A New Year Resolution

A new year what does that mean? While I am not one big on resolutions I do try to use the new year as a time to start over. 2017 was not the worst year I have had but was a difficult one physically but I feel like in the end it may not have turned out so bad. I did not do one run in 2017. I started out the year with a pretty purple cast I spent a total of  5 weeks of 2017 wearing this thing.


During my recovery my physical therapist advised that I no longer run. I tried to stay active with the cast however it was difficult especially with the ice storm and inability to drive. I continued to recover the cast had its own effects on my mobility but soon I was nearly back to normal. Then on Memorial day I woke up with vertigo for the first time. This was depressing as I spent most of a week laying down it took nearly a full month to recover from this but was able to return to activity after a couple of weeks. Luckily my physical therapist was able to recommend a partner of hers who specialized in vertigo. The dog didn't mind all the time I spent laying down but I sure did. The first half of the year was rough.

For my 41st birthday my husband got me the most wonderful gift. He knew that I needed to be out moving and that I missed running. Cardio at the gym just wasn't for me.
I am so thankful for this gift. It literally changed my life.















Eventually I made it back to my other love PIYO, I finally got to use the mat I had gotten for Christmas in 2016. I had been avoiding it as I was doing my workouts in shoes and did not want to ruin my pretty mat. A friend facing injury invited my to a climbing party as she prepared for surgery. I went thinking I would try it. It was harder than I ever thought and after the first try I was wishing I hadn't come. I pushed through, and with love and encouragement of the ladies I was with I finally made it to the top.

Near the end of the year I have joined some local women for an Insanity class, started going to a cycle studio and have met many new people sharing my love of working out. So while the year had a rough start where I felt like I would never get my fitness back. I am thankful that I have and have gained something that may seem small to others but with my setbacks physically and my old shoulder injury I was able to do something I never thought I would.

A plank on my toes. I have always been one to stay on my knees and recently realized that I could do this. So while 2017 started pretty rough I'm happy to see what I have gained. Climbing to the top of that wall, riding twenty miles, and planking on my toes these all would have been great resolutions. So think of that as you look forward to the new year. Things that challenge you that you can work toward and accomplish.  

I am looking forward to what 2018 will bring. 

We have all wanted to push motivation on to others. When they complain about their weight or not feeling well, or are generally not happy with where they are at. I want to find them the solution, I want to tell them about the freedom I have had with Whole30, and the exercise that I have come to love.

Reality is though you cannot give motivation in that way. 

A few months ago while listening to one of my favorite podcasts she spoke to me (okay I know she wasn't speaking directly to me) but her message definitely landed right in my heart. She talked about being the lighthouse. The lighthouse does not go out to sea to rescue the boats but rather stands on shore and shows them the way. The boats must come on their own. After hearing this I stop trying to recruit those around me to join me in this lifestyle. Those closest to me will be with me whether they workout or not. I cannot convince anyone to change their life if they are not ready. 

I took a second step and changed some of those who were around me. 

My neighbor who teaches great classes at our local grange. I met some other great people who share my goals. 

I started going to the new cycle studio I have met several people there who enjoy getting a good sweat on. A friend even contacted me who wanted to go to her first spin class, we had never worked out together before but it was great. She then purchased and at home bike and is getting her sweat on!

Three of my close friends have joined or returned to the gym. On their own when they were ready. 

Not waiting for the new year but just doing it, not for me, not for anyone but for them. 

Another friend has embraced whole30 and sends me recipes often and does PIYO at home and shares a love for this workout.

My co-worker who shares her runs, and strength class and cheers me on. 

A co-worker shared with me last week while she isn't able to attend the class I was inviting to her, she has found a buddy and they are doing a great circuit workout at the gym. 

A friend who just turned 35 is planning to run 35 races in her 35th year! 

While I can't workout with these ladies each day, knowing that we are all virtually getting our sweat on is awesome. I love hearing how people are taking care of themselves every step to better health is a step in the right direction. A 5 minute walk, or choosing a healthier way of eating. 

This motivates me, to keep going, keep sweating!