Health & Fitness: Running the FredNats Salute to Veterans 5K — And Hitting a Personal Record

November 17, 2025 Lulu LeeLeave a comment

On November 9th, I laced up my shoes and ran the FredNats Salute to Veterans 5K, and to my surprise—and honestly, my joy—I set a new personal record. I didn’t go into the race expecting to hit a milestone. I just wanted to show up, breathe, and be part of something meaningful. But crossing that finish line felt like reclaiming a piece of myself.

As a Veteran, this race meant more than miles and timing chips. It was powerful to see the community gather with so much warmth and gratitude. Families lined the route with signs, volunteers cheered strangers on by name, and runners of every age moved together with purpose. It reminded me that service doesn’t end when you take the uniform off; it lives on in the connections we make and the communities that hold us up.

Running has become one of the ways I heal, release stress, and stay grounded. That morning, every step felt like a reminder of the strength I’ve rebuilt—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Grief, transition, motherhood, new new beginnings… sometimes it feels like life is one long marathon. But moments like this 5K show me how far I’ve come.

My personal record wasn’t just about speed.
It was about courage, consistency, and choosing myself again and again.

If you’re thinking about running your first race—or getting back into movement—here are a few gentle tips that helped me:

Start where you are, not where you “wish” you were. Progress builds from presence, not pressure.
Find a race with meaning. Purpose can carry you when your legs get tired.
Train with kindness. Rest days, stretching, slow miles—they matter.
Celebrate every win. Even small milestones deserve recognition.

I’m proud of this moment.
I’m proud of this body.
And I’m grateful for a community that shows up—not just for Veterans, but for each other.

Here’s to more miles, more healing, and more personal victories.

And if you enjoy following this journey, stay tuned for next Monday’s Book Club post, where I’ll be sharing a story that taught me something meaningful about forgiveness and growth.

Until then, take care of yourselves… and keep moving. 🖤

🧠 Train Your Mind Like a Muscle

November 3, 2025 Lulu LeeLeave a comment

How Learning New Skills Protects Your Brain

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the blog.

As we age, we often focus on keeping our bodies strong — eating well, exercising, and managing stress. But what about our minds? Just like our muscles, our brains need regular training to stay sharp.

Studies show that learning new skills can help protect the brain from neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Each time we take on a new challenge, we build cognitive reserve. This reserve is the brain’s ability to create new neural pathways. It also helps the brain stay resilient against decline. The good news? It’s never too late to start.

Why the Brain Thrives on Challenge

Our brains are wired for growth. Every time we step out of our comfort zones, we activate parts of the brain. These parts control memory, focus, and problem-solving. Novelty keeps the mind active. Whether it’s picking up a new language, it encourages mental engagement. Learning to cook a new recipe encourages mental engagement. Tackling a home project encourages mental engagement. The harder you work to master something unfamiliar, the stronger those neural connections become.

My Experience: Learning by Doing

This year, I challenged myself with something completely different — car repair. My front brake pads needed replacing, as did the left rear tail light assembly on my Toyota Highlander. Instead of heading to a mechanic, I decided to learn how to do it myself.

I spent several evenings reading guides and watching YouTube tutorials before I felt confident enough to start. At first, it was intimidating. I had never done anything mechanical before. But once I began, I felt empowered. Every turn of a wrench taught me patience and focus. By the end, I had successfully replaced my brakes and tail light assembly. It wasn’t just about fixing a car; it was about strengthening trust in myself. That sense of accomplishment reminded me that growth happens when we push through discomfort.

The Science Behind “Cognitive Fitness”

Just as lifting weights builds physical strength, learning new skills builds mental strength. Psychologists call this neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to rewire itself by forming new connections. Regularly engaging in mentally demanding activities can help improve memory and concentration. It can also boost problem-solving skills. Furthermore, these activities delay cognitive decline as we age. When we stay curious and open to learning, we give our brains a powerful defense mechanism — adaptability.

Shifting Your Mindset Toward Lifelong Learning

Many people believe that learning stops after school, but the truth is, the brain never loses its ability to grow. The key is embracing the right mindset:
– Replace “I’m too old for this” with “I’m just getting started.”
– View mistakes as evidence of progress, not failure.
– Celebrate small wins — they build motivation and confidence.
Every time you take on a new challenge, you’re proving that growth is still possible. That mindset is one of the healthiest you can cultivate.

Everyday Ways to Strengthen Your Mind

You don’t need a classroom to keep learning. You can start small, right where you are:
– Try a new recipe or cooking technique.
– Learn a few words in another language.
– Practice meditation or journaling.
– Take on a DIY project.
– Read new genres or listen to educational podcasts.
Consistency matters more than difficulty — even a few minutes a day of focused learning keeps your brain active.

