Sometimes, the things seen on my run are just as important as the run itself. Right now, the miles are pretty awful, due to the heat, humidity, and bugs, so I want to take a moment to focus on some of the things seen on my run that make me smile.
The Ocean
I am very fortunate to live close enough to the beach that I can run there weekly. There just something incredible about the dunes and sea oats, the jetty and the salt air. I appreciate the sound of the waves, and getting so see dolphins fairly regularly. It’s soothing to the soul.
Hot Air Balloons
At least once a week, a hot air balloon cruises over our neighborhood. In fact, the morning, the balloon struggled with altitude and looked like it was about to come down on our house! I all these years, we’ve never flown with this balloon operator, but he may be worth looking up. No matter what, I always smile when I see them high overhead.
Wildlife
We have a lot of wildlife in our area. Some of it is really cool (otters and dolphins, for example). Some of it is is a little more unique. There is something pretty special about seeing an actual living dinosaur in the waterways along my run. I’ve even them swimming, snoozing, and even hunting. And I stay far, far away.
Flora and Fauna
Florida doesn’t have the same kind of flowers and vegetation in other parts of the country, but we do have some super vibrant flowers and plants. Sometimes, we get serious pops of color that just make runs so much more visually appealing. I always look forward to these days.
Sunrises
I may be biased, but think we get some of the most stunning sunrises. Nothing is quite as beautiful as seeing that sun come up over the horizon, especially if it involves water and clouds. We get the full range of colors and each one isi more breathtaking than the last.
Dogs
Obviously, I judge each run by the dogs I get to pet. I will always, always stop to give pets, and the runs without dogs are the saddest days ever.
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What are the best things seen on YOUR runs?
Ah yes, I agree, Florida has the best sunrises and sunsets!
I see a lot of farm animals. Even on my loop here in the city of Zurich, I pass cows, horses and goats. I get nervous around dogs – maybe I should also pet them to take away my fear!
We have some farms across the street from us, so I do see horses and donkeys quite a bit. Those are fun.
I’m sorry dogs make you nervous! They are my favorite thing ever.
I love seeing the sunrise on my run! I wish I lived closer to the water. It was so nice when I lived in the city and could run by the harbor every morning.
I’m sure you loved it when you were at the shore!
Seeing the ocean on a run is always calming and beautiful. I could definitely do without the wildlife!
Deborah Brooks recently posted…Great Reasons to Do Speed Work in the Summer
Haha!
Yes to the sunrise and the ocean! Both of those are incredibly therapeutic. I run by a canal and sometimes see otters, but I’ve never seen an alligator there. And yes- we do have some beautiful vibrantly colored flowers! It definitely gives me a jolt of pleasure to see them on my run.
I see far more gators up here than I did when I lived down South. Weird how that is.
So I envy your ocean views and those sunrises.
I enjoy nature and flowers. Nothing too exciting. Which is why I prefer to run chatting with friends
It’s always fun to see something different. I love when we get glimpses of “real Florida”, like the reptiles.
That sunrise photo is amaze balls (not a word I use lightly).
Seeing otters & dolphins — and orcas! — would also be amazing. Sadly my husband won’t deal with summer traffic & worries about hurricanes so beach living is out. I secrethope that MAYBE we could find someplace that close enough so we could do beach vacations! And his parents retired to Cape Cod initially! Where does he get this stuff?
some days, the sky gives up huge gifts.
The beach IS great, but traffic and hurricanes are also a reality. I have never not lived close to a coast, though, so I don’t understand not wanting to be by the sea.
What a wonderful idea for a post!! Really uplifting. And I was excited to see you get bougainvillea growing there too! That’s a very common plant here. In fact as I write this, I’m looking at one outside my study window!