We’ve come to the end of the third quarter of 2026. I’ve been doing quarterly recaps for several years by giving you a glimpse into my planner. That’s the place where I keep track of everything. This is my second year designing my own daily planner with the help of Plum Paper. This planner has a To Do List, Schedule, and Notes area where I plan my social media posts. I also have space for daily gratitude, meals, and my workout. 

So, let’s get on with a recap of July, August, and September.

The Highlights

I’ve been giving away a lot of education in my free Facebook group and to my email list this year. During July, I covered nutrition and how it fits into my Faith and Fitness Framework.

I hit “publish” on 31 Days of Faith and Fitness: How to Live Fit and Free. This book really circles back to the beginning of my journey. I just wanted freedom. But could I live fit and free? God’s answer to me was, “Yes, you can — with my help.” I share how He helped me break free from diets, gimmicks, and quick fixes and taught me how to live fit and free. 

Mid-September I had arthroscopic surgery on my knee. I shared about the injury last quarter. Rest and physical therapy just didn’t cut it. It was decided that my knee needed to be cleaned out. It’s early, but I believe this was the right call. I don’t have pain while I’m walking. I was back on my bike eight days after surgery. I haven’t tried running on it yet, but I’m optimistic about it. 

I celebrated my 54th birthday on September 20. This was nine days after surgery. I was able to go on a short bike ride with friends. We stopped for coffee. Later that day I had dinner and cake and ice cream with my family. It was a good celebration of another blessed year. 

Found on my gratitude list

• Air conditioning
• Good annual physical exam
• Massage
• Cool mornings
• Our home
• Caught a fish
• Good sleep
• Anniversary flowers
• Dairy Queen with Ethan
• Seeing foxes and bunnies on the trail
• Friends
• New business photos
• Mexican hot chocolate blizzard
• Ethan’s girlfriend over for dinner
• Time with my guys
• Proof copy of my new book
• Midi Health
• Sound of thunder
• Bike rides
• Ethan ran Colts 5K for me

Meals

I’ve been using this section to plan evening meals for the week. This helps me know what meat to get out of the freezer and into the refrigerator to be ready for evening mealtimes. As far as breakfast and lunch go, I keep those simple and similar from day to day so I don’t really need to write them down or think about them too much.

Workouts

Yoga every day. I do 10-30 minutes each day. It’s such a part of my routine that I don’t mention it often, but the benefits for my spirit, mind, and body are huge. If you haven’t tried yoga, I strongly encourage you to do so. 

Cardio. Cycling has been my main form of cardio throughout the summer due to the torn meniscus I mentioned in my second quarter recap. I was hoping to return to running during this quarter but instead I had arthroscopic surgery. Stay tuned for a return to running in the fourth quarter.

Strength train. Restarted The Built Blueprint that I mentioned last quarter. I really like this strength training workout progression. It’s a 12-week plan. I’m getting close to completing it again. I imagine I’ll do another round to finish out the year. 

What’s next?

On my birthday, I started 50 Days of Faith and Fitness: A Walk Through Psalms with those on my free email list and in my free Facebook Group. It’s not too late to get your copy of my devotional and join in.

Copies of my book – At the very end of the quarter, I received copies of my new book. It’s available on Amazon and at my local bookstore. I’m excited to share this with the world. I know there are women ready to live fit and free, and this book will help them do that.

Family getaway – The four of us are heading to St. Louis for a long weekend. 

1 year living in our new house – In November, we will celebrate having lived in our new home for one year. Even though we closed on it at the end of July 2025, we didn’t move in until November due to some projects we wanted to complete. We absolutely love it here and thank God every day for the blessing of our home and the location.

Planksgiving Challenge – It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without Planksgiving. Stay tuned for my annual free challenge.

A Christmas 5K?? – I sure hope to be running by Christmas, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than to do a 5K. I haven’t signed up for anything yet, but it’s my goal to participate in one. Stay tuned! 

Cheers to the last quarter of 2026! (How did we get here already??)

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