A Lovely Life

It's New Year's Eve. I always find myself a little emotional (shocking) and a lot reflective when it's time to say goodbye to one year and welcome in a new one. This year, like last, though, there is a profound feeling of excitement. 2017. January. Goodbye to Georgia. Hello to #coloRADo. Snow. Tears. COLD. New job. Celebrating having Brucey for 1 year. ADJUSTMENT. February. Intro to hiking. Brewery visits. Cristy visits from Georgia! Fat biking. Snow shoeing. Pam visits from Alabama! My attempt to date again.. March. The Publix Half Marathon (marathon #2) with #TEAMNOAH. Visits with my Georgia family...lots of hugs. So much more snow (and stuck cars) April.  Snow. AGAIN. Chase visits from Georgia! Moved into my first, big girl apartment. Meet the Malloys and become fast friends. Sarah and Mike visit from California! First trip to Boston. The best visit with Uncle Paul and Aunt Irena. May. Starting to feel settled into my job. Summer! Hikes...

I'm 6 weeks into training for 2 half marathons and a rather large cycling adventure in 2018. It's been tough, as expected, these first few weeks. I've been getting into the groove of training my body to be fit again while also working on my self talk. I'm drinking less. And eating more! My nights are early. And my mornings are filled with gorgeous sunrises! Overall, it's been good. I've been proud because I haven't be able to do this or anything that requires much of a commitment for YEARS. After 3+ years of uncertainty and change and turmoil, I wasn't sure if I'd ever find steady feet again... 6 weeks ago, I couldn't run a mile straight without stopping and the thought of having to get up when it was still dark out made me want to punch myself in the face.  Last Saturday morning I ran 2 miles straight on a treadmill after getting up at 6am in 18 degree weather. In some peoples' worlds, that isn't anything and I get that. Howe...