They say you should go into a new year of life feeling refreshed, but I decided to go into 37 smelling like a gourmet meal.

This past weekend, my husband and I headed to the stunning Rosemary Hill in Pretoria for a 15km trail run. We weren’t alone, of course; our two German Shorthaired Pointers, Rose and Connor, were leading the charge. Usually, we’re the “race against the clock” types, pushing for a top-three finish. But today? Today was about the memories.

A Trail for the Senses

If you’ve never run through Rosemary Hill, picture this: endless stretches of bushes, flowers, lavender, and—as the name suggests—rosemary everywhere.

I brushed against so many rosemary bushes that I honestly started to feel like a Sunday roast ready to be popped into the oven alongside some infused potatoes. It’s a miracle the dogs didn’t try to take a bite out of me!

We kept a steady pace together, only interrupted by my occasional sprints or Connor’s need to investigate a specific leaf that he was certain was about to fall 5km back. The highlights were the stream crossings—a total win for the dogs, who got to cool their paws and take in the scenery at their own level.

Strength in the Family

While we were out on the 15km loop, the rest of the family was busy making their own milestones:

• The Finish Line Crew: Our daughter, Kimberley, held down the fort with our senior Maltese Poodles. Sammie is turning 14 this May, and his daughter Bella will be 12 in March. They aren’t exactly marathon runners these days, so they were more than happy to enjoy the slow pace and cuddles at the finish.

• A True Warrior: My mother-in-law joined us and tackled the 5km walk. She is currently navigating a incredibly tough journey with brain cancer, yet her determination to stay active and her refusal to let anything get her down is nothing short of heroic. Seeing her out there was the most inspiring part of the entire day.

Saying Goodbye to 36

With my 37th birthday just five days away, this was the perfect way to close the chapter on being 36. No pressure, no staring at the stopwatch—just nature, family, and the smell of herbs.

Next time we return to these trails, we might run for time now that we know the twists and turns. But for this weekend? It was exactly what the soul needed.

37, I’m ready for you.