Gardening · Gardening

Garden Progress: Small Changes That Are Making a Big Difference

Thereโ€™s something rewarding about seeing your garden slowly come togetherโ€”one project at a time.

This past week, I focused on making a few key updates around my garden space. None of them were huge on their own, but together, theyโ€™re making a big difference in how everything looks, feels, and functions.

Finishing the Walkway

One of the biggest improvements I made was finally completing the walkway.

This has been a work in progress, but now that itโ€™s done, it completely changes how I move through the space. Itโ€™s cleaner, more structured, and honestly just feels more intentional.

Itโ€™s a small detail, but it makes everyday tasks in the garden so much easier.

Adding a Decorative Fence (and Solving a Problem)

I also added a decorative fence around:

My flower area The section where I planted peanuts

This wasnโ€™t just for looksโ€”it solved a real issue.

Stray cats had started using that space as a litter box, which is something I definitely needed to get under control. Since adding the fence, Iโ€™ve already noticed a difference.

Now the space feels protected and more visually put together.

Upgrading My Rain Barrel Setup

Another small but important update was mounting my rain barrel.

Before, it was sitting too low, which made it harder to access the water once it filled up. Elevating it has made collecting and using rainwater much more practical.

Itโ€™s one of those changes that improves efficiency without requiring a lot of effort.

Harvesting Collard Greens

I was also able to harvest some collard greens, which always feels like a win.

Right now, Iโ€™m letting a few plants go to seed. Once the seeds are ready and collected, Iโ€™ll clear that bed to make room for cucumbers and green beans.

Itโ€™s all part of the cycleโ€”harvest, reset, and plant again.

Looking Ahead

This season is teaching me that gardening isnโ€™t about rushing.

Itโ€™s about:

Making steady improvements Learning from what works (and what doesnโ€™t) Creating a space that grows with you

Every small step adds up.

Final Thoughts

This week wasnโ€™t about doing everythingโ€”it was about doing what I could and doing it well.

And right now, thatโ€™s enough.

Health & Fitness · Health & Fitness

Back in Training: Lessons Iโ€™m learning the hard way.

Iโ€™m officially back in full training mode for the historic marine corps half marathon and let me tell youโ€ฆ Iโ€™ve already learned a few lessons the hard way.

This past week has been a mix of progress, setbacks, and a whole lot of reflection.

Lesson #1: Hydration Is Not Optional

A few days ago, Iโ€™m pretty sure I overlooked my hydration.

And my body made sure I paid for it.

I ended up violently throwing up and dealing with intense cold chills shortly after. It was honestly scaryโ€”and a clear reminder that hydration isnโ€™t something I can afford to play around with, especially while training at this level.

That experience alone forced me to slow down and reassess.

Lesson #2: Preparation Changes Everything

Yesterday, I went on a practice โ€œrace dayโ€ run.

This time, I came prepared.

I made hydration a priority beforehand, and I could feel the difference immediately. My energy was better, my body felt more stable, and I didnโ€™t hit that same wall.

I also had my music playlist readyโ€”and that helped more than I expected. It kept me from starting too fast and helped me stay in a steady rhythm with my pacing and breathing.

Sometimes itโ€™s the small things that make the biggest difference.

Lesson #3: The Wrong Gear Will Humble You Quickly

What I didnโ€™t account for?

My socks.

I wore the wrong pair, and by the time I finished my run and got home, I realized I had developed painful, bloody blisters.

That was another tough lesson.

Because no matter how mentally prepared you are, the wrong gear can completely throw you off.

Where I Am Now

Right now, Iโ€™m focused on figuring out how to properly treat these blisters while still staying on track with my training schedule.

Because stopping completely isnโ€™t the goalโ€”but pushing through pain the wrong way isnโ€™t smart either.

Itโ€™s about finding that balance.

Final Thoughts

If thereโ€™s one thing Iโ€™m learning in this season, itโ€™s this:

Preparation matters.

