Trifecta of Words

I quickly realized one word of the year just isn’t gonna do it. I need 3. I tried 2, but it didn’t feel finished. Interestingly, many people I know feel the same subtle shift in 2026, as if we survived something unknown, novel, and exhausting the previous years and have only now come back into our own.

Arise

When I consider my goals, arise was but one piece. Arise is the initial action, within oneself. The next two words are a merging of the effects of arising.

I’ve already written a post on this word, so I won’t recap.

Align

I think of a cyclist. First, the helmet for safety. They’re prepared to ride, the decision has been made. Arise.

Then, the cyclist chooses a path. Where will he/she ride? Pick a road, a trail, a lane. Align.

Which leads me to the final word –

Arrive

The cyclist’s ride is complete when they have arrived at the destination. It may be an out and back, or a single circle. They finish when it is complete. Arrive.

Perhaps it is only because I am home on a snow day with ample time to consider all the things that I feel so at peace. The beauty of the snow, of the untouched ice, it really does magical things for the body and soul.

Alternatively, maybe I just wax poetic when the gym is closed. Probably both.

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I ask you –

How many words do you have for 2026? Any?!

(The post Trifecta of Words first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Noise, Joyful or Otherwise

It would be so easy to say forget it when the plan doesn’t go…como se dice?…how it was planned. I succumbed to the pressures of hitting my step goal every day of the new year. Do more! So on a particularly ugly day, when the PMS was raging, and the memo to leave me alone wasn’t received, I didn’t make it. I could have. I could have made more time, made a better effort, not let my calendar dictate my day. Blah blah blah. But I didn’t. I let it slip. Step goal: not met.

The next day, I increased my resolve and jumped right back in. In a month, or a year, I won’t remember the reason I had to start over. I will notice how I hit the goal the very next day.

I also signed up for another drum workshop, my second. Christmas was particularly kind, with the inclusion of a new drum set! The Bible speaks of a joyful noise. I took the liberty of focusing singularly on the noise part. A few more months of lessons and I will begin my traveling tour. I jest. Or do I??!

Noise maker!

Other completed plans – my 3rd or 4th cycle of Big 5. Five benchmark exercises: the standard chest press, squat, deadlift, row, and overhead press. Since October, I’ve increased my 1-rep max, significantly by my own standards. Don’t get too excited, I am nowhere near any kind of competitive or award winning shape. However, the improvement to my running is immeasurable!

Joyful noise is really the sound of footsteps on the pavement, in 40°.

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I ask you –

Where is the line between joyful and noise?

(The post Noise, Joyful or Otherwise first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Outtakes, episode 7

The photo is evidence of the only thing that went right. Everything else? Far far far far left. Fortunately, there was no crying. Only a general disdain for life, a dazed and confused expression, and an overall shell-shocked me. What’s new?

First, the adult and youth helper (a parent/child team) slept in due to scheduling confusion. Then, the A/V system took the day off. Lastly, 3 new youth joined us. Under typical circumstances, none of these things would have been a big deal. Combined? Chaos. Absolutely nuts. No helpers, no technology. Just me. Fighting for my life.

I had to give myself a pep talk. From down deep, I remembered the years I led a rotating group of “mid-girls” during my work with abused and neglected children. They desperately needed structure and consistency, and it was mine to freely give. Not much difference when leading the short disciples.

Mini stepped up her game, too. She took charge, wrangled the computer into submission, and supported me, no questions asked. Her leadership skills are better than most adults. Apple. Tree. I think she’s ready for the big time! Whatever that is. I was definitely not ready!

We survived. But it was rough. More rough than the crying origami scenario. And, at the time, I thought it couldn’t get worse.

‘Til next week.

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I ask you –

Have you ever had an experience where you were waiting on someone to help you and they never showed? Tell me about it!

(The post Outtakes, episode 7 first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Addendum

Recognizing we’re already into 2026 and the numbers post was already published, I still feel as if there is more to say about 2025.

my thinking face

More Lessons

I allowed people to disrupt my life when I should have never given them the time of day. Lesson: less allowance.

I succumbed to bad moods made possible by others who have no control over my emotions. Lesson: own my day.

I negated my reach by questioning simple responses. Lesson: commit to the answer.

