A Look Ahead: 2011 Goals

As the year winds down I always find myself reflecting on how far I have come and where I want to go. Some may say that resolutions are for those who haven't yet learned to accept their own greatness, that they are looking to change something because they aren't satisfied with who they are now. I don't believe this to be true. For me, a resolution (be it New Year's related or otherwise) is more of a goal for how I can continue to evolve, as I have always done and will continue to do.

With every passing year I grow as a person and 2010 was no exception. I had a great year, full of many great memories and "firsts" that I will always be proud of. I challenged myself in ways that I never thought possible and exceeded my own expectations. I am proud of who I became this year. Goals for the year to come simply mean I can continue to add to my long list of accomplishments. I haven't reached my limit yet and I am definitely not willing to stop now!


In 2011 I vow to......

• Blog more. I love my blog (and all of you!) I really do. Through blogging I have held myself accountable, learned new things, been inspired and motivated and dealt with challenges. I want to do more of all of that and hopefully be a bit of it for you while I am at it.
• Make time to relax. I plan and schedule for everything possible except for time for me. I never intentionally give myself a chance to wind down, take a deep breath and just be. I will do that in 2011, even if I do have to put it in my day planner in order to get it done.
• Practice the principals of Intuitive Eating. I have struggled with mild bouts of binging and stress eating throughout the years and I want to adopt a more healthy approach to food by giving my body what it needs when it needs it (even if what it needs is a cupcake from time to time!)
• Experiment more in the...... kitchen (ha!I bet the Boyfriend almost did a cartwheel reading that) I plan on giving myself the fuel to be healthy, strong and happy but in doing that I want to be creative and awaken the taste buds and culinary skills I don't yet know that I have.
• Take more photos. I treated myself to 2 new cameras this year (Olympus Pen and Nikon Coolpix point and shoot) and I plan to put them to good use.
• PR at the 1/2 marathon in May. After much contemplation I am forgoing the 30k race in March to allow myself to train consistently for the Mississauga 1/2 marathon on May 15th. For some it may not be a one or the other deal but I know the training in April will matter if I plan to beat my own personal best and with a planned vacation to Cuba mid-month I can't afford the recovery time. Its a sacrifice but one I am willing to make.
• Try long distance cycling. The intention is to eventually complete a sprint duathalon.
• Make happiness the priority. I am currently reading The Happiness Project and plan to apply some of the principals to my daily life  After all, whats the point of the rest of this if I am not smiling when all is said and done right?

So there you have it. A list of ways that I plan to become an even better me! I can't wait to get started!


Happy New Year everyone!!

So tell me, what is one of your goals for 2011?

2010 in Photos

I rekindled a high school romance

I went on vacation to the Domincan Republic

I adopted the best dog ever!

I ran my first 10K

One week later I ran another one

I turned 28

I participated in a 24 hour relay for charity

I bachelorette partied it up

I ran a 10 Miler

I fell in love with photography (and cute dogs!)

I was a very proud bridesmaid

I went to the fake prom

I ate healthy food (most of the time)



I ran my first 1/2 marathon

And then I ran another one a few weeks later

I had a lot of fun!!



I can't wait to see what 2011 has in store for me (Check back tomorrow for my goals and resolutions)

So tell me, what is your favorite moment in 2010?

Meet my newest running buddy...

On a rainy day where both the dog needs a walk and you need a run sometimes you have to get creative...

I should mention, Barkley's not the "best" on a leash. Let's just say that Cesare Milan would have a field day with him. He's a sweet heart in every single way but the boy thinks he's a sled dog!

Nonethless 4k later, the pooch and I were damp and exhausted. Something about running with the dog (and making sure he didn't trip me about a zillion times) sure takes it outta ya!

I think Barkley agrees.

So tell me, who's your favorite workout buddy and why?

With the best of intentions..

With the best of intentions I wanted to run today...


With the best of intentions I meant to run three hills as a part of my training plan...


With the best of intentions I hoped to cover 5k total...


With the best of intentions I was going to keep warm despite the fact that it was cold and dark...


With the best of intentions I was going to burn off the Chinese food I had at lunch...


The odds were not in my favor.


I was tired.


This was the weather:

This was the elevation:

But guess what??


I ran the three hills (5k total, up and down) then proceeded to add another 4k to that total.


That's right kiddies, I ran 9 freakin' kilometres in zero degree Celsius temperatures (with 35k/hr winds), after a long day at work, when I wasn't sure if I wanted to even leave the house again after I got home.


Who am I??


Proud (and exhausted) is who I am!!


So tell me, when was the last time you exceeded your own expectations?