2014 New Year's Resolutions

                

Now that we have entered a new year it is time to start setting new goals for myself. 2013 was filled with many changes that paved the way for self discovery as I found a new passion in my life for better health and fitness. I began with taking on the Insanity challenge which was then followed with my first 5k. I instantly fell in love with running and became addicted to the happiness it brings when I complete a run. Now I am onto new challenges and self improvements. With that being said here are my resolutions for 2014:

1. Start a blog. I have always enjoyed journaling and writing so I wanted a place to share my thoughts and passions with the others.  I hope this blog is something I can be proud of and a place for others to get tips as I continue to learn or just be entertained.

2. Run a 10k & 15k. I am able to run a 10k comfortably but I'm still working up the last few miles to complete a 15k. I need to find a 10k to register for but I am currently registered for the Hot Chocolate 15k January 26th.

3. Improve my 5k time. It's very important to never settle with a certain time just because I am training for longer distances. Improvement in my time will help me in all future races. My goal is to shave off at least 1-2 minutes off my avg pace by the end of the year.

4. Half Marathon. Goals 2 and 3 are in preparation to finish 13.1 miles with a decent time by spring. 

5. Complete a Spartan Race. This is more as a family goal. My 5 year old son loves running and being outdoors so what better way to have some fun as a family. My husband and I will race the sprint in March and later in the day our son will run in the kids race. My personal goal is to complete more obstacles on the course than having to do burpees for not be able to. Either way we will enjoy getting muddy and earning those finishing metals together.

6. Obtain my Personal Training Certification. Last year I finally figured out what I wanted to do in life as a career. For 5 years I worked in advertising for a couple of agencies but always felt stressed and unhappy at the end of the day. After some friends sought me out to help them with their fitness goals and diet plans, I quickly realized it was something I would be happy to do for a living. Helping others feel better about themselves and creating a path for them to follow while guiding them along the way would bring me joy. I am currently studying and completing my course work. In 8 weeks I will take my test to get certified.

7. Complete a Triathlon (Sprint distance). Did I mention I started riding bikes as well? One of my close and dear friends has a passion for cycling and begged me to go for one ride with her while she trained for an upcoming goal she had set for herself. Yep...I enjoyed that too. So, my hubs and I bought some inexpensive bikes just to make sure we were up for even training for something like this. We started training this past August and our event date is our One year Anniversary weekend in April. With the help of my stepdad we began the swimming portion of the training. (I guess it doesn't hurt he used to swim for UGA.) So in short I don't care if my time is embarassing, I only want to complete this with my husband by my side.

8. Become a Spartan Trifecta member. By the end of the year I would like to have completed the sprint, super and beast Spartan races. In doing so I will be a Trifecta member!

9. Become more flexible and advance in my Yoga moves. I enjoy this time to myself or with a few close friends in a class setting. I want to improve on my breathing and positions.

10. Volunteer for a charity. I want my time to also be about helping others towards a common goal to better the lives of others. I also want my child to grow up understanding there is joy in doing good not for selfish reasons but to see others in a better state. I found a cool website createthegood.org I plan to find a charity our family can asist with our time.

11. Gain new friendships/ Strengthen Old ones. I believe we are all put on this earth to learn from one another and to better ourselves in understanding how we should interact with each other. I have many wonderful friends but I love meeting new people and hearing their story. I want to aslo take the close friendships that I do have and remember to listen more and talk less; to make sure I am a positive person in their life not someone who drags them down.

12. Worry less. No need to expand on this we all know what it means to worry. I need remember to give everything in my day to day life up to God and know I as long as I follow the path He sets for me, He will give the tools and strength I need to get where I am meant to be.

13. Enjoy this Life I was given. Last but not least on my baker's dozen resolution list, I want to just enjoy each moment in the moment with my huband, my son, family and friends. Making it count and making memories we can charish. Be a better wife, better mother, better friend. This life is precious and was graciously given, I want to live a life I can be proud of and more importantly a life lived in Christ.