I noticed at the New Year's Eve party I went to that my resolutions this year were a bit different than in years past. And the reactions of the other guests to hearing my resolutions were different as well. I got asked the typical question, "What are your New Year's resolutions?" several times that night. And, in each case, the person asking the question was pretty much speechless at the answer.
Well, here goes: I intend to break an hour in a 10K. I will run a 10 mile race. I will also complete a half marathon. I will do at least one century bike ride this summer, maybe two. I will make sure that my work allows me to pursue my personal goals despite new obstacles that are surfacing which are beyond my control. I will fully enjoy the summer months and everything I can now do. And in my personal life ... well, those goals don't rely solely on me, so I won't post them here.
I intended to and started the year off with an indoor triathlon this past Sunday. I was very happy with my overall performance, completing 20+ laps in 10 minutes swimming, 9.5 miles (19MPH or 103 RPM) biking on a spinner bike for 30 minutes, and running 2.39 miles in 20 minutes. I just found out I was 5th amongst the women (52 total), and 22 overall (out of 92), with total results posted here. I topped that day off with an 18 mile bike ride and a killer sunset.
I was humbled when I put together my Christmas letter this year to see all I had done physically in the past year. I could never have done that on my own, without guidance, and without the support of a few key friends, coworkers, and family members who helped with training, came to events, or just didn't tell me I was crazy (well, some did, but I really just didn't let them stop me).
I didn't realize the effect of everything I did on others until I got one particular Christmas card in the mail. It was from someone who had survived cancer in this past year. Someone who had known me for years remotely, and had inspired me a great deal in college and just after. The card read something like: "Thank you for the annual update. It was inspiring to see your progress and it gives me hope that I can reclaim some of myself after the chemo and radiation." I didn't know he was sick, nor did I dream that my "annual update" would be able to help someone in that kind of situation.
I know a lot of people were anxious to get rid of 2014. Not me. Not after all that was bright and beautiful and new last year.So, here's to another bright and shining new year, with the promise of new falling snow, sparkly ski slopes, crackling fires under starry skies, tinkling streams, waving grass, misty meadows, startled wildlife, roaring ocean waves, and whatever other adventures await!
