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I had just enough time to get this run in before heading up to a swimming volunteer shift. It was really nice out tonight since it rained all day and was overcast for this run. I wish I could have gone longer but probably fine as the last block my ankle started to hurt slightly.

A serene lake with lily pads covering the water’s surface, surrounded by lush green trees under an overcast sky.

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About a half mile into this run these dark sky just dumped rain on me for the next 3.5 miles. I kept going as I figured it would let up soon and at a minimum I would have been soaked that much from the heat and humidity anyway. It finally let up with 1 mile left just to make me get warm.

A tranquil lakeside scene at dusk with dark clouds overhead casting shadows on the water and grassy shoreline.

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At the Beach

📍 Lake Ann Park, Chanhassen

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Time for the afternoon sugar rush..

📍 Scratch Cupcakery, Coralville

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This was a warm one out today running around the streets and woods. Pretty much we tried to find some shade while out there today.

A dirt path winds through a lush, green forest with tall trees and dense foliage. Dappled sunlight filters through the canopy, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.

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Since I was in Cedar Falls I decided to run around the University of Northern Iowa where I went to school in order to get a run in and see how things have changed. Such a blast to see again as it has been a while since I have been here.

Clock tower at the University of Northern Iowa, surrounded by green grass and trees under a clear blue sky.

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One of the many reasons I choose to run is because I sometimes find myself wanting to eat fun cookies like this 🤣. Don’t worry we only ate one for now but the other one might be later tonight. 😋

A person wearing a red shirt sits at a table in a store, with two decorated cookies in front of them. One cookie is decorated to look like a lion with orange and yellow icing, and the other like a bear with brown and yellow icing. At least I could convince my daughter to share the bear one with me for now.

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I decided to get this late night run in as I will be sitting for a lot of tomorrow. I actually thought it would have been cooler out tonight after I finished mowing now that the sun went down but I think with the rain today the humidity skyrocketed.

Dimly lit suburban street at night with a glowing streetlamp. Trees and houses line the road, casting shadows on the pavement.

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Wish I could have made it to the championship game today to watch these girls win the whole tournament . So fun to think only 1 year ago M decided she wanted to play volleyball for fun. 🤩 🏐😎

Two young girls wearing sunglasses stand on a sandy beach volleyball court, holding a volleyball and blue towels that read “EP Beach.” The sky is clear with a few clouds.

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Plan B for tonight we decided to goto a site I have been before and meandered around the historic trails at the old Bloomington Mill site. Had fun even though it was a lot of work. There is so many trails and old wooden steps into this valley that are no where on a map so you have to look closely.

A wooden bridge with metal railings stretches over a small stream. The bridge entrance is blocked with red netting and a “Bridge Closed” sign. Erosion is visible near the concrete base by the water. Surrounding the bridge are lush green trees and bushes. I am never a good rule follower so this might have said bridge closed but we still made it over and back.

A serene landscape of lush green fields and dense forests under a clear blue sky, with trees casting gentle shadows at the foreground edges. View from the top of the valley at one point

A small waterfall flows over a stone barrier into a calm river, surrounded by lush green trees and vegetation. A stone path with a fence is visible to the left, curving along the riverbank. Site of the old Historic Mill

Wooden steps descend through dense green foliage, bordered by a rustic wooden railing. Some steps that are kind of blocked off but not really blocked off 🤷‍♂️

A lush forest scene with tall trees, dense green foliage, and a dirt path winding through the undergrowth. A fallen tree trunk lies on the forest floor, surrounded by leaves and rich vegetation. Trust me this is a path to the bottom even though it just looks like dirt there are some rail road tie steps in there.

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We decided to find a new location to connect some trails we had been on before only to run into a big road block that had us rethink for a Plan B.

A paved path winds through a lush, green park with tall trees on either side. The sky is clear and blue, and there’s a glimpse of a small body of water surrounded by grass. I am ok with some water but this was going to be way too much and too deep. I did get a lot closer to check.

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Got out earlier today again which I am glad I did before my day took hold of me with other things. Weather to the side I felt good out there and had the time to go for a little longer run than originally planned.

A quiet, tree-lined suburban street curves gently to the left, bordered by lush greenery and a well-kept lawn. Quiet street that gave me some tree coverage from the sun.

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We got lucky golfing tonight with no heavy rain tonight and just finished up before it got too dark.

