I spent most of this week in Austin, Texas, attending and speaking at a legal conference. Of course, I fit in some running in Austin even though I had to skip a breakfast session to do so.
The Texas State Capitol
Running In Austin
This was my second trip to Austin, and I was looking forward to running in Austin when the temperatures were in the 80s instead of when daytime highs were over 100F. I remembered wishing I’d had my headlamp on my last trip, and packed that in my carry-on. Good thing, because it didn’t get light until about 6:30 am.
The best running near downtown Austin is along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail that runs by the river.
The green square at the top center shows where the state capitol building is.
My hamstring had tolerated the 3+ hour flight well, so my first day running in Austin I headed out for a 5 mile loop. I went west (?) on the downtown-side of the river until I got to the pedestrian bridge, and then crossed the river and headed back east. The route was partly shaded, but once in a while offered views of the Austin skyline.
Some parts of the trail were lined with lighted railings.
Others were more natural.
I reached a boardwalk that went out over the water,
and used the end of that as my turn-around point.
There were lots of others out running and walking.
I hit 4.5 miles a few blocks from my hotel, and decided to walk the rest of the way. The warm temperatures, high humidity, and lack of water had sapped my energy, but at least my hamstring wasn’t complaining!
My second day running in Austin I opted for a shorter city route since the conference programs started earlier. I ran up to the state capitol building, and around the back where there were some gardens and statues.
The Ten Commandments
Texas Pioneer Woman
From the capitol, I ran back to the river and along the path in the direction of my hotel to end up with a 3 mile loop. The weather was much nicer than the day before, so I was glad I had gone out for another run in Austin. The conference session I missed was about how to manage stress, so I figured my time was well spent actually managing stress before my presentation later in the day. 😉
Weekly Wrap
Since I’m writing this late after traveling home from Austin yesterday, I’m going to skip my weekly wrap. I had early flights coming and going, but got my Peloton blue dot walking Scooby and walking at the airport. As I mentioned above, my hamstring continues to improve BUT now I have something going on with my ankle. Argh! It’s not in the Achilles area and doesn’t hurt when I run, so I’m not going to panic.
This week wraps up Lawyers Have Heart fundraising for the ❤️American Heart Association ❤️. Please use this link if you want to donate and thanks to everyone who donated already!
A huge thank you to Deborah and Kim for hosting the Weekly Run Down link up.
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
Looks like you found some great running routes in Austin! It’s supposed to be a wonderful city for runners and by the looks of your pics, it is. Glad your hamstring is cooperating!
Austin! I love it. And yes, this is the time to visit. Every single time I’ve gone to Texas has been in July or August, and it ‘s well over 100 degrees.
My policy is: if I have a niggle but it doesn’t hurt while I’m running, I ignore it. Sometimes this works out better than others. But you definitely shouldn’t panic. Glad the hamstring is feeling good!
We were in Austin about 10 years ago (we stayed in a hotel called “W”) and I do remember running along a river. However, it didn’t look as pretty as your running route! It looks lovely.
I would have done the same with that stress management session! So apt!
I’ve actually never been to Austin (only Houston and Dallas) I think I would like it much better. Hopefully you got to check out some of the great restaurants too
Ooh what a fun week! I’ve neve been to Austin but it’s always been on the list. I’ve only been to Dallas because we have friends that live there. I’ve heard great things about the city though!
Now the ankle? Isn’t it crazy how it seems like there’s always something to keep us runner humble (and confused and frustrated). Alas, we persevere! Your week in Austin really sounds amazing, though. It’s surprising it gets light there so “late” in the (early) morning, since we have pretty much full daylight here around 5:30 in the morning. I’m glad to hear the hammy is feeling better, so that’s a great thing!
I ran on that path when my sister and I visited Austin for one of our sister trips! I loved that it was right in the heart of the city. We really liked Austin–the vibe is similar to that of Madison, Wisconsin. Have you ever been there?
LOL on missing a session on managing stress while you were managing stress in the best way possible. 🙂
Oh no, what’s up with your ankle? Why can’t you just catch a break? Here’s hoping the ankle is nothing and your hamstring continues to heal.
I have never been to Texas. I had the opportunity to go with my husband when he had a long term work assignment and traveled there often. Of course, I kept saying I’d join him, but it never happened. Now I’m kicking myself.
It’s always fun to run in new places. Glad your hammy cooperated. Hopefully the ankle is nothing to worry about.
That looks like a really nice trail for running and walking. What a bummer about your ankle! Hope it keeps quiet when you run. I agree with Jenny about ignoring it unless it causes trouble when you run or do other training.
Love the Austin routes! What a great way to explore the city. Seems like a lovely place for runners, but probably much better in those temps than the true summer temps!
What cool views of Austin on your runs! I have never been to Texas. Glad you were able to get out there and explore the town!
Love the lit walkways. Glad the hamstring behaved, and yes run> session andn actual stress relief v. talking about it.