Looming 2013

2013 is will be here before you know it.  I have really enjoyed 2012 as I have seen much growth in my personal training business and website.  In fact, that is probably the best place to keep an eye on me for 2013.  Although I won't be posting 4x/week anymore, I hope to let people know what activities and events I participate in.

On Twitter, I saw someone use the term 'healthy intentions' instead of New Year's resolutions.  I thought I would look back at my 2012 goals and have a good think about 2013.

One concept I try to embrace with my clients is SMART goals.  Using these guidelines will help you clarify what it is you want to do and how to do it.  If you need any help with setting SMART goals, please email me.

Here is what I wanted to do in 2012 and what really happened:

1. Update my blog every month- this is already on my calendar for the first Sunday of every month.

Well, I did keep it on my calendar but only did a few posts.  As I mentioned, my business website took off with 4 posts/week (guest post, recipe, Weekend Challenge, Quickie Workout).  People even noticed I wasn't on Twitter or Facebook consistently throughout the year.  If you want to see what I am up to, it would be best to befriend me on Facebook, Twitter, and check out my business blog.

2. Run a 10K and complete a sprint tri

Instead of a 10K, I ended up completing my first half-marathon in October.  My goal was 2 hours and I finished in 2:03.  I did the Thames Turbo sprint tri in June with a 1:32:50 finish.  It should have been a better time but I got new swim goggles that filled with each length of the pool. That will teach me to never try anything too new before a race.  (Note I DID try them for one swim session before the race).

3. Cook a healthy meal 3 out of 4 weekends a month and freeze for later in the week.

James stepped up to the plate this year and did the majority of the cooking.  I work part-time several mornings, evenings, and even Saturdays for most of the year, which left little time for cooking.  We also started having our groceries delivered which meant the fridge was looking bare by the weekend.  Thank you James!

4. Start using my crafting supplies (knitting, sewing, and scrapbooking) to make gifts for friends and charities.

I have a few more days for this one.  :)  My goal is to finish a quilt I have been working on and trying knitting again  Luckily, I have enjoyed baking (even though I didn't have time to cook).  I am very far behind in James' USA adventure scrapbook (which as an original gift was late).

5. De-clutter my bedroom/floor-drobe

Well it is one pile now and I have made a few donations this year.  I am also going to sell a few things on Ebay.  I have also been inspired to go through a few boxes during this week off.  Hopefully I will make some progress.

6. Work on consuming less sugar (sweets, chocolate, ice cream, etc) and alcohol which will hopefully lead to my waist line slimming down. I need to be a good role model for my clients!

This I have failed miserably.  In January, I developed some symptoms that I thought were caused by milk allergies.  I eliminated dairy from my diet and found some success (and also made me almost vegan as I don't eat any meat).  My friend who is a dietitian suggested I might have IBS, based on symptoms I described to her.  Later in the summer, I tried limiting my gluten intake as that seemed to be a trigger as well.  Without being able to eat cheese, bread, or meat, I found myself eating more sweets.  I think the sweets also helped fuel me during times when I was working too much and not sleeping enough.  Yesterday I downloaded a Thinking Slimmer cognitive hypnotherapy podcast which should help me avoid chocolate cravings.  I have to listen to it for 21 nights just before bedtime.  I will let you know how it goes!

7. Spend an evening or afternoon a week 'unplugged' with Milly- biking, playing games, talking, etc.

Yesterday, I was telling James I didn't do well on my 2012 resolutions.  He asked what they were and I told him this one.  He didn't even know about it, which shows we didn't make much effort.  In October, I took a leave of absence from teaching on Saturdays though.  It has been nice to spend 2 days in a row with him.  We tried to explore the many free museums in London and visit friends around town.


So what will 2013 bring?

1.  I hope to raise $2000 for Rod's Racing, which funds adoption costs for orphans with Down Syndrome.  To do this, I am completing 4 races in 4 countries (2 half-marathons, a sprint tri, and a 5K).  If you would like to support my efforts, please give generously.

2.  More sleep- either with an earlier bedtime 3 nights a week or cutting back on part-time work (which is tough as we could use the money this year).

3.  Be able to do an unassisted headstand and headstand.

4.  UK Visa for 'Indefinite Leave to Remain' which involves taking (and passing) the UK Citizenship test and paying a HUGE fee.  Probably some paperwork too. I need to research dual-citizenship too.

5.  Crafting- I know I didn't do well with this last year, but I do love to craft and have the supplies for it.  My family spoiled me with a fantastic sewing machine last year and I need to put it to good use.

6.  Yoga once a month. Luckily, a local gym is offering Yoga For Runners classes on a monthly basis.  I feel amazing when I leave, calm and limber.  If you haven't tried yoga yet, you really should.  There are many styles so try a few to find a perfect match.

7.  Complete my IAT certificate- To further my career in animal care and management in academia,  I began an online course for animal technology.  I started off strong but work became very busy as I was awarded an 'acting up' temporary promotion.  This certification will make me more attractive as I apply for management positions. (Even though I am constantly wondering if I should pursue fitness management full-time instead)

8.  Travel- This year will be amazing because James and I are going to New Zealand!  It is a long story that ends with James going for 6 weeks for work and me tagging along for 2.  I am also returning to Paris (which I haven't been to since Mandy and Stephane's wedding).  We hope to visit Luxembourg and Wales too to visit family.  Of course, USA is on the list with a few weddings and a stop in the ROC. Other highlights:

James and I went to the BBC Big Weekend as it was in Hackney this year. We are so cool.

Our best man, Mark (second from left), got hitched.  James was the MC for the day.

Olympic fever hit London!  Here are James and I inside the Olympic Stadium for the Paralympics Athletics.

Business is booking as I was awarded a Top Fitness Blog 2012 and nominated for Wego Health Activist Award.