Can you believe it's been 3 weeks since I last posted? Honestly, I'm not quite sure what happened. I was trying out this new biweekly posting schedule, but I guess I just lost track of time. I could say I've been busy and had a lot going on, but to be real, that’s not entirely the case—I definitely could have squeaked in a post or two. Anyway, I have a bit of an update for you all, but I don't want this to turn into a super long post, so let’s just get to it!
Alright, folks, let me catch you up on my half-marathon journey! Last time we chatted, I had just wrapped up week 4 of my training, and now, drumroll please… I've officially completed week 7! That's right, I'm halfway through my half-marathon training, which means I'm on the path to conquering those 13.1 miles! Can you believe it?
Happy Tuesday, everyone! Did you miss me? I'm trying out this biweekly posting thing, and I have to say, the past weeks have been semi-eventful. They've been filled with fun, food, and of course, running! Can you believe I'm already on my 5th week of half-marathon training? It's wild to think that I'll be running my first half-marathon in less than 10 weeks! That's crazy!
Week 3 of my half-marathon training was both challenging and exciting! I tackled hill reps for the first time at Miller Hill in Herman Park, although I could only manage 30-second reps. As I progress, those reps will need to get longer, so I’m definitely on the lookout for a bigger hill – maybe signing up for a hilly half-marathon wasn’t the smartest move considering I live in such a flat area, right? To cap off the week, I completed a 5-mile long run, marking the longest distance I've ever run. From here on out, every distance will be a personal record! It was tough, but I powered through and was able to use my long run to complete my Independence Day 8K Virtual race to make up for the one I missed in June due to my knee injury (An 8K is just under 5 miles).
So, I recently got the news that I have PCOS, a hormonal condition that can throw a wrench in things like my cycle, weight, and insulin levels. Honestly, it felt like a lot to unpack, but I knew I had to pivot and make some changes. One major takeaway? Exercise can really give my body a boost! So, I took a good hard look at my training routine and decided to spice it up to align better with my health goals. As I explored this fitness journey alongside PCOS, I realized the magic of striking a balance between pushing my limits and letting my body recharge. It's been quite the revelation, and I'm super excited to share my insights with you. Let’s jump into how I customized my training to thrive with PCOS!
So, here I am, back with another Tuesday update—and on an actual Tuesday, no less! I’ve been a bit unsure about posting this week since I didn’t receive any feedback on the potential switch to a biweekly schedule. Additionally, I’m curious about what you all think regarding bringing the newsletter back. I’m not entirely sure how most of you are keeping up with my blog posts, so I’d love to hear how you’d prefer to be informed about new content. Your thoughts would be super helpful!
In a world brimming with chaos and demands, carving out moments of peace and rejuvenation is nothing short of essential. For me, running has evolved into more than just a physical activity; it's my sanctuary for nourishing my mind, body, and soul. Let’s dive into why running has become my ultimate self-care ritual and a source of profound serenity. Lace up those shoes and join me as we explore the transformative magic of this simple yet profound practice.
I know I missed last week's post, but I'm back now and ready to share two weeks' worth of updates. I've been thinking about switching my Tuesday updates to a biweekly schedule since I don't always have a lot happening each week. I want to keep my posts interesting for you all, and I realize you might get tired of hearing that I've just been running and going to work, but honestly, that's pretty much my routine every week!
Speaking of running, I wrapped up my post-injury recovery plan the week before last, and I’m happy to report that my knee is feeling good! Last week, I officially kicked off my half-marathon training—yup, you read that right! I’m running a half-marathon despite having only started running less than a year ago; I know, crazy, right?
Welcome back to another Tuesday update... on Wednesday! I know I'm a day late, but I'm here. I did manage to publish two blog posts last week though, so yay for small victories! If you haven't already, make sure to check out my birthday post. Moving forward, I'm aiming to increase my posting frequency to twice a week. I'm considering Tuesday and Friday as potential posting days, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on the matter. Additionally, I'm contemplating bringing back my newsletter. While I'm unsure about its content since I already provide weekly updates here, I recognize that not everyone follows me on social media and may miss out on new posts. Let me know your thoughts on the newsletter dilemma!
Last week marked my return to running after a necessary break due to a knee injury. Taking it cautiously, my running program has been progressing at a slow and steady pace. The longest distance I covered last week was 2 miles, a far cry from my previous capabilities. While I acknowledge the need for patience, my main goal is to regain my running form. Despite my pace being significantly slower than before, I remain optimistic that my speed will gradually return. I am eagerly anticipating the completion of my post-injury plan so I can embark on training for a half-marathon.
As my 30th birthday approached, I found myself at a loss for how to celebrate this significant milestone. Usually brimming with ideas and excitement for birthday festivities, this time, the inspiration seemed to elude me. With the weight of the big 3-0 on the horizon, I knew I couldn't let this momentous occasion pass by without proper acknowledgment. Typically one to organize special activities or events for my birthdays, I had procrastinated too long to organize a trip or any elaborate plans. The question remained: what should I do?
Having just orchestrated a successful surprise celebration for my mother, whose birthday falls two weeks before mine, I found myself desiring a lowkey birthday affair where I could simply unwind and relish time with my family. Being the usual planner for events, I decided I didn't want to take on the responsibility of orchestrating my own celebration this time. In a light-hearted moment, I jokingly asked my mother what she had in store for my birthday, to which she cryptically replied that she was planning something. I didn't truly expect her to plan anything elaborate, especially when I lacked the energy to do so myself.
As the week of my birthday arrived, I decided I wanted to do something special, something I had never experienced before – Afternoon Tea or High Tea. Pairing this with a weekend stay at a luxurious hotel sounded like the perfect blend of relaxation and sophistication. I delved into researching various places that offered Afternoon Tea. Determined to combine both desires, I set out to find a hotel and tea spot in close proximity. After thorough investigation, the Lancaster Hotel emerged as the ideal choice to fulfill my birthday dreams.