Listening to your body matters.

And every mistake is a lessonโ€”if youโ€™re willing to learn from it.

This journey isnโ€™t perfectโ€ฆ but Iโ€™m committed to it.

Book Club

Iโ€™m Not Behindโ€”My Life Is Just Full

Lately, Iโ€™ve been feeling like Iโ€™m falling behind.

Not because I donโ€™t have ideasโ€”but because I have too many.

My garden is growing, my recipe book is coming together, and somewhere in the middle of all of thatโ€ฆ my Tidewalker series is waiting for me. Book Two is still sitting in the early stages of editing, quietly asking for my attention.

And for a moment, I thought that meant I was failing.

That I wasnโ€™t focused enough.
That I needed to โ€œget it together.โ€
That I was somehow dropping the ball on something that matters to me.

But the truth isโ€ฆ Iโ€™m not behind.

My life is just full.

Full of things I prayed for.
Full of things I once only dreamed about having the courage to start.
Full of growthโ€”both the kind you can see, and the kind you canโ€™t.

Iโ€™m learning that not everything is meant to move forward at the same time.

Some seasons are for planting.
Some are for building.
Some are for resting.
And some are simply for living in what youโ€™ve already created.

Right now, my hands are in the soil. Iโ€™m learning, experimenting, and finding joy in growing something tangible. My kitchen has become a space of creativity again, where Iโ€™m building recipes that tell a story of their own.

And my writing?

Itโ€™s still there.

Waiting. Breathing. Becoming.

I havenโ€™t abandoned itโ€”Iโ€™m just not forcing it.

Because Iโ€™m starting to understand that forcing growth doesnโ€™t make it happen faster. It just makes it harder to enjoy.

The Tidewalker series deserves my full presence, my imagination, and my care. And when I return to it, I donโ€™t want to feel rushed or disconnectedโ€”I want to feel ready.

So instead of criticizing myself for not doing everything at once, Iโ€™m choosing something different.

Iโ€™m choosing to honor the season Iโ€™m in.

To trust that everything Iโ€™m building is still moving forwardโ€”even if itโ€™s not all happening at the same time.

To remind myself that progress doesnโ€™t always look like productivity.

Sometimes, it looks like tending to whatโ€™s right in front of you.

Sometimes, it looks like pausing without quitting.

And sometimesโ€ฆ it looks like giving yourself permission to simply be.

If youโ€™ve been feeling like youโ€™re behind lately, I want you to hear this:

Youโ€™re not behind either.

Your life might just be full too.

Recipes

๐Ÿฒ 30-Minute Seafood Paella (Real Life, Tired Mom Edition)

Some days, I have the energy to cook from scratch.

And some daysโ€ฆ Iโ€™m tired.

Today was one of those days.

But instead of ordering out or skipping a good meal, I leaned into something simple that still felt like a real dinnerโ€”and honestly, it turned out better than I expected.

 I used a boxed seafood paella mix I picked up from the store last week and added a few small touches to make it feel more like my meal.

๐ŸŒฟ What I Used

Boxed seafood paella kit

1 small onion (chopped)

1 bell pepper (chopped)

1/8 cup olive oil

Fresh parsley

Cayenne pepper (to taste)

1/2 cup shelled edamame

1 3/4 cups vegetable broth

๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿพโ€๐Ÿณ How I Made It

I kept this super simple (because thatโ€™s all I had the energy for):

Heated olive oil in a pan Sautรฉed the onion and bell pepper until softened Added parsley and cayenne pepper and cooked for about a minute Mixed in: the canned seafood the rice mixture edamame vegetable broth Stirred everything together and let it cook on low heat for about 20 minutes

And that was it.

From start to finishโ€”about 30 minutes.

๐Ÿ’ญ Real Thoughts

I didnโ€™t overthink this meal.

I didnโ€™t try to make it perfect.

