June weather here in Brisbane have very cool mornings and evenings but glorious sunny days with spectacular sunrises and sunsets. I captured the featured image of the sunrise during an early morning run around my neighbourhood. What a wonderful sight nature is and a perfect way to start my day.
The month has been a little less full but still a month for achieving things and blooming. I wanted to share a few highlights with you! Most I’ve written posts about, but it’s good to recap even for my own benefit to see what I got up to. Mike and I enjoyed our regular date lunches or dinners and of course spending time each week with my grandsons is pure joy.
I went to a soccer game to watch my grandson Ethan play and timed it perfectly as he scored two goals and was awarded ‘Player of the Match’. His little brother, Elliot has now been inducted as a ‘Joey’ in The Scouts and thinks he is wonderful receiving his initial badges for Nan to sew on his shirt.
I’ve been continuing with my weekly Newsletter on Substack – Your Weekly Boost, as well as co-hosting blogging link ups, Thursdays Thoughts and my Women Living Well After 50 Podcast from which I gain great satisfaction producing. If you’ve missed any episodes just click HERE to find all 176 episodes!
Highlights Blooming and Achieving in June 2025 – #WBOYC?
Half Marathon Joy
This month, I laced up and crossed the finish line of another half marathon which was extra special as my daughter and running buddy joined me! We actually did it in less time than we anticipated which was a bonus. Running continues to challenge me, energise me, and remind me of what my body is capable of — especially in my 60s. It’s not about the time, it’s about showing up. When I think I’m too old to run, I look at the results and an 83 year old man ran the full marathon in 5 hours plus a women in the 70-79 age group ran it in just under 5 hours. No excuse for me then!
30 Days of Yoga for Runners
At the suggestion of my physio, I committed to a 30-day yoga challenge tailored for runners. At the time of publishing this post I had achieved 27 days and will complete the challenge on 30 June. It’s been a game-changer for me and my body definitely has felt the benefits — improving flexibility, easing tight muscles, and bringing a new sense of calm and focus to my training. I will definitely keep this going! My core muscles have strengthened, my balance has improved and I’m definitely running better.
I discovered a new Youtube series Yoga with Joelle and there are specific yoga practices for runners. However, anyone who walks or sits for long periods would still benefit. There are a range of different lengths 10 minutes/15 minutes/20 minutes depending on what you need on any given day.
Tasty Recipes for Coeliac-Friendly Living
We entertained, Mike’s family and his granddaughter has been diagnosed with Coeliac disease. I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen, creating some delicious gluten-free recipes suitable for those with coeliac disease — and perfect for anyone looking to eat a little lighter and healthier. From BBQ chicken thighs to a yogurt and almond cake with a tangy lemon glaze, and a delicious Quinoa Taboluleh Salad which was a hit these recipes are proof that healthy can be tasty. I will hopefully be posting the recipes for you to try.
New Podcast Alert for Book Lovers
My three online buddies and I launched a brand-new podcast — and this one’s for the book lovers!The Simply Stunning Classic Book Club. We are now recording our online meetings and discussions which dive into inspiring Classic reads, discovering more about the authors, and thoughtful reflections. If you love curling up with a good book, you’ll love what we have coming. Our first episode is now LIVE. You can listen to it HERE and subscribe so you never miss an episode.
June has been all about staying active, nourishing well, and finding joy in passions old and new. I’d love to know — what’s been on your calendar this month?
I’m sharing my co-hosts’ links as well so remember to pop over and visit to see how their month progressed.
Debbie Harris
Donna Connolly
Jo Tracey
What’s Been On Your Calendar? #WBOYC
What: 2024 Monthly Wrap-Up Link Party.
When: Last Thursday PM (Northern Hemisphere)/ Last Friday AM (Southern Hemisphere). The link will be open for 48 hours
Why: A space to share highlights from your past month.
Where: Link Party, Blog, Blog Comments, Instagram or other social media.
Who: This linkup is open to everyone.
How: You can share in the comments, with a blog post, or on other social media of your choice. Include the hashtag so that we can find you and include your link in our posts.
Dates for the Diary in 2025:
Last Thursday, 2 pm (PST)/Last Friday, 8 am (AEST). Please note dates slightly different for July and December – aren’t we organised! LOL 🙂
June 27/28
*July 31/August 01
August 28/29
September 26/27
October 30/31
November 27/28
*January 01/02 2026
29 Comments
I love how you love your running & continue to be in awe of you. I’ve been thinking I need to commit to some yoga, my hips (in particular) are super tight & the challenge could be a good one for me. Maybe that could be one for July.