Last week was all about Hurricane Beryl. The storm made its grand entrance on Monday morning, crashing in and disrupting our peaceful existence by knocking out the power at the cruel hour of 5:30 am. As fate would have it, I was wide awake to witness this chaotic event. The rest of Monday was a tedious affair, mostly spent lazing around, trying to keep boredom at bay while waiting for the power to mercifully return.
On Tuesday, the unbearable heat drove me to seek refuge in the office, where a generator powered one floor, providing a temporary sanctuary to cool off and recharge our devices. Despite not being productive in terms of work, those few hours of cool comfort were a welcome relief. Returning home, the heat was still unbearable, and within just half an hour, I found myself on the move again. Opting to visit the Star Cinema Grill, my brother and I watched Despicable Me 4, a movie I wasn't particularly keen on but served as a means to escape the heat for a couple of hours, even if the film turned out to be terribly ridiculous. Fortunately, upon arriving back home, the power had been restored, marking the end of our temporary ordeal.
Throughout the rest of the week, I worked from home as I was fortunate to have both power and internet connectivity. The new challenge I faced was sourcing food amidst the chaos. It became a task to locate a restaurant that was open or a store that actually had stocked shelves. Despite the hurdles, we managed to overcome the situation and ensure we had enough food supplies to get by.
My apologies for the radio silence over the past month. I really have no excuse, except that ‘life happens’. I think I needed to take a break, but June was an exciting month filled with memorable experiences.
Kicking off the month, I had an absolute blast at Fan Expo Dallas with my mom and brother, diving headfirst into all things fandom. It was a geek's paradise, and we soaked up every moment. David Tennant was the biggest name that came, so there was a lot of Doctor Who-related excitement, which was just fantastic. There were over 60,000 people there over the course of the weekend, and if you know me, you know I don’t like crowds. I plan on doing an entire post about navigating anxiety in a crowd like that, so stay tuned.
Hey there, remember me? I'm finally back in action after a brief hiatus. Apologies for leaving you hanging last time - I know I probably caused a bit of a stir among my loyal readers. But fear not, I didn't fall off the face of the earth, just needed a little breather.
Apologies for the lack of an update last week, as there wasn't much to report. I was absent from work for the entire week before last due to being unwell, which led me to attend two doctor's appointments. Although feeling sick is never enjoyable, I am grateful for the time off and the medical consultations as they provided clarity on the issues bothering me. Stay tuned for an upcoming post diving into my recent diagnosis of PCOS and how I plan to tackle it head-on.
During my recovery period, I hit pause on my usual training routine, but I'm thrilled to announce that I've officially kicked off my 10K training plan again. It feels great to be back on the grind, striving towards my fitness aspirations.
On Monday, I had the office all to myself as the sole member from my team present, creating a peaceful and productive atmosphere that allowed me to accomplish a lot of work. To kick off the week on a strong note, I embarked on a 3K Tempo Run, sporting my vibrant new yellow highlighter set from Hey Girl Run. Additionally, I was finally early enough to order one of the mystery Monday sets from Hey Girl Run, which arrived on Saturday. Anticipating a top and bottom duo, I was delighted to find that the package actually contained 2 tops and 2 shorts, resulting in a double dose of excitement and satisfaction. A definite win for the start of the week!
Happy Tuesday!
First things first, before we get into anything else, I'm just gonna come out and say it. I didn't do my long run last weekend. Truth be told, my training efforts were lackluster last week; I only hit the pavement once on Tuesday. But fear not, this week, I shall endeavor to do better.
Happy Tuesday!
Can you believe it's already the last day of my 30-day wellness challenge? Time really flew by, and we're about to step into May! Reflecting on these past 30 days, I'm feeling pretty satisfied with how the challenge went. It wasn't flawless, but I believe I achieved what I set out to do. Considering doing it again sometime soon. If you haven't given it a shot yet, I highly recommend challenging yourself. You might just surprise yourself with what you can accomplish.
Escape embodies the essence of taking a breather, carving out a haven where I can just exist, away from the noise of daily life. When it comes to Escape, I prioritize creating moments of tranquility amidst the chaos of everyday life. It involves disconnecting from the frenzy, reconnecting with my inner self through activities like immersing myself in a captivating book, journaling, or simply embracing a quiet moment of reflection. I cherish these opportunities to reconnect with my inner self and recharge my spirit.
Happy Tuesday!
Reflecting on last week, it started off a bit lackluster, but things took a turn for the better towards the end. A last-minute online early screening of The Idea of You on Wednesday night brought unexpected joy to my day – Anne Hatha-slay truly never fails to impress! The resurgence of romantic comedies has me excited! Speaking of, I've got my sights set on catching Anyone But You when it hits Netflix this weekend.
Embracing the marathon mentality means shifting our mindset from quick fixes to sustainable habits. It's about setting goals that are challenging yet achievable, keeping our eyes on the prize even when the road gets rocky. While short-term goals may provide instant gratification, the marathon mentality offers lasting fulfillment. It's about building a strong foundation for long-term success, knowing that each step we take brings us closer to our ultimate destination.
Speaking of sleep, I've been popping these melatonin gummies like they're candy. They're like a little slice of sleep heaven, but I'm trying not to get too hooked. I mean, who wants to be dependent on gummies for shut-eye, right? They've been a comfort, though, and I feel like they've been doing wonders for my rest. Last week, I actually surpassed my sleep goal, averaging a solid 7 hours per night! As I gear up for the sleep phase of my 30-day challenge, I'm realizing the importance of establishing a more consistent bedtime routine.
