Another month down. As I look back on May, it’s a reminder that life rarely goes exactly to plan, and sometimes, that’s where the most interesting lessons hide.
From accidental heavy lifting to a whirlwind of reading and musicals, here is how my May unfolded.
Running and Fitness: Adjusting Expectations
I started the month with high hopes of hitting the trails. After my training for 5 Peaks, I wanted to maintain that trail fitness. But, as life would have it, the stars didn’t quite align. Between work and other commitments, the trails will have to wait for me.
The good news? The trails aren’t going anywhere. I’m currently scouting the running calendar for my next event,if you have any recommendations that might fit a busy schedule, let me know!
The “Gym Math” Incident
At the gym, I learned a very important lesson: always double-check the weight.
I was working through some trap bar deadlifts, and I couldn’t figure out why 95kg felt so incredibly heavy. After crushing a set, I took a closer look at the plates. It wasn’t 95kg; it was 105kg.
While I’m proud of myself for knocking out four sets of five at 105kg, I definitely felt the aftermath for days. It was a wake-up call that I’ve been under-fueling for the intensity I’m putting out. I’m back to my normal programming now, and I’m definitely triple-checking the math from here on out!
Tuning In: The Musical Journey
I am officially down to my last two musicals: Hadestown and Aladdin. (Yes, Aladdin wasn’t on the original list, but it’s my list, so I’m making the rules!)
The Standouts:
- My Fair Lady: Thoroughly enjoyed this one. I’m already planning to see Opera Australia’s production later this year.
- The Sound of Music: A classic for a reason. As an adult, songs like “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” and “Edelweiss” just hit differently.
- The Outsiders: I went in knowing nothing and came out pleasantly surprised.
The “Maybe Not” Pile:
Sunday in the Park with George: I wanted to love this, but I found it a bit boring.
Company: I couldn’t get into the lack of a cohesive storyline. I ended up cutting it loose at track 6.
Beyond the Stage
While the musical deep-dive has been the focus, I’ve also been leaning heavily into some powerhouse female artists. Tori Amos and Freya Ridings both dropped new albums this month, and they were immediate, non-negotiable additions to my library.
I’ve also been on a major Demi Lovato kick lately, and Lady Gaga has been my unofficial training partner; her album Mayhem was a surprisingly perfect soundtrack to get me through those intense deadlift sets.
Her album Joanne also happened to pop up on my “haven’t listened since 2021” playlist. It was a surprisingly delightful listen.
Bookshelf Roundup
May was a big reading month; I managed to get through five books!
- The Humans by Matt Haig: A total delight. It wasn’t what I expected, and it’s officially made me a Matt Haig fan. I’ve already reserved The Midnight Train via BorrowBox for November.
- The Last First Date by Hayley Quinn: A cute mystery—not just because of the story, but because I have no idea how this book actually ended up on my shelf!
- Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune: I had high hopes, but it just wasn’t for me. A lesson in learning when to DNF.
- The Menopause Reset by Dr. Mindy Pelz: I was looking for insight, but it felt more like an ad for fasting. As an endurance athlete, I’ve found Stacy Sims’ approach resonates much better with my training needs.
- Starling House by Alix E. Harrow: An audiobook experience. It’s pitched as a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but it didn’t quite land that vibe for me. It was just okay.
Looking Ahead to June
We are officially into winter, and I’m ready to lean into the season. While I’d love to get out on the trails, I suspect June will be more about peaceful hikes.
I’m also on a mission to fix my music algorithm by finishing my final two musicals and revisiting my 2021 favourites. Most importantly? Those wontons that have been on my “to-make” list forever? They are officially happening this month.
What was the highlight of your May? Let me know in the comments below!