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

🏃‍♀️ What I Learned Training for My First Half Marathon

September 8, 2025 Lulu LeeLeave a comment

When a former classmate convinced me to sign up for my first half marathon, I didn’t exactly think it through. I only had about a month to prepare. I was cocky back then. I figured, “I’ll be fine.” Spoiler alert: I wasn’t. At least, not in the way I thought.

🏅 Race Day: The Wake-Up Call

Race day came, and I barely slept the night before. Still, I laced up my shoes and got my family out the door so they could cheer me on. My first half marathon was the Marine Corps Historic Half, and the energy at the start line was electric.

The first few miles felt amazing—I actually believed I could finish in around 2 hours and 30 minutes. But then came the hills. Big ones. Hills I hadn’t prepared for.

“Hospital Hill felt like Mount Everest after mile 10. I almost cried, but I kept moving.”

For those who have run the Historic Half, you already know that Hospital Hill is a monster. Trying to tackle it after 10 miles nearly broke me. I walked several times during that race—something I never planned on doing. By the end, I had lost a toenail. I could barely walk for days. I realized just how much I had underestimated what I signed up for.

And yet—I finished. And that finish line changed me.

💡 Lesson 1: Consistency Beats Confidence

My biggest mistake? Thinking confidence could replace training. I skipped workouts, ignored mileage, and assumed “being young and fit enough” would carry me through. Hospital Hill proved otherwise. Consistency, not bravado, is what builds endurance.

💤 Lesson 2: Rest Is Part of the Process

In my rush to train, I thought running hard every day would make me stronger. Instead, my legs were screaming by race week. Hospital Hill showed me that recovery is fuel. Rest isn’t laziness—it’s training.

🥗 Lesson 3: Nutrition Matters

By mile 9, I had nothing left in the tank. I hadn’t fueled properly, and it showed. That race taught me that food isn’t just fuel—it’s survival. Oatmeal, bananas, and water became my essentials for future runs.

🧠 Lesson 4: The Mental Game Is Everything

When my body wanted to quit, my mind had to take over.

“At mile 10, my legs were done. My mind had to run the race for me.”

Repeating mantras like “one step at a time” helped me push up Hospital Hill. Running is as much mental as it is physical. Another mantra that kept me going was, “pain is weakness leaving the body”. Something I picked up from my Drill Sergeants back in the day. The body can do almost anything your mind wills it to.

👟 Lesson 5: Gear Can Save You

Blisters, sore feet, and losing a toenail taught me the hard way that the right shoes and socks matter. Gear can’t do the running for you, but it can make the journey bearable. Back then I wasn’t wise enough to know that your shoe size for running matters. I was naive about running shoes. I didn’t know that long-distance runners need to get their shoes 1/2 size larger than their regular everyday shoes. I learned that lesson the hard way and I had to learn it again…apparently I didn’t learn it well enough the first time.

🎉 Lesson 6: Celebrate the Finish—Even If It’s Messy

By the time I crossed the finish line, I wasn’t running—I was surviving. But I finished. That medal means more to me than any “perfect” run ever could. One of my favorite memories from that race is the picture I took with my family at the finish line. I also remember thinking that I wanted to run that race again immediately after I crossed the finish line. I can’t explain it but most long distance runners will tell you that.

✨ Final Thoughts

My first half marathon humbled me, but it also transformed me. I went in overconfident. I was under-prepared. I came out with a new respect for the distance, for training, and for myself.

If you’re thinking about running your first half marathon, here’s my advice:

Train smart.
Give yourself time.
Respect the distance.

And if your race doesn’t go perfectly? Celebrate anyway. Every finish line is a victory.

💬 Your Turn: Have you ever jumped into a challenge unprepared? Drop your story in the comments—I’d love to cheer you on!

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 🙂

Health & Fitness

Born to Run? Maybe Not. But I Chose To.

May 3, 2025 Lulu LeeLeave a comment

Running never came naturally to me. I wasn’t the fastest or the strongest. From the moment I stepped onto that dusty field in Sierra Leone as a kid, I felt inspired. I knew I wanted to run. What started as a way to follow in my siblings’ footsteps became a personal journey. It has taken me across continents and through setbacks. It has led me toward a deeper understanding of who I am.

Some people are born with a natural talent for certain things. Others have to work hard to excel at whatever they choose to pursue.

I fall into the latter group. Running has always been a part of my life, but it’s something I’ve had to work at consistently. My earliest memory of running goes back to grade school in Sierra Leone.

I believe I was in second grade. Back then, we had a huge event called Field Day. It was more than just a school event. It brought together the entire town. It felt almost like a mini Olympics. Students were divided into four teams, each represented by a different color. We trained for various track and field events leading up to the big day.

This is a great race to raise funds for Veterans.

I was on the same team as my older brother and sister. I was thrilled to compete alongside them. I was clearly one of the slowest kids on the team, but that didn’t dampen my excitement.

I don’t remember which team won that year. I do remember falling in love with the feeling of pushing myself. My brother and sister were standout runners, and I wanted to be just like them.

From that point on, I became my brother’s shadow. He was my hero. I watched him train with his friends and thought, I can do that too—if I put in the work.

Over the years, running became more than a hobby—it became a passion. Not sprinting or track events, though. My love is long-distance, cross-country running. I was never fast, and I’m still not, but that’s okay. What matters most to me is endurance and connection.

Long-distance running helps me feel connected—to nature, to myself, and to my limits. It challenges me in ways nothing else has.

I moved to the United States in 1993. By 1996, I had joined my high school’s cross-country team. In college, I pushed to help form a cross-country program. Later, my love for running helped me thrive during my time in the military.

I’ve had my fair share of physical setbacks. These include injuries, a surgery to repair torn tendons and ligaments, and bursitis in my hip. I’ve also had plenty of physical therapy. None of it has taken away my love for running. I continue to work at it because running is a part of who I am. I always feel most alive during and after a run.

Are you just as obsessed with running? If so, when did you get hooked—and what keeps you going?

Thanks for stopping by!