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

Paring Down

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/60 sec, ISO250
“Helmet for Sale” Cedar Park, 2023

We’re in serious decluttering mode here, and I’ve been trying to sell and give away things on Facebook marketplace. Recently I sold a bicycle, some shelves, and donated a bunch to Goodwill. The motorcycle helmet above is also for sale! At one time I had three helmets. When I upgraded to a new helmet, I just kept the old one… but I really only need one. So, let’s clear out the old stuff!

Under the Weather

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/4, 1/100 sec, ISO2000
“Positive Result” Cedar Park, 2023

This happened on Tuesday, and although I think the symptoms are mild, I am not 100% so my daily photos/posts will be delayed a bit. Not to fear, I am still taking photos everyday! It’s just hard to catch up on the posts. Hopefully I’ll feel better soon.

New Paintings

Photo info: OLYMPUS E-PL9, 9mm, f/4, 1/60 sec, ISO4000
“Paintings” Cedar Park, 2023

Mariko framed three paintings that our friend Yellow created, then our son’s girlfriend, who is studying interior design, recommended a good spot for them, and then I hung them.

I think they look pretty good there, although they are not completely level in the photo. :)

Shots at CVS

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/60 sec, ISO100
“Mulan” Leander, 2022

I got my Moderna Bivalent booster and this year’s flu shot today at CVS. I simply went to cvs.com and signed up for a next-day appointment. And while I was checking in at the store, I asked if I could get the flu shot as well. Super-easy!

I got the COVID booster in my left arm and flu shot in my right arm, and I am feeling fine, apart from sore shoulder muscles. I’ve been fortunate to have had zero side-effects from the COVID vaccines and flu shots. 😀

While waiting at CVS after getting the shots, I saw the Mulan toy hanging out with the other plush toys. Is Mulan still popular for the kids?

Hopefully I will stay healthy for the rest of the year. I’m looking forward to some traveling and camping trips!

Filling the Notebook

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO2500
“Notebook” Cedar Park, 2022

I am getting close to finishing my current notebook, which is a rare thing. I tend to buy lots of notebooks, but most are either empty or barely used. Over the past few months, though, I’ve been consistently jotting little sentences and phrases down in the notebook that my son Bay bought for me when he went to New York City a couple of years ago.

The game-changer has been my Miseyo date stamp. It’s so fun to use each morning, and it gets me in the mood for writing… even just a few words here and there. 😀

Quick Running Update

Hi all,

I just wanted to write a note here that my running continues to improve! Last week I was able to up my distance to 10 km distance without any discomfort, and then after a couple of rest days, I was able to run a half-marathon distance!

My leg did start to feel weak at about the 9 mile mark, so I walked for a minute and did some light stretching before continuing on. The pain didn’t increase and actually went away and I was able to up the pace for the last few miles. It was a pleasant surprise!

Anyways, I am pretty stoked so I wanted to make a post about it. 😃 Injuries suck, but helps put things into perspective.

またね〜