The Chi-Athlete: From 'Best Year Ever', to 'New Best Year Ever'.

So, I have been the worst blogger. No updates, no picture-taking (which aided in the lack of updates), and I haven't had time to stalk any of you. Of course, I apologize. I love reading about everyone's life and training updates, especially over the holidays. I have a lot of reading to catch up on.:) I just dropped off my Momma at the airport, after she flew in for Christmas. We have been running around, relaxing, more running, more relaxing, and with all of that, I haven't even sat in front of the computer for longer than a few minutes.

2014 has been probably the best year of my life. That says a lot, huh? (I could either be saying that all of my years have been super lame and this one had stuff going on, or that this one just held so many fantastic memories...and if you guessed the latter, then you win! YAY!)

I ran in weather conditions I never thought I could even walk in...hellooooooooo, Chiberia!

I got to visit (and run a half marathon in) my Hometown.

Survived more Chiberia.

I met wonderful people whom encouraged me to push my limits as an athlete. And as a food-lover. And beer-drinker.

Sophs ran her first 5K, with her Daddy.:)

I trained a bit.

In some pretty places.

I reached goals. BIG TIME.

So did Harry! Sub-4:00 marathon for both of us!

Side note to reaching goals: I've said for years that I would eat a Big Mac if I ever sub-4:00 a marathon. I haven't eaten at McDonald's in ten years, and I broke that streak this year. I don't have another challenge like this in place, nor do I forsee one ever existing.:P

I got the job of my dreams.

And was offered a future with the man of my dreams.

So yeah, this year has been so damn awesome, I can hardly stand it. Where some people are excited to see their 2014 go bye-bye, I'm sad to see it go. HOWEVER, I'm stoked to see what happens in 2015! It's already shaping up to be a pretty cool year. Check out my race schedule here!
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And speaking of which, 2015 = My return year to triathlon.

I haven't participated in triathlon since last year, and several years before that. I only have three tri races on the agenda so far, but I know that I'll add a couple more events. My 'A' race for the year will be the Border Wars Triathlon, which is a Half (Ironman) Distance race in October. This will be my first half distance race, and I'm STOKED about it!

Something I learned this past year is to just breathe and let things fall into place. I'm taking this, and several other lessons, with me into 2015. I accepted at the beginning of the Chicago Marathon that it was going to hurt. A lot. And it did, but realizing from the start that things were going to go beyond my level of discomfort was the key to getting through it. Is that something I can apply to life? In many ways, yes.:)