As the trees and bushes bloom and the weather heats up, I’m enjoying spending more and more time outdoors, walking on trails, dining on patios and even driving with the windows down to soak in the fresh air. 

I’ve always preferred warm weather to cold weather. I’m grateful for the increased sunshine and the time I’ve been able to spend outside. I even took it upon myself to run a mile the other day for the first time in months. My time was a pitiful 10 minutes and 54 seconds. A far cry from my days in track in junior high when I ran a 6:50 mile at a track meet (and I was second to last!). 

With a new pair of running shoes and a goal, I am hoping to run a mile in under 10 minutes by the end of the summer. I’m trying to build back some of the stamina I had during my days as a high school athlete. 

Other springtime shenanigans I’m looking forward to include the annual Dogwood Festival in downtown Fayetteville, browsing vendors at Cool Spring Downtown District’s 4th Fridays, shopping at local farmer’s markets, attending baseball games at Segra Stadium and visiting Cape Fear Botanical Garden to see all the beautiful plants in full bloom. I hope your season of renewal is full of meaningful experiences.