Treadmill Goals/Tracking

• Get on the treadmill (or equivalent exercise) daily
• Pace is fine at 30 min/mile, although I may up it on occasion
• Time range between 30 minutes and 1 hour per day
• Distance 1-2 miles per day
• Read the chosen book. I’m officially modifying my original rule of not reading the book-of-the-week off-treadmill. I’m usually going to look at length and try to divide it up somewhat evenly per day, even if that means either closing that book early (if it’s short) or continuing after (if it’s long).

Week 187: June 21, 2020 – June 27, 2020

DAY	PACE	TIME	DISTANCE
Sunday	30 min/mile	30:14 min:sec	1 mile
Monday	30 min/mile	37:27 min:sec	1.2 miles
Tuesday	30 min/mile	35:59 min:sec	1.1 miles
Wednesday	Mowed	~ 1-1/2 hours	Lots
Thursday	30 min/mile	31:10 min:sec	1 mile
Friday	30 min/mile	30:19 min:sec	1 mile
Saturday	30 min/mile	30:30 min:sec	1 mile

What I’m Reading

Note: Although I will try to avoid them, my weekly reading snippets may or may not contain spoilers, so read at your own risk.

What I #amreading: Axios: A Spartan Tale by Jaclyn Osborn

I am Axios of Sparta, and I was born to kill. At age seven, I left home to train with other boys where we were taught obedience, solidarity, military strategy, and how to withstand pain. My harsh upbringing stripped me of my weaknesses and forced me to become strong. Ruthless.

But, I craved something greater—a life I could never have.

Against all odds, and the toughest training a warrior could endure, I found an unexpected love in the arms of a fellow Spartan. He was the very air I breathed and the water that sustained me. Fighting side by side with him, we were invincible. Where he went, I followed.

However, there was no place for love in Sparta. Feelings were for the weak. The only life for a Spartan was one of battle and brutality with no guarantee of tomorrow. In times of war, all men were put to the test, but the greatest challenge for us was not one of swords and spears, but of the heart.

My favorite lines this week…

✿✿ SUNDAY ✿✿

He pressed his forehead to mine, still loosely holding my chin. “I see someone who is kind and sho stops to see the beauty of the world. Someone who likes to watch the birds fly in the sky, wondering where they go… wondering what it’s like to soar amongst the clouds. I see an intelligent mind who ponders what makes the sky blue and where the sun goes at night. But mostly… I see my truest companion.”

✿✿ MONDAY ✿✿

Eryx watched me with a slightly narrowed brow. He cupped my cheek, and I leaned into the warmth of his touch.

“There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you,” he whispered, pressing his forehead to mine. ” I would kill any man, go any distance, and burn the whole world down if it meant keeping you safe.”

✿✿ TUESDAY ✿✿

“I do not fear death because I’m afraid of dying, Ery… I fear it because it would take me from you.”

✿✿ WEDNESDAY ✿✿

We kissed then, letting our oath circle around us and settle in our hearts. His lips tasted of salt from my tears, but neither of us seemed to mind. All that mattered was each other.

✿✿ THURSDAY ✿✿

I growled in the back of my throat as the realization struck that from that moment forth, he’d be even more protective. One injury and I was suddenly a damsel in need of saving. But then he lay down behind me and pulled me into his arms, and any complaints vanished from my lips.

Somehow, he had mended the broken fragments of my mind with one gentle embrace.

✿✿ FRIDAY ✿✿

Whether we stayed in Sparta or went off to war, he would be with me, and that thought over-shadowed anything else.

“Are you listening?” he asked in a humored manner.

“Of course,” I answered, opening my eyes and looking at him—memorizing the way the faint light danced along his naked form. “What happened next?”

✿✿ SATURDAY ✿✿

“When you are near, it’s as if my soul reaches out to touch yours,” he spoke, moving his fingers along my jaw and staring at me with a look that made my stomach flutter. “To reconnect with a missing piece. And when we part, I leave that piece with you.”