I’m sure I don’t need to list all the textbook benefits of running to you, so let me simply point out a few that I forgot about. Running is downright fun. Really, it is. It has even become an entirely new social venue for me, especially when I bring along the dog for a quick jog. It’s also a great chance to be alone in my thoughts, if I so decide. And I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately. Maybe it’s all the running. I don’t know.

Austin holds a whole wealth of possible running locations, but Town Lake (aka Ladybird Lake) is by far my favorite. There are ten miles of trail snaking along the entirety of Town Lake. My favorite spot to park at is Auditorium Shores. I usually run the loop all way the to the footbridge at the north end of Mopac park and back. The atmosphere is great, there is usually a healthy amount of joggers–but not too many–and the views of downtown are awesome. Take a look at the map before you go or just head on over.