Looking Forward

It's fall, my favorite time of the year.  As I watch nature gracefully shed summer luster and reveal autumn's sheer beauty I can't help but think about what I have accomplished (or maybe not accomplished) this past year and start looking forward to what my next year's goals may be.

Looking back in 2012 at my professional life I marvel at how absolutely everyone on our project team pulled together and weathered quite the storm while bringing up multiple new systems for our labs.  This involved a lot of hard work, dedication, perseverance, countless hours, and some shedding of tears. But we did it and my hope is that we are better for it as this is still playing itself out.  (I know I have learned tons and feel I am in a better place.)  I am told by those who have gone before us that the first year is tough.  We are nearly half way there.

My fitness goals this year revolved around signing up and completing my first duathlon.  I had my sights set on the Iron Girl.  What I did not expect was what I would see when I got there.  On the road to Iron Girl I decided to sign up for one other duathlon, the Minneapolis Duathlon, to get my feet wet.  That race almost did not happen, but with the support of my family and them not allowing me to quit, I completed my first duathlon in sub 2 hours. Not bad for a newbie I guess.

At Iron Girl, although it was my second duathlon, I encountered a wonderful community of women who were all remarkable in their own way.  It is an incredible experience to be a part of an event where countless women with their own stories come together with the same end in sight, to complete the Iron Girl.  This was a 2 mile run and a 22.8 mile bike followed by another 2 mile run.  There were 1350 women registered for this event so imagine the energy and excitement that chilly September morning.  To be part of this event, to feel the camaraderie of so many positive women moving together towards a common goal and encouraging one another along the way, was inspiring .  As I stood at the finish line and listened to names of others as they crossed the finish line I could not help but feel happy and proud for each of them...such as the 71year old, the obviously expectant mother, or the cancer survivors.  It is impossible to describe, only thing I can say is how incredible the human spirit really is.

So as I look forward to 2013 I am thinking what next? Of course more duathlons are in store as I found I just love the bike portions of these races.  I have also fastened my eyes on finding a trail run, some century rides / races,  MTB'ing in Elm Creek and beyond, and maybe.... just MAYBe ...I may experiment with a beginner triathlon along the way even though I do not like to swim.  I guess that's how I step out of my box.  How about you?  What do you have in mind for 2013?

Be Well