RUN, RUN, AND MORE RUNNING

We started the day with a seven and a half mile run around Town Lake in Austin. Felt good.  Had brunch at Cafe Java.  Still felt good.  We decided to run through the streets of downtown.  What an adventure!  We stopped at the ArtHouse, a contemporary art museum, for a quick tour.  Ran some more.  Popped into a gallery.  Ran through the grounds of the State Capital and the UT campus.  Took in the sights and sounds of 6th street which was hoppin even on a Sunday afternoon.  Finally we visited Whole Foods, sure that we needed to buy something, but ended up only eating the chocolate truffle sample, yum!  

We probably did over ten miles total but with all of the distractions of downtown and the adventure factor it was a piece of cake.  Which btw, we ate that cake later at Dave and Busters during a fun evening of game playing!

THREE MORE REASONS I LOVE AUSTIN!

Reason #1 - This morning I had a great workout at the Mecca Gym and Spa, www.meccagymandspa.com, an amazing gym in downtown Austin.  It  is located on the top floor of a three story building and has windows on three sides, offering a panoramic view of downtown.  The windows also offer great natural light.  I always feel uplifted when working out there! 

Reason #2 - After the workout, and a visit to Bookpeople (a local book store beloved by Austinites) for coffee, I headed to a Hatha yoga class at Black Swan Yoga, blackswanyoga.com.  This was my first visit and I immediately loved the studio.   The space had a great feel, very comfortable.  Ben, the instructor, taught a class true to the Hatha style.  The poses were held a bit longer than in vinyasana classes.  I enjoyed this slower pace, which gave me time to turn  inward and tune into my bodies subtle messages. 

Reason #3 - After class I was off to Casa de Luz, www.casadeluz.org, for an amazing lunch at this downtown vegan, macrobiotic restaurant.  The lovely courtyard seating offers sounds of wind chimes and running water flowing through fountains.  Surrounded by bamboo and other vegetation it is truly an oasis in the middle of this busy urban city.

There you go...three fabulous reasons to love this city!