90 Days to 50: Why I’m Choosing to Level Up, Not Slow Down
This week marks 90 days until my 50th birthday and instead of dreading this milestone or being sad about it, like I know some people get, I am excited and choosing to lean in with more energy, strength and purpose than I ever have. I am more committed than ever to taking care of myself — not out of punishment, but out of deep respect for the body and life I’ve been given.
Honestly, when I talk about this milestone with friends, I can’t believe how I got here, how we all got here. Lots of life has happened—some amazing and some pretty effing terrible—but I’m still standing and standing strong. I want to keep it that way.
Conversations with friends have shifted over the years and we joke around a lot about it. Now we talk about perimenopause, supplements, more aches than we used to have and getting more protein in. I still won’t subscribe to the “guess this is just what happens when you get old” narrative. I really hate when I hear that.
We have control and agency in our lives, how we age, how we feel - we just need to take it.
Aging is such a privilege - we forget that sometimes. My late husband didn’t get to experience this milestone and that hits hard. It has also been a constant motivator for me to make the most of my time on this earth, with this life.
My 40s were some of the best and worst years of my life. I became the strongest, most confident and most resilient version of myself, both inside and out. That didn’t come by chance. How we show up for ourselves matters and each choice we make contributes to the life we’re living.
I get it - life is freaking busy and there are SO many things that get in the way from us prioritizing ourselves and our health. But the truth is, you will become the best version of yourself if you do.
I decided to take these next 90 days to level up and share my journey with you. If you’re on your own path, and want to level up, take this as some ammo to help you do that - maybe an idea or two will come to mind.
If you’re feeling stuck, run down, or like your body isn’t cooperating the way it used to — I want you to know:
It is never too late to make a shift.
It’s not about being perfect.
It’s about choosing to show up, one small step at a time.
F “Over the Hill”. I’m Building My Next Peak.
There’s a message we’ve all subscribed to somewhere along the way that midlife means slowing down — that we should stick with the status quo, expect less from our bodies, from our energy, from ourselves.
But here’s what I’ve learned (and what science keeps telling us):
✅ Building muscle at midlife isn’t just possible — it’s critical for metabolic health, bone strength, hormone balance and longevity.
✅ Nourishing your body with the right foods can change EVERYTHING about how you feel (and look) — your focus, your mood, your energy levels, your sleep.
✅ And the way we talk to ourselves? The stories we tell about what’s possible? That’s where the real power lies.
I’m done buying into the narrative that this season is about winding down.
I’m rewriting the story.
I’m choosing to thrive.
My 90-Day Focus: Fitness, Nutrition, and Mindset
Fitness: How I’m Currently Training
I’ve committed to a consistent workout plan that makes me feel strong, energized, and capable — not burned out.
I’ll listen to my body and give it rest and recovery when it needs and calls for it.
For those interested in my current weekly split (which I’m also sharing for accountability):
Monday: HIIT
Tuesday: lower body strength
Wednesday: upper body strength, Zone 2 cardio
Thursday: cardio & core
Friday: lower body strength
Saturday: upper body strength, core, Zone 2 cardio
Sunday: rest day (walk, yoga, stretch, etc)
NOTE: I’ve worked years to get to this routine which I absolutely love but remember that everyone is different, and if you’re just starting out, a couple days a week is a great start!
Nutrition: Fueling My Body to Support My Goals
Lifting weights and movement is only part of the equation. The real magic happens when we fuel our bodies well.
What this looks like for me:
Eating whole, real foods as much as possible.
Building balanced meals that include plenty of colorful vegetables, quality carbs like quinoa or fruit, healthy fats, and lean proteins
Prioritizing protein at every meal (I aim for 95–110g daily)
Getting 25–30g of fiber daily for gut health and blood sugar balance
Staying hydrated (w/ electrolytes in the morning)
Paying attention to the foods I’m sensitive to and eating to support my body - to fuel my workouts, support my hormones and feel my best daily.
Enjoying occasional treats without guilt or shame.
Mindset, Recovery and Daily Habits
What I’ve learned over the years is this: you can’t outwork poor recovery.
So part of my 90-day plan is making sure I’m caring for my nervous system and mental well-being just as much as my muscles.
That includes:
Morning sunlight (thanks to my pup, Otto, for the AM walks!) and movement to support my circadian rhythm
Prioritizing 7–8 hours of sleep (because hormones and muscle repair need it!)
Self-reflection and gratitude practices to manage stress and negative thoughts
Scheduling in rest and recovery days — because more isn’t always better
Consistency over perfection. Always.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve to Thrive in This Season (Not Just Get Through It)
Whatever stage of life you’re in, the truth is: It’s never the wrong time to take care of you.
I’m excited about this next chapter. The best gift I can give myself—and that you can give yourself—is the commitment to keep showing up.
Not with punishment.
Not with shame.
But with respect. With care. With love.
I’m here to level up. Who’s in?!
If this resonated and you’re ready to feel stronger, healthier, and more energized this season, I’d love to support you.
What’s one thing you’re ready to commit to for yourself right now?
Because midlife isn’t about winding down. It’s about stepping into your power. LFG!