Goodbye 2010 -- Hello 2011!

I had a blast ringing in the new year, maybe a little too much as New Year's Day was a complete day of recovery (spent on the couch watching the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills marathon).

Now its time to reminesce about 2010, and look forward to what 2011 will bring!

2010 was definitely a whirlwind year.

In January my hubby returned from Iraq!! The only downside was my work. It was busy season, and I was lucky to get one day off to spend with B. But the Welcome Home Party was epic, and I was SO glad to celebrate with so many friends and family who supported both of us while he was away.

By February I was still stuck in busy season and received the heart-breaking news that my grandma had a brain aneurysm. I was glad I was able to make a trip home and spend it with my her and my amazing mom and her sisters, as they took turns staying up all night with my grandma. She fought hard, but now is at peace and will be missed by so many.

The month of March brought light to the end of the tunnel called busy season (and the end of 60+ hour work weeks). B and I participated in the 100% Irish for a Day 5k. He ran with me the first half, which helped me boost my speed. It was cold, but I was pumped to finish it in 30:30, which I think was a PR for me. Another highlight this month was the completion of our kitchen remodel!

I am not sure what happened to April. I know we took a fun trip with friends to Chicago, but that's about all I recall from this month.

After months of working out together, my TBFL and I finally tested out our abilities in May. We completed an indoor triathlon and a local 5K. It was fun to see our hard work pay-off!  Knowing I could not sacrifice any more of my life to public accounting, with the help of a recruiter, I found an exciting opportunity - and took it!

In June, I quickly began to love my new job - the people, even the work, and of course "summer hours" (feel free to leave early on Friday!). This is also the month I took on and completed one of the hardest challenges in my life - Lake Waconia triathlon. I literally thought I would die, as all my leg muscles cramped up in the last few miles of the bike ride, but there was my TBFL ready to run the last leg of the race with me. And we did it!

The triathlon was intense and my body was physically and mentally drained. I thought taking a couple of weeks to rest and recoup would help, but when it didn't I finally went to the clinic in July to see whats up. I was quickly diagnosed with surprise - Type 1 Diabetes. I guess I have the grueling triathlon to thank, as who knows how long it would have gone on un-diagnosed. I kept my head up, and even completed another 5K.

I continued to learn how to manage my diabetes in August, while trying to keep my exercising up. I did the Twins 4K with my family, and was very pleased with my pace. I was unsure about the YWCA triathlon I had signed up for awhile back, but in the end pushed myself through it. It was awesome to do a women's only event with women of all fitness levels. This is one race I am going to do again! At the end of the month, I also did a military appreciation 5K with my hubby and friends.

B and I were in our best friends' wedding in September and I also completed a 36 mile bike tour with my TBFL. The events I participate in never seem to get easier, but the satisfaction when its over must be worth it, since I keep doing them!

In October I completed my first 10K. Another tough race for me, but was really happy with my 10 minute mile average pace!

November brought a new focus on strength training and just working out to work out. It felt good.

December was a family month, including my sister's big 3-0 celebration, a trip to Florida and a ND 4 Christmas tour. I felt so fortunate to be able to spend time with all of our family. I have been struggling with some new health issues that my Dr. hasn't figured out yet, but I am trying to not let it bring me down. I also found out that my awesome company is being acquired by a Fortune 500 company. Supposedly no one will lose their jobs when the deal closes in early 2011, but it will be interesting to see how my role and/or the work environment will change.

PHEW. That was one big year for me.

2011 my focus will be on staying positive. No need to be a worry-wart about things out of my control, that will work out in the end anyway.

I have already signed-up for the May 2011 Fargo Go Far Challenge, which will be a 5K and then a half-marathon the next morning. Time to get back in training mode!

Other plans include: my BFF's wedding in AZ in March; Tour de Cure in June; GERMANY vacation in June; YWCA triathlon in August; and IronGirl duathlon in September. I am sure some other great things will pop up between here and there ; ) Its going to be an awesome year!