It’s in the Ask

Countless instances exist of asking someone to help and then they accept. It’s not rocket science. Yet we are so quick to assume/presume/outright believe without evidence that no one wants to help or be part of a task/duty/event. How do you know if you do not ask? I use this line all the time. And what’s the worst that could happen? They say no!? Show me where it isn’t worth your time and effort just to ask.

I make it a point to ask what the end game, end goal, desired outcome, or expectation is during most conversations where I know there is a decision to be made. Trust me, it alleviates any confusion. Just tell me what you want!

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I ask you –

Did you learn any lessons in 2025?

(The post Addendum first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

More Favorite Things

Why would anyone care about my favorite things? They don’t, but I do!

There’s a previous iteration of this post, but I was too lazy to go find it. Maybe I repeated some items, maybe not.

These bowls I found at Walmart for my morning granola and yogurt habit. $5/each. I can never get a real bargain. Except this time!

If the bowls are the least expensive, this is the most. I tossed all my notebooks and planners and journals and writing pads. Now I have the Remarkable 2. Indeed, it is remarkable. No internet, no fluff, just a writing vessel for all my thoughts. Saving the planet one digital pen stroke at a time.

My addiction to JoJo’s treats is out of control with zero hope for recovery. I added up what just the bags in this photo cost. Yikes. Worth it? Yes!

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I ask you –

Tell me about some of your favorite things!

(The post More Favorite Things first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Outtakes, episode 6 / Park Run

Once again solo because mini decided to have 2nd/3rd/4th Christmas with family. Who can blame her.

First, a win. My short disciples asked if I could be with them every weekend. I declined.

Then, a huge fail. During the craft section of our lesson, a seemingly simple 3 minute video resulted in tears and frustration. Apparently, origami is not for the faint of heart. Or fingers. The instructions were simple: transform a 5×5 paper into a shield. I wanted a sword. My adult helper not only understood the instructions but deftly moved her hands across the paper until a shield was born from the ashes. Tada! Me? Well, I got about halfway then repeatedly asked for a replay of the sequence 3x until they gave up on me. No shield for me. My littlest charge’s eyes began to leak. I silently pleaded with the adult helper to make another shield as quickly as possible, which she produced with little fanfare, stopping the tears in their tracks. But not before we requested tissue to dry them.

The morning ended with treasure box and skittles. Crisis averted. No more origami. Ever.

As for running –

Some time ago, Brooks created this awesome idea called park run. Cities adopted it, finding locations to host a Saturday morning 5k. It became a thing. There are challenges, such as running a park run in every state, running the same course with the exact same time 2x, etc. Some of the challenges are silly, others are difficult. Lucky for me, my community adopted it. I registered immediately, then proceeded to never attend for more than a year. PhD life.

Finally, right before the end of 2025, I attended the final run of the year. Hooked! Great course, no frills, no water stops, less than 75 people, minimal hills. It was awesome!

New Year’s Day 2026, I ran the first park run of the year. Another amazing run! And faster than my previous run.

I’m incredibly grateful I stay in 5k shape year-round. Although I love hearing how others are beginning couch to 5k plans or getting restarted with a running routine, the last few years have not been great for my 365 day conditioning. From knee to feet to hip, it has been tough to stay healthy for more than a few months. In 2025, I was out for the first 3 months. Same in 2024. 2026? If the first run was any indication, this is my year.

No plans on the horizon. I think my half marathon ship has sailed. I ran 10! I once thought I wanted to run a marathon, but heavy mileage breaks down my body so quickly. Right now, I’m happy with my 2-a-day workouts (run+strength). I have been focusing on 1-rep max workouts which is fun! We’ll see what happens…

Stay tuned!

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I ask you –

Have you tried a park run?

(The post Outtakes, episode 6 / Park Run first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Let’s get this straight

In the Navy, Sailors and their families would have an entire conniption at having to go more than 12 hours without constant contact via phone service. But people will pay hundreds of dollars for a cruise with the same cell service restrictions.

Here, at Running on Fumes, you may be wondering if there is really any running-related content. Indeed there is. Occasionally, I post on social media. I try to anyway. No fear. I do still lace up my running shoes. I still run. I still love it. Even if you don’t hear about it as much. Which you’re probably thankful for.

