Yes, I know. I’ve been gone a long time. I needed a break, but I am back! Pinkie swear.
And just like that, a whirlwind year is coming to a close. I can’t lie, lately I’ve been itching for 2013 to start. 2012 brought some significant challenges and I am ready for a fresh start. While I know you can have a fresh start any time, there’s something that just feels good about a new year.
I always liked the start of a new school year — new notebooks and pencils, shiny new shoes, and a chance to start over. Now that I’m no longer following a school schedule, the New Year brings that chance for me.
There’s just something so BIG and exciting about the first day of a new year.
To be fair, 2012 wasn’t all bad. Here are some of my highlights from the past year:
I started a new job that I absolutely love. January 23, 2012 was my very first day as a Team Challenge Endurance Manager. I was nervous to take the plunge and start a new job, but I couldn’t be happier that I took a risk and sent in that application. One year later, I can still say with confidence that it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I wake up excited to go to work almost every single day. I know that’s not a given and I feel truly blessed to get paid to do something I love so much.
Yes, this is me at work. In Napa, California. It’s okay to be jealous.
I finally got a second opinion and a new GI doctor. I was oh-so-reluctant to make this change, and I am so glad I did. Dr. Cohen has led me to a better understanding of my disease, updated my diagnosis, and has helped me to take charge of my health for the first time in a long time.
I raised $5200 for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America as a Team Challenge Participant. I had alot going on this summer, to say the least. I was hesitant to sign up to be a Team Challenge participant for the brand-new Nashville race, but I knew that my chances to be a participant were limited. (I can’t participate at any race that Team Illinois has a team, because I’m working!) I bit the bullet and signed up, and I am so glad that I did. I ended up being the event’s top fundraiser and having a blast in Nashville with friends. It was a much-needed “Lauren weekend” in the midst of a tough time, and I am proud to have raised $10,000 for CCFA in a year’s time. (Between Las Vegas 2011 and Nashville 2012)
Fellow Endurance Manager Becky and me, showing off our Top Fundraiser bibs
I set a PR in the 10k! I actually never posted about this race, but donning a Grinch t-shirt in cold, rainy weather, I managed to run a 1:09:16 10k — taking 3:21 off my previous best. I was thrilled and surprised!
Apparently this is my “ready to run fast” face
I changed and grew. A whole lot. In good ways. Much happened this year that I chose not to document online. The nitty gritty was saved for family and a few close friends. Suffice it to say that I am happier, stronger, and ready to take on 2013 in a big way!
How did 2012 treat you? Are you sad to see it go or ready for 2013? Maybe both?
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Great post! I am glad that you are in a job that you love at this point and congrats on how much you did for CCFA! Amazing!
Jeremy recently posted..2012 What A Year!
2012 has brought lots of change! Here’s to an awesome 2013!
Betsy recently posted..pv.Body Review
Sounds like a great year and congratulations on enjoying the new job. I myself am facing a job shift in the next week or two that may come with a move. Always exciting but I never look forward to the actual moving part..
Good luck, Levi!
Lauren recently posted..Start the Next Chapter: My 2013 Resolutions
In 2012 my boyfriend of three years and I broke up, which broke my heart to say the least. This came six months after my mom passed away from colon cancer. It was a tough year.
So I started running. I have never really liked running but all of a sudden I had lots of time on my hands and I wanted to lose my relationship weight. So i ran a mile, then two, then I discovered pandora on my iPhone and realized that I can run a lot more than I think I can. And now I’m doing my first 10k in a couple of weeks and I actually look forward to my long runs which is something I never thought possible. I am not a fast runner by any means, but like you said in your post, who cares? I enjoy it, and so what if I never win any races. I can run further than I could only a few months ago.
I’m so glad you are enjoying running as an outlet! My marriage ended in 2012 — my ex and I had been together for nearly eight years and married for four. It was a tough, emotional time and running helped me take time for myself and clear my head. (Even slow running!)