What I Used to Replace My Front Brakes and Left Rear Tail Light (Toyota Highlander)

If you’d like to try something similar, here are the exact tools and parts I used for my project:

– Power Stop Front Brake Pads Kit – Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XM0F0F0?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
– Tail Light Assembly – Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TKVLMLN?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
– 27-Piece Magnetic T-Handle Ratchet Wrench & Screwdriver Set – Amazon Basics: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V3TF3NG?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
– Dasbecan Compatible Tail Light Assembly for Toyota Highlander – Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dasbecan-Compatible-Highlander-815500E070-815600E070/dp/B0BL2C126T/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=26UFLB3549PYD
– YouTube Tutorial: How to Replace Front Brakes on a Toyota Highlander
– YouTube Tutorial: Left Rear Tail Light Assembly Replacement for Toyota Highlander
Always double-check compatibility for your car’s make and model before purchasing parts.

Closing Thought

Learning new skills keeps more than your hands busy — it keeps your mind alive. Every time you challenge yourself, you’re not just building knowledge; you’re strengthening the very structure of your brain. So pick up that tool, try that recipe, or start that class you’ve been putting off. Your brain will thank you — today and years from now.

Taking out the old brake pads on the right side of the vehicle.

Health & Fitness · Health & Fitness

Reclaiming My Health: A Journey Back to Myself

October 8, 2025 Lulu LeeLeave a comment

🕊️ Reclaiming My Health: A Journey Back to Myself

For as long as I can remember, being active has been part of who I am. I loved the rhythm of movement — the way running clears my head, the way a good stretch makes me feel strong and centered. But somewhere along the way, life shifted.

Motherhood, work, and injury quietly rearranged my priorities. My days filled up with responsibilities and fatigue, and what used to be a daily ritual of self-care slowly became something I did “when I had time.” For years, that time never came.

Then, I lost my mother to complications related to diabetes.
Her passing shook me to my core. It forced me to look closely at my own health — not from a place of guilt or vanity, but from love. I wanted to live fully and care for myself the way she always wanted to.

🏃‍♀️ Finding My Way Back

In the months that followed, I made a promise to myself: to honor my body the way I once did, and to build a sustainable routine — not a punishment, but a lifestyle.

Now, I try to run at least three days a week. Those runs have become my moving meditations — a space to breathe, think, and heal. On alternating days, I lift weights, focusing on strength and endurance. Sundays are my rest days, a gentle reminder that recovery is just as sacred as effort.

Movement has become my anchor again — not a chore, but a celebration of what my body can do.

🍎 Nourishing from the Inside Out

For years, I had a complicated relationship with food. I often ate for comfort, for escape, or out of habit — rarely out of intention. But as I began to move more mindfully, I also started to eat that way.

I gave up meat and dairy and began to focus on foods that truly energize me — fruits, vegetables, grains, and plant-based proteins. I don’t chase perfection; I simply choose what makes me feel vibrant and alive.

Eating this way has taught me to listen — to my body, to my cravings, to my emotions. Food no longer feels like an enemy or a reward. It feels like care.

🌸 Rest as Resistance

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that rest is not laziness — it’s necessary. Between work and motherhood, I’ve learned to carve out small pockets of peace. A long, relaxing bath three times a week has become my favorite ritual. It’s where I reflect, release tension, and reconnect with myself.

I also take time to journal before bed, even if it’s just a few lines. Writing helps me empty my thoughts and end the day with gratitude instead of worry. Some nights I write about what challenged me; other nights, I jot down what made me smile. Either way, it’s a gentle exhale before sleep — a way to honor my growth, my grief, and my progress.

If you’d like the same journal I use, you can check it out here: Spiral Notebook – 3 Pack A5 Ruled Journal

Those quiet moments — the bath, the pages, the silence — remind me that I’m more than the roles I play. I’m a whole person, deserving of rest, joy, and softness.

🌿 Moving Forward

This journey isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency, grace, and gratitude. Each run, each meal, each journal entry, and each quiet bath is a reminder that I’m still here — choosing life, choosing strength, choosing myself.

If you’re reading this and trying to find your way back, start small. Take a walk. Drink more water. Eat something green. Write down what you’re grateful for. Rest when you need to. You don’t have to do it all — just begin.

💭 Reflection Prompt for Readers

What’s one small way you can honor your body or your peace this week?

(Leave a comment — I’d love to hear your journey.)

Health & Fitness · Health & Fitness

Summer Running Goals: How It’s Going So Far

August 25, 2025 Lulu LeeLeave a comment

Affiliate Disclosure:
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my writing and this blog.

We all know that summer running is not easy. Personally, I prefer running when the weather is cooler. This summer has been especially hot and humid, but that hasn’t stopped me from lacing up and getting out there.