I just needed something:

warm filling easy

And it delivered.

Even better?

๐Ÿ‘‰ My very picky eater loved it.

That alone made it a win.

And now we have leftovers for tomorrow, which means one less thing to think about.

๐ŸŒฑ Why This Matters (More Than the Recipe)

This is something Iโ€™m learning in this season:

Not every meal has to be from scratch.

Not every day has to be โ€œhigh effort.โ€

Sometimes, taking a shortcut is taking care of yourself.

Because at the end of the day, itโ€™s not just about the foodโ€”itโ€™s about:

feeding your family conserving your energy and still showing up

And today, this was more than enough.

โœจ If You Try This

Make it your own.

Add what you have.

Use whatโ€™s already in your kitchen.

Donโ€™t overcomplicate it.

Because simple meals like this?

Theyโ€™re the ones that actually get made.

Gardening · Gardening

Slowly Building Haven Harvest: Walkways, Growth, and New Beginnings.

This past week, I spent time pouring back into my gardenโ€”and for the first time, itโ€™s starting to feel like something intentional, not just something I planted and hoped would grow.

Little by little, Haven Harvest is coming together.

๐ŸŒฑ Creating a Walkway

One of the biggest updates I made was building a walkway through the garden. I wanted something that felt natural, grounded, and functionalโ€”something that would allow me to move through the space without disturbing the beds.

I laid down a weed barrier first, then began placing rocks that Iโ€™ve been collecting from around the property. Thereโ€™s something special about using what I already have. It makes the space feel more connected, more personal.

I added a few pavers to help stabilize certain areas, and Iโ€™m still working on filling it in, but even now, itโ€™s already transforming how the garden feels.

Itโ€™s no longer just a space where things growโ€”itโ€™s becoming a space where I can be.

๐ŸŒฟ Feeding the Soil

I also spent time adding more compost to my beds. Iโ€™ve learned that healthy plants really do start with healthy soil, so Iโ€™m trying to be more intentional about feeding it regularly.

On top of that, I made a simple fertilizing โ€œteaโ€ using things I had at home. I used:

  • boiled banana peels
  • used coffee grounds
  • crushed eggshells

I let everything steep and then used that nutrient-rich water to feed both my indoor and outdoor plants.

Itโ€™s a small step, but it feels good knowing Iโ€™m nourishing my plants in a natural, sustainable way.

๐ŸŒผ Refreshing the Deck Garden

I didnโ€™t forget about my deck either.

I added a new growing tower to maximize space, especially for herbs and smaller plants. Itโ€™s functional, but it also adds a really nice visual element.

To bring everything together, I laid down an outdoor rug, and that simple addition made the whole space feel more invitingโ€”like an extension of my home.

๐ŸŒž Where I Am Right Now

My garden isnโ€™t perfect, and itโ€™s definitely still a work in progressโ€”but itโ€™s growing, just like I am.

Every rock placed, every bed turned, every small updateโ€”it all adds up.

Iโ€™m learning to take my time, to build slowly, and to appreciate each step along the way.

This isnโ€™t just about growing food.

Itโ€™s about creating a space that feels like peace, purpose, and possibility.

And Iโ€™m really proud of how far itโ€™s come.

๐Ÿ“ธ Garden Progress

Iโ€™ve included a few photos below to show how everything is coming together so far. Iโ€™m excited to keep building and sharing this journey.

โ€œIf youโ€™re building your own garden, Iโ€™d love to hear what youโ€™re working on this season ๐ŸŒฑโ€

Health & Fitness · Health & Fitness

Listening to Your Body: When Slowing Down Is the Real Strength

For many years, I believed strength meant pushing through discomfort.

Run the extra mile.

Drink the extra cup of coffee.

Stay busy.

Ignore the little warning signs.

Like many people balancing work, family, and personal goals, I convinced myself that slowing down meant falling behind.

But the body has a way of getting our attention.