I’ve actually renewed my love of running Jo, probably because Rachel has started up again and we keep each other going. My body is feeling so much better after daily yoga and some days I only do 10 minutes so can fit it in. x
Hi, Sue – Staying active, nourishing well, and finding joy in passions old and new all sound like perfect ingredients to a fantastic month. Congratulations on your commitment to regular yoga. I agree that it can make a huge difference to us physically and mentally – my body never fails to remind me if I’ve missed too much yoga. I look forward to the upcoming Book Club Podcasts. See you there! <3
Hi Donna, I’ve done my homework for Book Club so looking forward to our discussions next week. xx
Hi Sue, your running is so beneficial to you and I’m so pleased you continue to challenge yourself with long runs. Go you!! Well done on the yoga too, it’s great to see you’re already noticing the benefits and your body will thank you I’m sure.
You are always a powerhouse in so many ways and an inspiration to many of us. Thanks for all you do to support others and lift them up. Hope we can catch up while I’m up this way!
I’m feeling much stronger and flexible, Deb. My running has improved and I believe it is because of the yoga. I’m hoping to keep it going throughout July x
You are so active! Well done! I’m going to try to do that yoga. I’m so inflexible. And love that sky shot!
Hi Lydia, some days I only do 10 minutes of yoga, especially if I have worked out in another way. Even 10 minutes a day can make a difference. Give it a try and let me know if you feel better after a couple of weeks. x
Sounds like a good month!
It was a good month, Barbara and can’t believe half the year has passed. x
So much to celebrate from the past month! I especially appreciate the gluten free dishes you shared as I’m always looking for new inspiration (my husband has been gluten free for over a year due to an autoimmune diagnosis). Wishing you a wonderful July ahead!
The gluten-free dishes were delicious, Laura and I’m posting the recipes in my Wellness Reimagined post in the coming weeks. x
Congratulations on yet another race accomplishment and having that special time with your daughter. Also, that sunrise is truly stunning. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Our sunrises and sunsets are gorgeous in Winter, Christie and makes you feel so good just stopping to appreciate them. I’m loving having Rachel running with us again and we keep each other motivated. x
What a full and fulfilling month, Sue! Congrats on another half marathon. You are so thoughtful, finding recipes for someone with celiac and practicing before they come. I hope your July is just as wonderful!
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What a wonderful June you’ve had, Sue. Congrats on completing another half marathon with your daughter and running buddy! I practice yoga three times a week and love it. Thank you for the link to the Yin yoga and for linking up with #weekendcoffeeshare. Have a wonderful week!
Congratulations on stellar June Sue. Your life contains all of the wonders and more that you love, promote and enjoy!
Thank you for the link up.
Warm wishes,
Denyse x
Congratulations on completing that half marathon and continuing to challenge yourself with running! That’s amazing and inspiring! Visiting from WBOYC today.
Thank you, Kym. I was very happy with my performance in the half marathon and looking forward to our next one in August. xx
Kudos to you and your daughter on the half marathon. Well done! I am sorry Mike’s granddaughter has been diagnosed with Celiac’s. But awesome that she has you, willing to experiment with recipes. It looks delicious! How are you finding your substack? How does it differ from regular blogging?
Hi Michelle! Thank you for your good wishes re the half marathon. It has been interesting learning about Coeliac disease and there is actually quite a range of things they can still eat. I had fun trying new recipes which actually tasted delicious. I’m enjoying Substack and still have my WordPress blog going. Substack is very easy to use and doesn’t cost anything. My hosting for WordPress is due in October so I will make a final decision before payment is required. I think many use it like blogging, or that is my impression anyway. Thanks so much for stopping by and have a lovely week. Sue L xx
Well done for completing the half marathon, Sue.
Thank you, Carole. I was very happy with my performance and looking forward to my next one in August. x
Congratulations on completing your half marathon! But also congrats on finishing the yoga challenge. I remembered yoga with Joelle — there was once a time I was on a major yoga kick.
Hi Julie, yes I did a major yoga kick a few years ago with Adrienne but lost interest. I thought I would try someone new and was pleased I stuck with the challenge or the whole month. It has certainly helped my running. x
Great job on the half marathon. Those recipes look amazing. I love experimenting with recipes in order to make things for people with certain food sensitivities or allergies. Oh, that podcast sounds wonderful! I’ll have to give it a listen.
Thanks Kirstin! The recipes turned out really well and tasted so good. They would be ideal for anyone to eat. x
Well done on the half marathon and yoga challenge. The recipes look great for everyone to enjoy.
It would just snow if I could ever get around to everyone’s month-in-review posts in a timely manner!! I am always so behind.
I am sorry that Mike’s granddaughter has this health diagnosis to consider now. Poor baby. Kind of takes the enjoyment out of eating when you have to worry and fret over ingredients. So hard for little ones, especially. My granddaughter has had a time but – knock on wood – things are looking up for her.
So proud of your accomplishments. I have never been one for yoga. Tried to do it here at home and wound up so tangled and sore!! Some friends do a chair yoga that they very much enjoy. Might look into that. Proud of your good running with your daughter. Love the traditions you gals have around that. I ran with my daughter for a short time until her health issues prevented her from running. I am back to my little bit of a jog on the treadmill. Hope to do a 5k in a few months.