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~!



Band Performance for Parents

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/6.4, 1/1250 sec, ISO320
“VRHS Ranger Marching Band” Cedar Park, 2021

This evening we went to the neighborhood stadium to watch the high school band perform their upcoming show that they will be featuring next school year. It was a beautiful evening and so nice to be back outside doing something “normal”.

I’d say 80% of the audience was wearing masks, even though they band directors asked that everyone continue to mask up. 🙄 I’m not so worried since my family is vaccinated, but there’s still a chance that you could get sick so we had our masks on the whole time. The entire band wore masks (except when playing wind instruments) so it’s not such a big ask that the parents all mask up as well.

Anyway, it was a fun night and the band sounded great. I can’t wait to hear the music in a competition setting!

Yakiniku Heaven

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/60 sec, ISO400
“Yakiniku” Cedar Park, 2021

Yakiniku must be one of the top meals for meat-eaters. Grilling right at the table is such a treat! In addition to the beef, pork belly, and sausage, we had mozzarella cheese, haloumi cheese, onion, kimchee, salad, and Sigeumchi-namul (spinach). So yummy!

Moving Day (Summer Break)

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO320
“Loaded Up” Houston, 2021

This afternoon I drove down to Houston to help Bay move back home for the summer. Everything fit nicely in the back of my Subaru, and we had plenty of room to accommodate a special delivery of Mochinuts. 😂 They were delicious!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO800
“Mochinuts” Cedar Park, 2021

Out near Bastrop, we got to see a car on fire. It looked intense! A fire truck had just arrived on-scene and the car didn’t appear to be involved in an accident so that’s good news.

“Car Fire” Bastrop, 2021

Anyways, it’s good to have my son back home and catch up a bit. I missed him! 🥰

I hope you had a good day! またね~

Sunset Bicycle Ride

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/8, 1/500 sec, ISO320
“Twilight Clouds” Cedar Park, 2021

We had another stormy day today but the sky lightened up just after sunset so Mango and I went to the nearby park to see if there were any interesting clouds. They were pretty good, in my opinion!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/8, 1/100 sec, ISO400
“Mango at Twilight” Cedar Park, 2021

We only went out for a few minutes to take the photos because it was still sprinkling a little bit and there was thunder rumbling as well so I thought it best not to be out on the bicycle too long. 😁