As we head into the holiday season, I find myself reflecting upon 2010. I find that as many people age, they become less enthusiastic, less willing to try new things, and they dip into this vicious cycle of complacency. Although I am only 24, I have vowed to myself to never let this happen to me---we will see if it can hold true. As I look back over the past year, I find myself smiling for all of the new opportunities I have been lucky to have since moving to Colorado.
Many of these opportunities didn't start until March 2010.
March 2010 is the month that I finally was able to move away from my past relationships and on to new people and things. I took a leap of faith and found a new running buddy, best friend, and later, boyfriend in Dan Simpson. Little did I know that this person would expand my horizons farther than ever before. In my opinion, this is what a significant other should do for you--challenge, love, and support you. Through Dan I have done things I had never done before---from climbing to roadtripping through the desert, there is never a dull moment with him in my life. Every weekend is a plan to do a new adventure---how many people can say this about their own lives?
Also in March, I signed up for my first marathon. After years of being told that the 26.2 is the best fit distance for me, I decided to check it out for myself in the Chicago Marathon! After some haphazard, inconsistent training, I took on the challenge in October. I think it may be up there with one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Despite the heat, I plowed through the 26.2 without too many problems, and for the little amount of training, surprised myself with a sub-3hr debut. I vowed to never do as little training for another marathon again, but was glad that I enjoyed my first experience!
In May, frustrated with working retail on Pearl Street, I needed more of a challenge. I heard about a job opening in the warehouse at World Triathlon Corporation in Boulder. Now, warehouse work isn't really my type of thing, especially with a college degree from a school like Richmond, but I went into it with the attitude that I would make it work, and I would move into a role that better fit me. I took the job at WTC and quit my other job at Powell's. It took me about 2 months of folding and inventorying clothes, but I eventually moved into an office role, mostly doing random jobs for different departments in our Boulder office. Time progressed and I found myself fitting best in the Operations department at WTC. After some hard work and quite a few talks with my boss, I was able to seal a salaried deal to be able to travel to some Ironman races next year, where I will be helping to organize banquets, ordering awards, and working with athlete services and requests. All of this happened in 6 months. You see, I never let myself settle, who knows where this could take me in my future? All that I know is that I get to work with an endurance sports company, and for me, that is a dream come true.
The summer found me everywhere from road trips into Utah to climbing 14ers to jumping over fire in endurance races. Who says you can't have fun when you are an adult?
Of course, I cant forget all of the wonderful people that I met out here this year (there are many that I met in 2009 as well and have been mentioned last year). Emma Keenan, whom Ill never forget running into in Whole Foods and randomly asking, are you that girl that runs on the Fleet Feet team? haha. Always there for a good run, good laugh, and good talk---a girl that is wise beyond her years, Im so thankful that I met her. Holly Cooper and Ryan VanHalle, one of the coolest and most adventurous couples I know. If you want an extreme couple to go on an adventure with, they are it! Chris LeMare, a buddy of Dan's since his childhood. A guy who always has a good story, it has been inspirational watching him turn into a runner, able to finish his first marathon in October. Sara Nelson and Jessica Gammey, my girls that I work with---the most helpful and amazing girls around---it has been an honor learning from you.
And this entry wouldn't be complete without a mention of the training group that I am a part of. Frustrated with the lack of training buddies in Boulder, I have finally found a wonderful group of people to train with---coached by legendary Steve Jones. We have no name, but simply come together each week to push each other to be the best that we can be---something that I have searched long and hard for out here. I have been honored to train with Olympian Kathy Butler (2:28 marathon!!!), Colleen De Reuck, and Nicole Aish, as well as Deanna Ardry, Amanda McCracken, and Andrea and Erica Viger. I get to see Jorge Torres bolt ahead on his workouts along with some other speedy men. It is all that I could ask for and more. To be able to have a group of fast people that I can learn from and count on, is a dream come true. I now have the confidence and support to know that come 2011, I will be ready to make a serious run at the Olympic Trials in the marathon.
There is so much more that occurred in 2010 than I can even put into words--- it is an understatement that this has been the best year of my life. A little over a year ago, I took a leap, moved to Colorado, and my life has changed forever. I will continue to write about my experiences out here, not to brag, but simply to inspire anyone who reads this. Always remember: Never give up, and never stop challenging yourself. For in the end, you will find peace and happiness, in all the years of your life.
Until next time....
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