Best Run

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

Cooler Weather for Running

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/1000 sec, ISO32
“Leggings” Cedar Park, 2023

Despite the recent rain, I was able to go for a run today. The weather was in the 50s, which is chilly for me, so I had to wear my old leggings. I’m definitely not a fan of cold weather! 😆

In other running news, my current On Running shoes have over 500 miles on them so I need to think about switching over to some new ones. Luckily REI had their semi-annual 20%-off sale for members so I ordered a new pair of Cloudgo shoes. They should arrive soon and I’ll wait until I put another 100 miles on my current shoes before switching. I think the “experts” recommend about 400-500 miles, but since I’m on the smaller side, I think an extra hundred or two will be okay. Right? 😀

Long Run/Walk

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

As Seen on the Trail

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 1.55mm, f/2.4, 1/6000 sec, ISO32
“Clouds Over Trail” Cedar Park, 2023

After days of clear skies, we were treated to a beautiful display of amazing clouds. It made today’s run much more fun!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/7800 sec, ISO32
“Clouds Over Trail” Cedar Park, 2023

And I noticed that a new bicycle maintenance thing-a-mo-bob was installed on the trail too. How cool is that?

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/800 sec, ISO50
“Bike Fix” Cedar Park, 2023

I hope you had a nice day!

Views from the Trail

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/1200 sec, ISO32
“Wildflowers” Cedar Park, 2023

Even though the famous bluebonnets are mostly gone in my neck of the woods, there are still plenty of other wildflowers to look at. It makes the run more interesting! Looking around for nice photo spots is fun. 😄

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/2200 sec, ISO32
“Wildflowers” Cedar Park, 2023
Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/3500 sec, ISO32
“Wildflowers” Cedar Park, 2023
Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/3500 sec, ISO32
“Brushy Creek” Cedar Park, 2023