Running in the Pouring Rain

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/2300 sec, ISO32
“Stormy Run” Cedar Park, 2021

Today I went for a 12-kilometer run at the nearby hike and bike trail. The weather has been stormy but there was a bit of a break in the clouds so I decided to head out for some exercise. I didn’t plan on running too far but I felt so good that I kept on going even though the clouds were threatening to unleash a downpour. Sure enough, at around the halfway point (where I turned around to head home), the heavens opened up and it started pouring.

The rain actually felt amazing! My body felt so strong and alive and I kind of felt invincible as I splashed through the puddles on the flooded path. I’ve never run in such a heavy downpour before, where I was completely drenched, and I could see it being very unpleasant if it were cold, but today was in the 70s so it was perfect.

My only concern was that my phone would get damaged, but when I pulled it out of my waist-belt at home, it was completely dry. My iPhone 12 Mini has a water-resistance rating of IP68, which means it can withstand being underwater at “maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes” so I shouldn’t have anything to worry about even if my waist-belt gets wet.

One observation I had is that if I wasn’t wearing my hat, the run wouldn’t have been as fun. The brim of my hat kept my glasses pretty dry and my vision clear. Without the hat, I would have been constantly wiping squinting and wiping the water from my face.

I never run without the waist-belt and sports cap these days. The belt holds my phone and ID, and I can quickly get my phone out to take photos, then put it back and be on my way. Of course the hat is great to keep the sun out of my eyes, but now I know that it’s useful for keeping the rain out as well. I really recommend getting a belt and a hat for running!

BTW, if you are on Strava, let’s connect so that we can cheer each other on!

I hope you had a nice day. またね~!



Going Through Old Things

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO640
“From Before” Torrance, 2021

I was going through a lot of my old things at my parents’ house to see what to throw out (most things) and what I wanted to keep. Besides a bunch of books and photos, I have a small box of fun memories I’ll take back to Texas with me. The most interesting items are some love letters from my high school days, many of which I have no recollection of, so these carried a strange thrill with them when I read them today. 😂

It was so fun reading them, but it was also nice and satisfying to put them in the recycling bin.

Shots for the Family

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/125 sec, ISO800
“Shot One” Taylor, 2021

Today our 16-year-old received his first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine! I found a CVS which had an available time-slot, but it was about 45 minutes away from us. It’s a bit of a drive, but it was an easy decision to say yes.

So now, both of our kids have received their first dose, Mariko is scheduled to receive her vaccination this week, and I have received both doses. I’m in a very optimistic mood!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/125 sec, ISO1250
“Waiting Aisle” Taylor, 2021

Morning Ride to the Sculpture Garden

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/3.2, 1/1600 sec, ISO200
“Gotcha Bird with Fish” Cedar Park, 2021

Today I woke up early and went for a 7:30 a.m. bicycle ride to check out the Sculpture Garden at the Cedar Park Recreation Center. They say it’s not about the destination, but the journey… but sometimes it’s really both! The sculptures on display at this time are really cool, and I especially liked the piece in the photo above entitled “Gotcha Bird with Fish” by Siri Dehipitiya. Isn’t it awesome?!

Speaking of birds, the “journey” over to the sculpture garden took me past the small ponds adjacent to the park, and I spotted a beautiful Great Egret just chilin’ in the morning sun. Super cool.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/6.4, 1/1800 sec, ISO200
“Great Egret” Cedar Park, 2021

Although it was only about 41°F / 5°C, the ride was super fun and relaxing because of the light traffic (being an early Sunday morning). I don’t usually ride this early but I think I should make it a habit. It’s a special way to start the weekend day.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4.5, 1/600 sec, ISO200
“Morning Mango” Cedar Park, 2021

Please take a look at this morning’s ride if you have some free time: