It seems like a lifetime ago that I sat down to write this 2013 Bucket List. In fact, it was just one year ago, but in some ways, each year feels like it’s own life time. So many things get packed into each of the 365 days that there is so much to think about and mull over come the end of December. In truth, it’s been the second half of the year that has whizzed by. It seems like yesterday I just got back from Israel with the rest of the summer ahead of me. And wrote my half way Bucket List post. Fast forward 6 months and here we are at years end.
Overall, this has been an outstanding year for me. I’ve made some changes in my professional life that have dramatically decreased my stress levels, turning me back into the woman I like and respect. I started a new job full time at the start of December and I look forward to continuing to grow in that position in the new year.
In the racing world, it’s been the year of the PR. I finally PRed a half marathon, breaking the 1:50 mark. I ran an incredibly fast (for me) 8k Shamrock Shuffle and finished out racing season with an exciting finish to the Chicago Marathon, blowing away my expectations and leaving me with a sense of pride for my physical accomplishment and sense of commitment to the children of St. Jude.
On the healthy living front, it’s been fun pulling the BOY into meal planning and cooking up some healthy week night dinners each week. I’ve moved beyond some bad habits and picked up some new better ones. Although I am not in my skinny jeans just yet, I see myself slipping into them in the near future.
It has been truly fulfilling adding Cooper into our family, and the BOY and I continue to enjoy each day and every new adventure that comes our way. Although it may not seem like anything huge has happened this year, I think that is what makes it so outstanding…just appreciating all of the little moments and gifts in 2013.
This is my first year doing a bucket list, and I think that it is a great way to capture all of the little moments that make up a big year.
2013 Bucket List
Restore Balance
Eat Clean
I don’t know why this continues to be so tough for me. I cooked up a lot of clean meals this year, but still hang on to a bit of a snacking tooth.
Practice Yoga More Consistently
I practiced outside of the mat is Israel and had a strong finish to the year getting to yoga twice a week for the last few weeks. Yoga continues to be a beautiful journey for me and next year, I am hoping to be able to combine my passion for yoga with work.
Keep Meal Planning
Looking for meal planning ideas, you can find a lot of planned out weeks throughout the past year.
Create/Join a Book Club (and read more!)
This area was a bit of fail as I am still working on the same book from a few months ago.
Improve Fitness
Half Marathon PR
I had a speedy start to the year with a 1:49:46 half marathon PR
Another Olympic Tri
Sadly I wasn’t able to fit one in this year, but I did do one sprint distance race
Chicago Marathon (Sub 4:00 please)
Yea! I am so excited to call myself a sub 4 marathoner!
Do a Century Bike Ride
Like mentioned above, I just couldn’t fit everything into this racing year
Make a Change
Write! (maybe even take a writing class)
Well, I still blog so that has to count for something : )
Volunteer
I volunteered for St. Jude for 3 different events this year! Sooo fun!
Take a Professional Risk
I’m so grateful that with the support of my family and the BOY, I made some professional changes, quitting my job of 5 years and starting a new one.
Self Host the Blog
I have my own website and updated my Recipe Page!
Other Things Worth Mentioning July-December 2013
My first time as a Guest Blogger
I think I’ll take some time to reflect on this year and think about the year to come…and then get started writing down my 2014 Bucket List.
Did you reach you 2013 goals?
What are you hoping to accomplish in 2014?