12/3/2014
Another year complete. I love birthdays as a time to celebrate accomplishments and set new goals. It is the one day a year that is all about you and that should be embraced. This particular birthday is somewhat special because I am starting the last year of my 30’s. As I am always a goal setter, I want to set them even higher and accomplish even more. But first I want to reflect on my thirties.
Ten years ago, I was at a Christmas party talking with a friend about running. During the conversation he suggested that I do the Gate River Run, he also mentioned triathlons; he planted a seed and I decided I should do both, the Gate River Run and a triathlon (I am easily influenced and there may have been wine involved). In 2005 I ran my first race and completed 5 triathlons including an Olympic and off road triathlon. I fell in love with endurance events. In the last 10 years, I went on to complete many more triathlons, marathons and other crazy races. I did not only fall in love with the sport, but I fell in love with all the people I met and the relationships I built. I have lifelong friends and memories because of this sport and the amazing athletes that have pushed me to be stronger and work harder.
The same year, 2005, I also had the opportunity to change careers, which led me to become a personal trainer. I was able to work for a great company and worked with some amazing people who I learned so much from. Having this career has enabled me to share my passion for health and fitness and inspire others. I am so lucky to be able to work with such a wide variety of people and learn about each of these individuals and their stories. I feel I have learned more during my 30’s than I have in my first 30 years. I am really blessed to be able to love what I do every single day and have the privilege to help and inspire others.
So that leads me to “what’s next”? I definitely have some big goals I would like to reach in my next 10 years. I want to climb Mt Kilimanjaro, I want to kayak with whales in Alaska and I want to hike the Inca trail. Those are dreams that won’t die, however bringing it closer to home, I am thinking of my last year of my 30’s. I have applied with Achilles International and hope to pace a vision impaired athlete at The New York City Marathon. Most of all, I look forward to working with my athletes and sharing their victories all year long. I have high expectations for them, just as I do myself and cannot wait to see what they are capable of.
No matter what year of your life you are in, live it like you want. Dream big and set sky high goals. But don’t forget to look and see how far you have come and enJoy the moment you are in!