July Re-wind

July is my favorite month of the year. Perhaps it was because growing up its the only full month you're not in school?? Could it be I just love 'Merica that much and 4th of July is my favorite holiday? Nope its my birthday month and this year was THE BIRTHDAY--- aka leave my partying 20s and enter into my mature 30s.... or something like that.

Total Mileage:  Oh you know, just under 60. I haven't seen a triple digit in over a year so 60 these days is high for me.

Highest Mileage week: 16- and that was only because I met up with a running group and did 12 miles. Everything felt great until mile 10 hit and then the wheels came off--- apparently my watch paused so my real time was 1:46ish,  thus slower pace than listed below.

Races Planned / Completed: 0/1

A few weeks ago my market came into town for our yearly meeting. We always try to lead fitness classes and since Kim was going to be in town and needed a track workout one of the mornings, I put out the word I'd be at the track if anyone wanted to join. One of my co-workers who likes to talk crap said he wanted to come out and race me, so racing is what we did... for 100 meters. I won, but I'm pretty sure he let me win, so we are going to have a re-match that is a full 400 meters next time he's in town.

New to Me: (Because you should always be trying something new) 

Entering a new decade and being welcomed to the 30 Club is big enough new thing to last me awhile. Best "happy birthday" message I received was from a guy friend who said that there is something sophisticated yet sexy about the age 30... I'll be riding on that for rest of year :) 

From age 1

To 30...

Other fun ventures in July:

• Surprise visit back home to celebrate my parent's anniversary - apparently I didn't take any photos
• Finally getting to see downtown fireworks (voted some of the top in the nation)

• And of course seeing Coolio and Vanilla Ice in concert- such entertaining fans showed up, half the amusement was just watching them

Current Excitements/ Obsessions:

• If I had been a little more prompt in writing this recap, I would have shared all about how excited I was to run Hood To Coast next weekend since I've never been and it is deemed "the mecca of overnight relays". Unfortunately due to injury I had to bow out yesterday- more to come on that later.  
• Finally today has arrived where my new roomie, Kristin, moves in- excited for the start of what appears to be a beautiful friendship!

Current Songs: 

Someone asked me recently what I considered to be one of the greatest songs of all time--- hands down Stairway to Heaven and I've been listening to it on repeat around the house the last several weeks. Don't think I could tire of it. 

Current Treat

I've been constantly seeing Quest Nutrition bars on blogs and instagram and I FINALLY found them in the store (Whole Foods and Publix) 

At 20 grams of protein and the only additive being splenda, I don't feel bad about this treat. My favorite thus far is front and center- 'Coconut Cashew'... I love all things coconut. 

It's also the last of the peach season. The Peach Truck from GA is by far the BEST peaches you can buy in our area. I'm assuming they just supply to the south since they are so juicy? I'm talking juice all over your face type of good. I remember last summer they were handing them out after one of the local half marathons I did and I had 4 #notashamed. Took my parents to a festival this past weekend and bought 2 bags worth of peaches! Be on the look out for this sign for future seasons

Current Goal (s):  

• Nail down what has triggered my debilitating knee pain - first physical therapy appointment is today
• Consistently cross train while unable to run- so far I've been consistent with kettlebell class 2 days / week but I need to introduce yoga back in to help stretch out. 

July's takeaway: 

Honestly the month for me was more transitional in my mentality more than anything else. Since 30 is a new decade, but more importantly a societal bench mark for officially "being an adult" if you hadn't already considered yourself one, I spent a lot of time reflecting on my behavior, dress, goals, company I keep etc. It's crazy how time has flown and although I have no regrets on how I've lived my life to this point, I do have that nagging feeling of entering the next chapter in my life, starting a family, but for the time being I keep reminding myself I"m not getting any younger and to enjoy it while it lasts

Anything noteworthy about your July?
For those who hit an important birthday year, any advice on how to cope?