Goodbye 2016, Hello 2017

Guys! Happy New Year!

If you had told me last January, when I was recovering from surgery and my car had just gotten stolen that I would end up fondly looking back on this past year…. well, I would have probably laughed. But here we are. 2016 was an amazing year and I’m sad to say goodbye. I tried to write a post listing all of my favorite things from the past 12 or so months, but I don’t think that would even begin to give those moments justice. So I will just say that I am incredibly thankful for all of the people and experiences that enriched my life over the past 12 months.

A defining moment of 2016 came in mid-September when I crossed the finish line of my very first triathlon. This was something I had put on my bucket list almost 10 years ago but always let circumstances stop me from accomplishing. Some of those circumstances were valid, like a knee surgery, but most of them were just excuses. When I look back on my 3-month journey training for a sprint triathlon, crossing the finish line is not the only thing that stands out in my mind. Some other things- I felt very strong. I slept better. I realized I could avoid injury if I followed a smart strength training plan. I connected with other triathletes. My life became more organized because I had to fit my trainings into my schedule. I injured my wrist in a bike accident and spent 6 weeks in a cast. This kept me from swimming for over half of my training and offered the perfect excuse to drop out of the race. But I kept going anyway. And all of those things, not just crossing the finish line, taught me so many lessons about life, commitment and myself. I loved it.

So as we move into 2017 and many of us are making New Year’s Resolutions about nutrition, health, wellness and weight loss, let’s continue to remember: reaching a goal is also about the journey, not just the destination.

When I think about nutrition, I think about a meal prepared at home with fresh ingredients and then shared with a person that I love. I think about trying new foods and learning how to prepare things I’m unfamiliar with. I think about my day and what I’m going to eat, and how those foods are going to affect my energy, health and overall well-being. When I think about exercise, I think about things I love- spending time on my bike, going for a quick jog to get some fresh air, or taking a long walk with my dog.

Health is not one-size-fits-all. Do what works for you in 2017. I bet if you focus on enjoying the journey that you will be much more happier once you reach the destination.

Cheers to 2017 <3

Sam