Reflecting Back on The Year 2013

It's now midway through the month of February, and aside from the frigid temperatures and snowy weather, I took a moment to reflect back on 2013. When I look at that year, I can’t help but laugh. I laugh because at the beginning of the year, I told myself to just jump in.  The hurdle is over (thyroidectomy) and you have to get back to yourself.

I thought about how a good friend of mine contacted me in the beginning of the year and said she needed me to help get her prepared for GOBA. I had no idea what that was. As I was listening to her talk more about wanting to get back in shape and this GOBA thing, I quickly searched for “GOBA” on the internet.  After scanning the site to get an understanding of what it was, I stopped her in midsentence and asked, “You do know that this is a cycling event riding 30 to 50 miles a day for a week?”  She replied that she knew what it was, all that was involved, how she paid her registration and can’t turn back now.

I guess we were on the same thought process for 2013. I told her, okay, let’s make it happen. I personally, had never been into “cycling”, I “rode” my bike on a path or two throughout the years, but nothing like this. She wanted me to get her ready. I was too eager to do so. As I started working on a training program for her, I realized, I’m going to have to do some rides with her.  

This was fine for me. I had been working out and trying to rebuild myself as well. I had took a break from training clients and was contemplating training again. So, her timing was perfect.

Before we knew it,  we were cycling, running, kayaking, and doing yoga.  Personally, I was getting back on track physically. We created a spreadsheet organizing all the events we were doing. Events such as Yoga Rocksthe Park, adventure races, 5k’s…I have to admit, 2013 was such a fun year. Talk about doing new things. I found myself cycling more miles in one year than I’ve done since I was in grade school and that was my only mode of transportation.

As far as GOBA, she did great! I was so taken back by her determination last year and so deeply moved. See, some major life events happened for her in 2013 too. She didn't let those things derail her.  She learned how to use fitness as an outlet and has achieved some major milestones last year. I am so proud of her. 

By the end of 2013, we managed to “infect” others and now have a few more individuals joining in on our fitness fanatic adventures. I love fitness and what it does to our bodies. It goes wayyyyyyyy back for me. How can what your passionate about not infect others.

Personally, things happen to everyone, but you need to maintain an outlet. Most times, it gives you the opportunity to work things out mentally and relieve stress.

Hopefully, you have started on your 2014 journey and have not fallen short or given up. I’m looking so forward to this year. ENJOY 2014‼!