Recently, I experienced persistent chest discomfort that forced me to pause and really listen to what my body was trying to tell me. It wasnโ€™t easy. As someone who enjoys running, gardening, cooking, and staying active with my kids, the idea of stepping backโ€”even temporarilyโ€”felt frustrating.

But sometimes the strongest thing we can do is stop and pay attention.

Your Body Is Always Communicating

Our bodies are constantly sending signals:

Fatigue Digestive issues Muscle soreness Headaches Shortness of breath

Too often we silence those signals with caffeine, stress, or sheer determination.

But ignoring them doesnโ€™t make them disappear.

It only delays the moment when our body demands rest.

Wellness Isnโ€™t Just About Exercise

When people think about health and fitness, they often focus on workouts.

But real wellness is much broader.

It includes:

What we eat How we manage stress The quality of our sleep Our emotional wellbeing How well we listen to our body

For me, this has meant making small adjustmentsโ€”watching my diet more closely, reducing certain triggers, and being more intentional about rest.

None of these things feel dramatic, but together they create balance.

Strength Looks Different Than We Think

Strength is not always pushing harder.

Sometimes strength looks like:

Skipping a workout to recover Drinking water instead of another cup of coffee Scheduling a doctorโ€™s appointment instead of ignoring symptoms Taking a quiet walk instead of an intense run

Itโ€™s about respecting the body that carries us through life.

The Long Game

Health and fitness is not a short race. Itโ€™s a lifelong journey.

I still plan to run.

I still plan to garden.

I still plan to cook nourishing meals for my family.

But Iโ€™m learning that caring for my body today is what allows me to keep doing those things tomorrow.

And that might be the most important fitness lesson of all.

Feedback : Have you ever had a moment when your body forced you to slow down and listen?

Book Club

Book Club Reflections: Reading The Book of Enoch While Writing Book Two

Lately my reading has taken a different direction.

Instead of picking up a modern novel or memoir, Iโ€™ve been spending time with The Book of Enoch while editing the second book in my Tidewalkers series, When the Sea Remembers.

Itโ€™s been fascinating, challenging, and honestlyโ€ฆ a little disorienting in the best way.

But Iโ€™ll also admit something:
Iโ€™ve been feeling a bit stuck creatively.


When Creativity Slows Down

Editing a story can sometimes feel harder than writing the first draft.

When I was originally writing When the Sea Remembers, the ideas flowed naturally. The characters felt alive, and the world of the tidewalkers seemed to unfold on its own.

But editing requires something different. It asks you to slow down, question your choices, tighten the story, and sometimes step back when the creative energy isnโ€™t there.

Lately, Iโ€™ve been wondering if the winter weather is part of it. The days are shorter, the skies are gray, and the creative spark feels quieter than usual.

Iโ€™m learning that sometimes creativity doesnโ€™t disappear โ€” it simply pauses.


Reading Ancient Texts While Building a Fantasy World

Reading The Book of Enoch while editing my story has been surprisingly inspiring.

Ancient texts like this remind me how long humans have been telling stories about the unseen world, spiritual mysteries, and forces that shape human life.

Even though my Tidewalkers series is fictional, those themes โ€” mystery, the unknown, and the connection between different worlds โ€” echo through many ancient traditions.

It reminds me that storytelling has always been a way for people to explore what they cannot fully explain.


The Importance of Creative Patience

One thing Iโ€™m learning as a writer is that creativity has seasons.

Some seasons are fast and exciting, where ideas pour out effortlessly.

Other seasons are quieter. They ask for reflection, reading, research, and patience.

Right now, I think Iโ€™m in one of those quieter seasons.

And maybe thatโ€™s not a bad thing.

Sometimes stepping back, reading deeply, and letting ideas simmer is exactly what a story needs before it can move forward.


Trusting the Process

The Tidewalkers world is still very much alive in my mind. Ezra, Neri, and the world beneath the sea are waiting for their story to continue.

