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My cousin shared this photo on Facebook yesterday and it describes perfectly how I’ve been feeling lately. They say that nothing in life is guaranteed except death and taxes. I believe that change is also one of those items that is guaranteed in life. Everyone will undergo change in life, whether it’s physical, emotional, mental, intelligence, etc. We all change. It’s part of growing up.
Today marks the beginning of the 8th month of 2012. 2012 has been a big year for me thus far and I look forward to the rest of the year and whatever it has entailed for me. It’s been a big year for me in terms of professional, academic, and athletic goals. But it has been without some major ups and down. I had a bit of a rough patch in March/April where I began to question the people around me, my professional/personal goals, and myself. What did I really want to do in life? Was I making the right choices? Are my friends the right people I want to associated myself with? Am I happy on the current path I’m taking?
Interestingly enough, my life has taken a complete 180 since that time. The one person that I was quite upset with has turned into my main support system and it’s nice. It’s nice to have someone that for the most part understands your frustrations and crazy busy lifestyle. And also do things like ride with you and clean our bike 🙂 And it’s interesting that the people that I leaned on during those times are not there anymore. The one thing that I have learned over the past few years is that people change – for the better or the worst. I’ve also learned that some people just can’t accept when another person changes their goals or achieves success. I especially learned this one in college.
My triathlon race season is not over yet. I have less than 4 weeks to my big A race and paring any mechanical or nutritional issues on race day, I’m set up for a huge PR. However, I’ve been finding myself thinking about 2013 already. I’ve begun to start planning my fall “off-season.” I’m excited to just have fun this fall with a less rigorous training schedule. I’ve been longing for the days of boot camp classes and yoga. I also want to run. I’ve always hated running, but this year I really fell in love with it and there are many days I’ve just rather run than bike or swim. Talk about a complete 180 here too! 2013 is going to be a big year for me so I want to ensure that I continue to build a strong base before going into IM focused training and also to meet other like-minded people who will help me along that journey.
My body has changed so much over the past year. I can see how strong I have really become and I finally feel comfortable in saying that I am an athlete. I still have body composition goals that I still would like to achieve this year that I plan on working on this fall. I no longer view food as a treat for working out. Food is fuel for my next workout and I need to focus on eating to keep my body strong and ready for the next tough workout or race. Although, I still enjoy cookies. I have also prioritized recovery. Recovery is where my body makes it changes and gets stronger. I’ve never slept better than this past year.
I am now nearing the beginning on my last semester of graduate school. I’m excited to finish with my first Master’s degree and have already begun the process of applying for my second degree. I’m excited for my next chapter in life. I have found my perfect program in one of my favorite places on the planet so I’m quite excited for what may happen in the near future. I’ve worked very hard for the past 2.5 years on my MPH. Working full-time and also doing graduate school full-time is not easy. It requires a great deal of time management and balance. I’m very proud that this past spring semester I took 3 classes, worked full-time, and also trained on average 12+ hours a week and maintained a 4.0 GPA. There were many times I doubted that I would be able to do it, but I worked my ass off and did it. People like to say that good things come to those who wait, but really good things come to those who work hard.
The past seven months have been good for me and presented many important life lessons and challenges. I look forward to the last 5 months of 2012 and what they may bring to me personally. I know one thing that is for sure is change. I have been implementing small changes throughout the year and have reaped great benefits from those changes. Fall is a time of change. Change of season, change in light, change of colors. I’m looking forward to the changes I’m going to make this fall. I am making steps to make myself a better, stronger, and happier person. I respect myself to undergo change. To be the best person I can as a friend, student, employee, and athlete. So embrace change and respect yourself to make the changes in your life that you need.
