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I started training for my half marathon in March, when it was still cold outside and dark in the mornings when I got up to run. It was also the beginning of my training, when I had to only do a few miles. As with all training programs, the mileage increased gradually, as the temperature also crept up and the sun started to appear earlier. 

I’ve never run more than 5 miles in my life and I wasn’t sure that at age 50 it would be possible. Sure, I work out every day to my beloved YouTube videos, but that’s different than pounding the pavement outside in all sorts of weather. Still, I signed up for it, and I was determined to do it. Just believe in the program and push yourself, I thought. 

By week 12 I was doing 10 miles in the heat. There were some days that I thought I would die and I thought about giving up and walking. But I never did. I just kept thinking that I had it in me to do all the whole run. Turns out I did. 

The half marathon was scheduled for June 30th as it was supposed to kick off the Fourth of July holiday in Bristol, RI - America’s most patriotic town. Christmas has nothing on the Fourth of July in Bristol. There are concerts, carnivals, endless parties and BBQs, fireworks and of course the big Fourth of July Parade which lasts over four hours and people camp out for days to get a good spot. 

Due to COVID-19, many of these activities are cancelled, and my event was switched to a “virtual” half marathon. Great, now I have to do this alone. No clapping, no finish line, no water stations, no porta-potties for those mid-run emergencies. 

It was all up to me. 

I decided to get my run done earlier so I could stop spending my weekends training and get it done before the weather became impossibly humid and oppressive. I chose a Thursday morning, woke up at 5:30 AM, and headed to Providence to the East Bay Bike Path. This is a scenic route along the water that starts in Providence and goes all the way to Newport. As the name says, there are plenty of bikers but also lots of runners and walkers, even a few roller bladers (that’s still a thing??!!). 

I was nervous. I had my phone and my carefully curated Spotify playlist. I had no water to bring and my stomach was too jumpy to eat. But I felt good. You can do this, I kept telling myself. I started the run and was determined that nothing was going to stop me from finishing. 

It was a cloudy day and it was still early enough to be comfortable. The bike path was nearly empty. I knew I had to pace myself, relax, take in the scenery, and just keep putting one foot in front of the other. 

The first half felt awesome. I could not believe the beauty surrounding me, and the path was flat. I got into a good rhythm and even found myself smiling at times. I just kept thinking, you can do this. You’re doing great. 

When it was time to turn around at the 6.5 mile mark and head back to Providence, the bike path was more crowded and I was sure my face was looking bright red. I could tell by the time that I was slowing down a little, but I just kept going. Even though I had already seen the same picturesque vistas of the bay, beautiful greenery and adorable cottages, they looked different and more charming on the way back. 

I felt a bit achy and sweaty but I knew I could keep going. I said hello to people I passed. I kept thinking that with each step closer I was almost there. 

The last mile felt amazing. I picked up my speed as I recognized where I was and knew victory was in sight. I now knew beyond a shadow of a doubt - I can, in fact, do this. I was going to finish, and in a respectable time. 

When my running app said, “Congratulations, workout complete” I was thrilled. I ran several more steps until my car was in sight, then I stopped to walk. I was alone yet I felt victorious. I had run my first (and possibly my last) half marathon. I had accomplished something pretty amazing. 

When I got home, my son came running out to greet me. He was happy for me and offered to carry my stuff in from the car. He said, “Mom, just relax now and let me do everything for you. I’m so proud of you!” 

That felt better than anything. 

Did you know that one of the keys to happiness is a 20 minute walk in nature every day? Now is the perfect time to start this healthy habit. Take a break from the news, work, laundry, (your kids), and get moving in the fresh air. OK, you can take the dog. You might need someone to talk to. 

One of the easiest ways to get your Natural Glamour on is to spritz a little perfume. Some women say they don’t feel fully dressed without their mascara, or their favorite lipstick. I don’t mind stepping out completely bare-faced as long as I’m wearing a lovely scent. 

I’m not sure why but I love it when someone tells me I smell good. I guess because the opposite - smelling badly - feels so unwanted. It’s the easiest form of compliment to cultivate.

Of course, perfume is a highly subjective thing. Some perfumes smell really awful to me, especially those that seem heavy and musky. I prefer a light, fresh scent that's not overpowering. And I prefer a gentle hand - please don’t marinate yourself.  Scent should be an intimate experience shared between two people, not an entire room. 

I like matching my perfumes with the seasons. In Summer, I like a citrus-based scent. In Spring, I prefer a “greener” one. For Fall and Winter, I like earthy, rich scents. My go-to Winter perfume is Jo Malone’s Wood Sage & Sea Salt. It feels like Winter in the best way.  Think cuddling under a blanket in front of a roaring fireplace on a cold, snowy night. Yeah, it's like that. 

It’s not cheap but no quality perfumes are. I can’t afford the big bottle, but I find the 1 ounce size is pricey but still affordable. It lasts me all season. Try for yourself if you’d like and get ready to impress.  

Remember - less is more! Well, at least when it comes to perfume.