For now, Iโ€™m reading, reflecting, and slowly working through the edits.

Stories have their own rhythm. And Iโ€™m learning to respect that rhythm instead of forcing it.

If youโ€™re a writer or creative person, you probably know this feeling well.

Sometimes the best thing we can do is keep showing up โ€” even when the words come slowly.

A Season of Spiritual Curiosity

Reading The Book of Enoch has also stirred something deeper in me โ€” a quiet curiosity about spirituality, ancient traditions, and how people throughout history have tried to understand the unseen world.

When I immigrated to the United States as a young girl, much of my understanding of faith and religion came through very specific teachings and structured interpretations. As Iโ€™ve grown older, Iโ€™ve become more interested in exploring spiritual texts with fresh eyes and asking my own questions.

Not necessarily to find definitive answers, but to understand the bigger picture of how humans across cultures and generations have tried to make sense of existence, morality, mystery, and purpose.

That curiosity often finds its way into my writing.

The Tidewalkers world, while fictional, explores similar ideas โ€” the existence of parallel worlds, unseen forces, and the delicate balance between human life and the natural world. Stories have always been a way for people to wrestle with questions that donโ€™t have simple explanations.

Reading ancient texts like The Book of Enoch reminds me that storytelling and spiritual exploration have always been closely connected.

Both invite us to imagine beyond what we can immediately see.

And maybe thatโ€™s part of why this season of slower creativity doesnโ€™t feel entirely frustrating. It feels more like a period of reflection โ€” a time to read deeply, think carefully, and allow new ideas to take shape beneath the surface.

Just like seeds waiting underground before they begin to grow.


A Quiet Glimpse of Whatโ€™s Coming

As I continue editing When the Sea Remembers, the second book in the Tidewalkers series, Iโ€™m slowly rediscovering the depth of the world I began building in the first book. Ezra and Neriโ€™s story is far from finished, and the tides that connect their two worlds are becoming more complicated than either of them expected. There are choices ahead that will test loyalty, courage, and the fragile balance between land and sea. For now, the story is still taking shape beneath the surface โ€” but I can already feel that the next chapter of their journey will carry them into deeper waters.

Recipes

Vegan Chocolate Banana Cake (Rich, Fudgy & Protein-Packed)

There are two kinds of baking moments in my house:

The planned ones.

And the โ€œthese bananas are about to turnโ€ ones.

This cake was the second kind.

I had three very overripe bananas sitting on the counter, and instead of making the usual banana bread, I wanted something deeper. Richer. Chocolate.

And because Iโ€™ve been experimenting with incorporating more plant-based protein into our meals, I decided to blend in silken tofu.

What came out of the oven surprised me.

This isnโ€™t light and fluffy.

Itโ€™s dense.

Itโ€™s fudgy.

Itโ€™s intensely chocolatey.

And it slices beautifully.

๐Ÿซ Ingredients

3 overripe bananas

1ยพ cups flour

ยพ cup maple syrup

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup coconut milk

ยผ cup applesauce

1 cup cocoa powder

1 package silken tofu

๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿพโ€๐Ÿณ Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF. In a blender or food processor, combine: Bananas Silken tofu Coconut milk Maple syrup Olive oil Applesauce Blend until completely smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whisk together: Flour Cocoa powder Baking powder Baking soda Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined. Do not overmix. Pour the batter into a prepared baking pan (an 8×8 pan works beautifully for this texture).

Batter poured into the pan (if available)

Bake for 30โ€“40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. It firms up as it rests.

๐Ÿฐ The Texture (Because It Deserves Attention)

First slice photo

This cake is:

Thick and moist Almost brownie-like at the base Deep and rich in chocolate flavor Slightly creamy from the silken tofu Naturally sweetened with banana and maple syrup

You cannot taste the tofu. What it does is add structure, moisture, and protein without changing the flavor.

It feels indulgent โ€” but intentional.

