This has been my summer to get my butt in gear again and start working out on a regular, serious basis. I haven't exactly slacked entirely since starting this process two years ago, but this past winter was total slackerdom, and I lounged around baking, crafting, and reading in the evenings and ignoring my alarm every morning at 6am.

My saving grace now has been a strength and cardio class twice a week in the park, taught by a fitness guru who I love. She has trained pro athletes, was a star college athlete herself, has a masters degree in kinesiology, and is mom to a one year old son. My buddy Christina and I go regularly, and it always kicks our butt, but in a great way. Peer pressure -- people counting on you to show up --  does wonders, I tell ya. I supplement the classes with early-morning runs twice a week, plus an additional weights and stretching workout in the backyard once a week. It's a great feeling to be facing 40 but feel super strong and healthy (and to have legs that, as B says, look curvy and toned, ha!). Our group is hoping to do a 5K run/event this fall, so my eye is on that prize and I am feeling pretty good about making it happen. 

My morning runs give me a chance to keep tabs on my neighborhood, resident kitties, and bird life. I love knowing exactly which houses have recently undergone restoration, which trees feature the best birds, what neighbors head off to work early, which gardens are sprouting cool new flowers or veggies. I am a busy-body through and through, obviously, even when sprinting down the street.