Exercise tip. Walk everywhere. Walk when you can. Walk when you don’t want to. Walking is the most underrated form of exercise. Much research has been done on muscle degradation due to sitting. Move. Your. Body. Just stand up! And walk.

Final thought. Worry is the 3rd cousin of patience, who should have been told to stop long ago yet everyone allows the bad behavior because that’s “just how it is.” Apart from the Navy comment, nothing is “just…” anything. Habits can be positive or negative. It’s your choice.

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I ask you –

Is there something you need to straighten out?

(The post Let’s get this straight first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

2025 in Numbers

I cannot believe this is the final post of 2025. Absolutely insane. I’m reminded of this time last year, when I knew I would soon begin the research data portion of my PhD, both excited and terrified. What a ride. 2025 was amazing.

The word of the year was anew. Truly I encountered several new experiences and I feel I emerged anew. 2026’s word of the year is arise. Arise to age 40, arise to whatever calling I’m compelled to try, arise mentally and physically. Arise.

Rack & Stack

# of miles run – 321.1 (not bad considering I was injured Jan-early Mar)

# of average miles run – 6.21/week (post-recovery miles, too)

# of hours spent working out – 7 hrs, 48 mins/month (proud of this one!)

# of tries to complete a PhD – 1 (one and only 1!)

# of mental health appointments – 17 (some months were tough and required extra attention)

# of hours spent playing volleyball – 24 hrs, 35 mins (is this excessive?)

# of Team of the Quarter awards – 2 (that’s 50%!)

Final Thoughts

I make light of most situations, but 2025 was difficult. I’m incredibly blessed to be called Dr. However, it wasn’t an easy win. I was honored to be part of leading a winning team. Yet I struggled with my own feelings surrounding what I mistakenly thought was not good enough. I’ve learned some new tricks and I’ve tried to dismiss the outdated ones. All in all, twas a great year because I can say it is over and because a new one has arrived.

As have I. Arise.

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I ask you –

What is your word of the new year? Or resolution if you enjoy this?

(The post 2025 in Numbers first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Funny (Real?) Phenomenon

Ability to remember the names of your friend’s best friend.

For example, Vivian, Carissa, Krystal. It took no time at all for me to think of a friend’s name then instantly remember their best friend’s name. Yet I can’t remember anything else without writing it down. Perhaps I just have short term memory issues. I blame perimenopause.

Overuse of the phrase “It’s fine” causes psychological minimization.

Admittedly, I did no research for scientific backing. This is anecdotal evidence. For women especially, the seemingly constant reliance on labeling a distressful situation, event, or person as “fine” is not fine at all. We are rewiring our brains to accept mediocrity or, worse, harmful behaviors. With every “it’s fine”, a boundary is blurred, a neuron rerouted to perceived safety, and a not fine situation cemented into our hearts. No more. Stop saying it’s fine when it isn’t. Protect your boundaries, your opinions, your feelings, and your peace.

This is more real than not.

Puzzling retains memory connections and builds coordination.

More anecdotal evidence. I’m not certain of its origins but I do recall my mother and grandparents nearly always having a puzzle at the ready. As a child, I thought it was boring, especially when there was this fabulous invention called the television! Who would want to mindlessly search for the top of a brown hat when you could mindlessly scroll through all 6 channels?! Priorities, I guess. Needless to say, so let me say it anyway, I’m a puzzle convert. I think older people are on to something.

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I ask you –

Of the three phenomenon listed, which is most likely to be considered real?

(The post Funny (Real?) Phenomenon first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Outtakes, episode 5

Mini joined me for a rousing room of 3 other participants, complete with a broken thermostat and much running.

An attempt to tame my curls came in the form of these little dinglehoppers, otherwise known as French horns. Ahem, French pins. And a partridge in a pear tree. Or the garbage can, which is where one went after I broke it. It lasted only a few hours in my hair. RIP, French horn. Also, the tutorial exploited its ease of use. It was not.

I was honored to be selected as a judge for lodging’s gingerbread house competition! When I asked for a taste test, I almost lost my judging rights. Next time.

Another week of leave is on the horizon. Ahem, now. There will be no gingerbread house creation. Instead, upwards of 75 degrees is forecasted. I have no doubt the winter weather will come soon though. Merry Christmas Eve!

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I ask you –

Have you ever eaten a gingerbread house post-decoration?

(The post Outtakes, episode 5 first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)