๐ŸŒฟ Why I Bake This Way

Iโ€™m not trying to make dessert โ€œhealthy.โ€

Iโ€™m trying to make it balanced.

Adding fruit.

Adding tofu.

Using maple syrup instead of refined sugar.

Itโ€™s about making small shifts that add nourishment without removing joy.

And when a slice looks like this?

No one is asking questions.

Gardening · Gardening

Zone 7a Spring Garden Update: Starting Seeds Indoors & Preparing Raised Beds

Thereโ€™s something about this time of year that feels full of possibility.

The air is still cool. The mornings are quiet. But underneath the surface, everything is preparing to grow โ€” and so am I.

This week, I officially started seeds indoors.

And just like that, the planting season feels real.


๐ŸŒฟ The Indoor Seed Station Is Fully Operational


Wide shot of my full seed station with trays and grow lights

This year I expanded my indoor setup โ€” multiple trays, labeled pods, grow lights positioned carefully, and even sweet potatoes sprouting below.

It may look simple, but this setup represents planning, learning, and commitment. Iโ€™m not rushing this season. Iโ€™m building it intentionally.


๐ŸŒฑ First Sprouts Under the Lights


Close-up of seedlings under grow lights

Watching those first leaves unfold under the glow of the grow lights never gets old. They may look delicate, but whatโ€™s happening below the surface is powerful.

Roots are forming.
Systems are strengthening.
Life is preparing.

This yearโ€™s indoor lineup includes:

  • Eggplant
  • Cayenne peppers
  • Bell peppers
  • Cauliflower
  • Broccoli
  • Basil
  • Marigolds
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Tomatoes

Peppers and eggplant need that early head start. The brassicas will transition outside earlier if the forecast cooperates. Basil and marigolds are part of my companion planting strategy โ€” protection, pollination, and balance.

And the sweet potatoes? Those are personal. Watching them sprout reminds me that even something dormant can surprise you with life.


๐Ÿชต Preparing the Raised Beds


Photo of raised beds before cow manure

Outside, the beds are waiting.

I added more cow manure to enrich the soil and refreshed the raised beds in preparation for spring planting. The yard still looks winter-worn, but I can already see what it will become.

Healthy soil means stronger roots, better yields, and more resilient plants.

Soil first. Always.


๐ŸŒฝ The Future Corn & Peanut Patch


Outdoor patch photo where corn and peanuts will go

This is where the corn and peanuts will grow this year.

But timing matters.

Iโ€™m watching the forecast carefully, especially soil temperatures. Corn and peanuts need warmth and stability. Iโ€™m waiting until frost risk has passed and the soil temperature is consistently warm enough to support strong growth.

Gardening has taught me that patience protects your harvest.


๐Ÿ“… Zone 7a Planting Timeline (Quick Reminder)

Living in Zone 7a means our average last frost date typically falls around mid-April (April 10โ€“20). That date guides almost everything I do this time of year.

Hereโ€™s how Iโ€™m planning around it:

6โ€“8 weeks before last frost (Februaryโ€“early March):

  • Start peppers, eggplant, tomatoes indoors
  • Begin brassicas like broccoli and cauliflower

4โ€“6 weeks before last frost:

  • Start basil and companion flowers like marigolds

2โ€“3 weeks before last frost (weather permitting):

  • Harden off cool-weather crops
  • Transplant broccoli and cauliflower outdoors

After last frost (mid-to-late April):

  • Transplant peppers, tomatoes, eggplant
  • Direct sow corn
  • Plant peanuts once soil temperatures are above 65ยฐF
  • Move sweet potato slips outdoors once nights are consistently warm

Gardening in Zone 7a is about watching the weather โ€” not just the calendar.


๐Ÿ“’ Systems Matter This Year

This year I have:

  • My gardening binder organized
  • Seed inventory tracked
  • Raised beds refreshed
  • A growing app helping me stay on schedule
  • Weather patterns monitored closely

It feels less chaotic and more strategic.

