If January is a “blink and you’ll miss it” whirlwind of summer holidays and back-to-school chaos, February is where the real work happens. It’s the month where the dust finally settles after the festive season, and we actually find our rhythm again.
For me, that rhythm sounds like trail shoes hitting the dirt.
Back on the Trails
I’ve officially signed up for my first running event since 2022! I’ll be tackling the 26km at the 5 Peaks Trail Festival in South Australia this April. Training is in full force, and honestly? I’m loving every slow, sweaty minute of it.
Here is the truth: I am heavier than I used to be. But I am also stronger than I have ever been.
My goal for this race isn’t a podium finish or a specific PB. My intention for 2026 is to Savour, and that’s exactly what I’m doing on the trails.
- The Goal: The journey, not the medal.
- The Stats: 93km in January (despite a week off for an infection) and a massive 117km in February.
- The Mindset: If I hit the 21km mark and decide that’s enough, I’ll stop. A “DNF” on paper doesn’t scare me when the reward is doing what I love.
The Reading Wrap-Up
I’ve been chasing that “modern world with a twist” vibe lately. After loving The Seven Year Slip, I went down a time-travel rabbit hole:
- Oona Out of Order (or The Rearranging Life of Oona Lockhart): A woman living her life out of chronological order. Great premise, but if I’m honest? It fell a bit flat for me.
- The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park: A translated Japanese gem. There are those tiny linguistic giveaways you only notice if you’ve studied another language, but the five intertwining stories were absolutely delightful.
- Lights, Camera Love: A cute palate cleanser about a dancer and a movie star (well, his manager, actually). Nothing beats a setting you can actually visualise!
The TBR Pile: I know I said I was on a book-buying ban. But Kobo had a sale, my wishlist was calling, and now my unread count is hovering near 100. Whoops. No books in March. I promise. (Maybe.)
Savouring the Soundtrack
I’ve also found my way back to the Good Life Project podcast. I used to listen to podcasts like they were going out of fashion (100 a month!), but now I’m down to about two a week. I highly recommend the episode “The Year of Enough“ (Jan 8th). It’s a timely reminder that you are enough, exactly where you are in the year.
This “Savour” theme is even extending to my music. Instead of random playlists, I’m listening to full albums from start to finish. I’ve already ticked off my list of 26 must-listen albums!
For March, I’m pivoting to 26 Musicals. I’m diving into some old favourites, but I’m most excited for:
- & Juliet (for the pop vibes)
- Back to the Future (pure nostalgia)
- Suffs (a total mystery to me, but I’m ready for it!)
The Winter Wonton Goal
Finally, a little whimsy. A conversation on Threads about bucket lists reminded me that I’ve always wanted to make wontons. When asked why I hadn’t done it yet, I didn’t have an answer! So, I found a recipe for wonton soup that sounds amazing. That’s a project for this coming winter.
February was for the miles; March is for the music. Let’s go!