2015 was quite the roller coaster year. I started off in January with all cylinders firing. I had a big season in 2014 racing 4 IM, 3 70.3s and finished off the season strong with my best ever finish: a 4th at IMFL. I was pumped for 2015 and had some big goals. Early in the year things were looking great, my biking and running had improved a lot over the winter and I was excited to test out my new fitness at some early races. Unfortunately my hip injury got in the way of that and I had to take a step back and rethink my year. Instead of pumping in lots of training and racing, I was watching all the seasons of Friends while recovering from surgery and trying to ramp back up to my previous fitness. With the help of some amazing people (my coach Tara, my surgeon, my PT Lucas, my family and friends) I feel like I am now on the other side of it. My bike fitness is at or better than pre surgery and my swim fitness has improved from pre surgery. My run is still coming back, but it was encouraging to run a 10K at Thanksgiving (with very little intensity in run training at that point) and only be 30 sec off from my PR. I can't thank my friends, family, sponsors, coach etc enough for helping me to get back. Now I am looking forward to some great, exciting goals for 2016. However, first and foremost I just want to train and race healthy this coming year and enjoy being a part of this great sport.
Top: a couple days after surgery with my friend John who broke his knee 2 weeks beforehand.
Bottom: my first run outside
Top: getting to ride outside
Bottom: my first race back with my best bud June: the doggy dash 5K
An unexpected great result at a local Turkey Trot 10K, the greatest part being that I was able to push myself without my hip getting in the way
In some ways being injured was a blessing in disguise. I had gotten a little burned out in 2014 and this forced me to take a step back and remember why I love triathlon. Sometimes having something taken away makes you realize how much you love it and want it in your life. Building back slowly made me appreciate every run, even the ones in a cold rain or when it might be nice to sleep in. I was also very busy finishing up my dissertation and at many times was happy to not have a heavy training load on my plate when things got crazy.
After I successfully passed my PhD defense, this is my committee
After my graduation ceremony in December
I also had the opportunity to do lots of things that I might not have done if I had been training and racing full steam.
We went kayaking with our pups:
I volunteered at a couple races:
I enjoyed moments like this:
I did my first swim meet and didn't belly flop on the start:
We cheered on coach Tara at a 50 miler and went for a great hike with a friend:
I got into rock climbing and husband and I are trying to go on more little trips together:
And lastly, our fur kids have appreciated lots of walks, easy runs and fat tire rides:
This year has not only taught me to appreciate being healthy, training and racing. It has also taught me to make time for the little things, to be more relaxed and to get outside my comfort zone and try new things. Overall, even with the surgery setback, 2015 was a great year. I celebrated being married to Brian for 3 years (and it's just gotten better each year!). I improved in several areas athletically. I took on more coaching clients and am learning a lot from them and enjoying the challenge and rewards of coaching. I taught my own lecture for the second semester, am enjoying teaching and feel like I am continuing to find new ways to connect with students. Lastly, I finally finished graduate school! It's a bit scary to be on the hunt for a job but I am looking forward to what is in store for Brian and I wherever we end up. Onward to 2016, it's going to be a great year. Happy New Years to everyone!
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