Preparation brings peace.


๐ŸŒฟ Planting With Purpose

Every year I garden, but this year feels different.

Iโ€™m not just planting vegetables โ€” Iโ€™m building discipline. Iโ€™m practicing patience. Iโ€™m creating a rhythm that aligns with the seasons instead of rushing ahead of them.

Watching frost dates. Preparing soil before seeds go in. Starting early indoors but waiting wisely outdoors.

This garden is about more than harvest.

Itโ€™s about:

  • Teaching my children where food comes from
  • Building food security one bed at a time
  • Honoring agricultural roots that shaped generations before me
  • And trusting that steady preparation always produces results

The seedlings under my grow lights may look small now. The outdoor beds may still look quiet.

But I know whatโ€™s coming.

Because Iโ€™ve done the work.

And this season, Iโ€™m planting with purpose.

Health & Fitness · Health & Fitness

When Plans Change: Training Smarter, Not Harder

January didnโ€™t unfold the way I expected โ€” and honestly, that feels like a theme Iโ€™m learning to accept more gracefully.

I was scheduled to run a 5K earlier this winter, but the race was first rescheduled to the first weekend in February and then eventually cancelled altogether due to severe weather and safety concerns. Between extremely low temperatures and icy roads, outdoor running became less about discipline and more about risk โ€” and thatโ€™s not a tradeoff Iโ€™m willing to make.

So instead, Iโ€™ve found myself back on the treadmill at my local gym.


The Treadmill Reality

Iโ€™ll be honest: Iโ€™m not a big fan of treadmill running.

I love the rhythm of running outdoors โ€” fresh air, changing scenery, the way your body naturally adjusts to the terrain. The treadmill feels repetitive, controlled, and mentally harder for me, even when the miles are shorter.

But right now, itโ€™s the safest option.

And this season is teaching me that safe training is smart training, even when itโ€™s not my favorite.


Learning to Adjust the Plan

With races being postponed or cancelled, Iโ€™ve had to step back and look at my race calendar more realistically. Instead of forcing a rigid plan, Iโ€™m giving myself permission to adjust.

My goals for this year include:

  • 2 half marathons (Marine Corps Historic Half-Marathon) and Blue & Grey Half Marathon
  • 1 full marathon (Richmond Marathon-Maybe)
  • Army 10-Miler
  • 1 ten-kilometer race– Local race
  • A 5-mile race– 4th of July
  • Possibly 6 (5K) races– Father’s Legacy Race, St. Patty’s Day Race, Fight Against Autism, Go for Bo, and 2 more TBD races.

Altogether, Iโ€™m aiming for around 12 races this calendar year โ€” but with flexibility built in.

Because life is unpredictable. Weather changes. Schedules shift. Bodies need rest. And none of that means failure.


Training With Flexibility (And Grace)

This season has reminded me that growth isnโ€™t always about pushing harder โ€” sometimes itโ€™s about adjusting smarter.

Running on the treadmill isnโ€™t ideal for me, but it keeps me moving. Rearranging my race schedule doesnโ€™t mean Iโ€™ve lost momentum โ€” it means Iโ€™m protecting my health and longevity as a runner.

Iโ€™m learning to:

  • listen to my body
  • prioritize safety over stubbornness
  • adapt my goals instead of abandoning them
  • and stay committed without being rigid

That balance matters โ€” not just in running, but in life.


Moving Forward

I still love running. I still love the goals. I still love the feeling of progress.

But Iโ€™m also learning to leave space for reality.

This year isnโ€™t about perfection โ€” itโ€™s about consistency, flexibility, and showing up in ways that make sense for the season Iโ€™m in. Whether that means icy sidewalks, cancelled races, or treadmill miles, Iโ€™m choosing to keep going โ€” thoughtfully.

One run at a time.

Where I get my Running Supplies