A serene landscape featuring a green, grassy hill under a purple sky. A faint rainbow arches over the horizon, framed by tall, leafy trees on both sides. Even got to see a rainbow at the end of the night.

A person in a red shirt swings a golf club on a green fairway during a golden sunset. Trees line the horizon under a clear sky.

A person in a white shirt and black shorts prepares to swing a golf club on a lush green course at sunset, with trees in the background and a clear path ahead.

📍Glen Lake Golf & Practice Center, Minnetonka

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Decided to get this run in early today before the busy day started to take hold after a long weekend. It actually wasn’t too bad out and my legs seemed to be in good working order.

A tree-lined gravel path stretches into the distance, surrounded by lush greenery under a canopy of leaves.

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Decided to get a short run in today after a long weekend and even a busy day. Decided to hit the familiar trails as my ankle started bothering over the weekend and figured this would be soft.

A narrow dirt path winding through a dense, lush green forest with tall trees and abundant underbrush. Sunlight filters through the canopy, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.

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4th of July Fun!

Had a really great 4th of July with family, we started our day with the new annual 5K run. Everyone did a great job on the run and finished. The best part is all of the cousins drifted together to run with someone and finished together as well. Which I guess left me running alone and in hindsight I should have brought my headphones to pass the time in the heat.

After the run we stayed around the festivities and found a spot to watch the Delano parade. Once that got done, we headed to my brother and sister-in-laws house to enjoy their backyard pool while eating and hanging out. Once the sun started to go behind trees to give us some shade from the heat we decided to get a little friend game of Kubb going! We brought our set but come to find out after we played it with them last time they have now picked up their own set and are playing it.

Overall, it was a great day and had fun just hanging out with everyone.

Three smiling individuals stand behind a kitchen counter, displaying a dessert decorated like an American flag using various candies. Some great creativity making a Candy themed American Flag

A group of eight people seated around a dining table, enjoying a meal. The wall in the background features a decorative “family” sign. The table has plates with food and various drinks. The room has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. All the kids sitting around together

Runners nearing the finish line of a race on a sunny day, with spectators and event staff watching. A finish banner and orange cones are visible, along with a parked police car on the side. First kid finishers the oldest boys

Runners participating in a road race, surrounded by orange cones, on a sunny day. The scene is lively with people wearing various sports attire, some displaying race numbers. Tall trees and a school sign are visible in the background. Next phase is these two surrounding some other runner.

Two people wearing race attire and bibs stand on a sunny street. One holds a water bottle. A crowd is visible in the background, with people milling around and sitting on the grass. Last two finishers were these two.

Three people are enjoying a sunny day in a clear, blue swimming pool. One person is sitting on the edge, while the other two are submerged up to their shoulders. A grassy lawn and trees are visible in the background. Swimming! Everyone wants to race the “professional swimmer” of the family Gretchen

A group of people is gathered on a spacious, well-manicured lawn playing a yard game. Wooden blocks are scattered on the grass. The setting is bright and sunny, bordered by trees and shrubs in the background. Friendly game of Kubb where our team won 3-2 in games.

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Great start to the 4th of July again this year by doing a little 5K with my kids, niece, and nephews. I tried to keep up with the older kids which meant I never saw them until .5 miles left when the heat/lack of training overtook them and I could pass them on these old legs.

A group of people in running gear, wearing “Delano 5K Run” shirts with race bibs, pose together outdoors. A man stands in the middle, surrounded by several children and teenagers. The setting is a sunny park with other participants visible in the background.

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I am not sure why but I have just been continuously tinkering with scripts, websites, and what not. My most recent workflow change didn’t quite hit the mark with my morning run post as I thought so I am going to give this a go and see what happens in hopes I know now the answer.

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Decided to wait a little bit to get outside this morning so I didn’t wake the rest of the house and it gave me time to wrap something up for work. Both of those things were good but I regretted it when I actually started running and realized how warm it was (yes I am a baby about the heat).

A scenic path curves through a lush, green park. A large, twisted tree with bare branches stands prominently among leafy trees under a clear blue sky.

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On my run the other day I forgot I captured this photo of a deer that could have cared less that I not only ran right by it (6 ft away at most) but then stopped to take a picture of it. 🦌 📷

A deer stands amidst tall green grass and reeds, attentively looking towards the camera in a lush, natural setting.