning Pages and Old Journals

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-T10, 35mm, f/2, 1/100 sec, ISO1250
 “Old Journals” Cedar Park, 2023

I’ve recently started a “Morning Pages” habit, where I spend time each morning writing in a stream-of-consciousness journal. It’s supposed to help identify what is going on in our minds and what is perhaps causing us stress or roadblocks. I think it is pretty effective too! Usually by the end (I write 3 pages in a small A5-sized journal right now) I’ve gotten to write out what is bugging me and taking up space in my head.

A bonus for me is that I get to use my fountain pens and fill up blank notebooks that I have laying around. I also enjoy writing and not worrying about editing or misspelling or crossing things out and making a mess. People often will go back and read their morning pages after a while, but I think I am just going to throw out notebooks as I finish them. I think there’s some beauty in that “impermanence” and messiness.

And related to that is today’s photo of a couple of journals that I wrote when I was in high school and college. I actually took a look at a few of the pages, and while they were interesting (and cringey), I put them in the garbage. The past is the past and it feels good to start looking more toward the future. And also with the Morning Pages, the present.

Paring Down the Pens

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-T10, 35mm, f/5.6, 1/100 sec, ISO1600
 “Pen Holder” Cedar Park, 2023

My pen collection is getting smaller as I look to see what I haven’t used and will probably never use. I have gotten some as gifts or just picked them up in random places, which is not good for someone who wants to declutter. I need to get better at this. 😁

Long Run/Walk

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/640 sec, ISO32
 “Sunrise” Cedar Park, 2023

I woke up early this morning to beat the heat and go for my weekly long run. The cool air and the lack of people on the trail made for a peaceful and relaxing run. I’ve noticed that it’s been a bit more difficult to run long distances since I had COVID a few weeks ago, but my stamina is slowly coming back, which is a good feeling!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/2700 sec, ISO32
 “Morning Trail” Cedar Park, 2023

I took it easy today and walked for a good portion of my August 22.1 km half-marathon, completing it at a leisurely 8:49/km pace. That’s pretty slow, but I’m happy to have finished it nonetheless. 😀

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/640 sec, ISO32
 “Lake” Cedar Park, 2023