For the month of June, I ran 41.9 miles — a major change from previous years and something I’m proud of. Encouraged by that progress, I challenged myself to run 125 miles in July. But as the heat and humidity set in, I quickly realized that was too lofty of a goal. I changed my plan. My new goal was 100 miles in July. It was a more realistic target that still pushed me forward.

For August, my focus has been on balance. I dedicate three days a week to strength training at the gym. I also allocate three days to running. My weekly mileage goal is 20 miles, and for the most part, that plan has been going well. Along the way, I’ve dealt with some hip pain, which meant taking a few days to rest and recharge. Even with setbacks, I’m still chugging along with my summer running plans.

What this season has taught me is that goals don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Adjusting doesn’t mean failing. It means listening to your body. It means honoring your limits. It also means celebrating your wins along the way.

My Running Essentials

Over the summer, a few items have become non-negotiables in my running routine. They aren’t just gear. They’re the little things that help me stay consistent, comfortable, and motivated. This is true even when the air is thick with humidity.

Fly Buds Wireless Earbuds – Light, reliable, and sweat-ready. These earbuds turn every run into its own personal playlist or podcast escape.
Brooks Ghost 16 Running Shoes – My daily trainers this season. They are cushioned and breathable. These shoes are supportive enough to carry me 40+ miles in a month. They handle humid runs with ease.
Fitness Tracker / Smartwatch – Tracking my pace, mileage, and milestones keeps me accountable—even on days when motivation feels low.
Hydration Gear – Staying hydrated is essential. This gear is a lifesaver during summer runs when the heat kicks up.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Running in the summer heat hasn’t been easy, but it’s been full of lessons and small victories. Now I’d love to hear from you:

👉 Have you set any summer fitness goals? How’s it going so far? Share your wins, struggles, or tips in the comments—I’d love to cheer you on.

And if you’re thinking about starting or growing your own running journey, check out the gear I’ve linked above. These essentials have made a real difference for me. They include my Fly Buds earbuds and Brooks Ghost 16 shoes. They might help you too.

Looking Ahead

I am not where I want to be yet, but every mile this summer has taught me something. My plan is to keep building consistency, stay strong through cross-training, and listen closely to what my body needs.

I am also working on adding energy gels into my running routine. On longer runs, my energy tends to dip around miles six and seven. I tried an energy gel I bought locally and it worked well. My next step is to order more from Amazon so I can keep them on hand for future runs.

Thank you for stopping by—I hope you found something helpful in this week’s post. Don’t forget to like and share 🙂

Health & Fitness · Health & Fitness

Seasons of Growth: Running, Writing, and Tending to my heart.

July 11, 2025 Lulu LeeLeave a comment

On the Run: Training and Races

Running has become more than a routine — it’s been a return to discipline, breath, and strength. Over the past few months, I’ve trained consistently and challenged myself in new ways. I’ve completed a few races so far. The first was the Shamrock 5K in March. Then there the Race Towards Autism Acceptance 5K in April, Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon in May. The Father’s Legacy Inaugural 5K was held first. The most recent race was the Fallen Heroes 5 Miler on July 4th, 2025. Each race brought its own lessons — in perseverance, in honoring the moment, and in trusting my body’s quiet power.

Some mornings were hard. Some finishes were emotional. But every step has been worth it.

Right now, I’m deep in training for something big — my very first full marathon! I’ll be running the Richmond Marathon this October. I couldn’t be more excited. I am also a little nervous for the journey ahead. It’s a milestone I’ve dreamed about for years, and I’m ready to meet it head-on.

On the Page: Stories Taking Root

Writing has been both refuge and revelation. I recently completed my debut novel, Songs of the Eleven Suns. It is the first book in a trilogy that explores the delicate balance between land and sea. It delves into memory and myth, as well as love and legacy. It’s a story rooted in ancestry and longing — and one that’s been with me for a long time.

Working on this book stretched me in every way. I poured so much of myself into its pages. It was not just the craft of writing, but the emotional truth beneath the story. Seeing it finished felt like watching a dream step into the light.

Alongside that, I’ve been working on a deeply personal poetry chapbook titled Dark, Still Rising. It’s a collection centered on themes of defiance, self-love, childhood, ancestry, and healing. It is written as a lyrical tribute to dark brown skin, identity, and survival. These poems have helped me rediscover voice, power, and presence in the quietest corners of myself.

Now, I’m continuing the journey with Book Two of the trilogy. I am expanding the world, deepening the characters, and raising the stakes. It’s thrilling to return to a place I know so well and keep discovering new depths.

There’s more to come — and I can’t wait to bring you along as these stories continue to unfold.

Below are the links for the books…if you are interested!!

Songs of the Eleven Suns https://a.co/d/iALittq

Dark, Still Rising https://a.co/d/43TsNRY

Thank you for stopping by and for the support 🙂