I have many traditions (superstitious or otherwise) that serve, more than anything, as sort of a security blanket that brings a sense of comfort to approaching uncomfortable situations. The short, quiet lull between Christmas and New Year's Day has always served as my time to reflect on the past year in preparation for the challenges of the upcoming year. So if you all can bare with me, I'd like to give myself some advice on things I've learned throughout this incredible year full of growth.
Let go. There's no better feeling than putting all your faith and trust in the natural rhythm of life. When I turned 28 at the beginning of the year, I looked back about 20 years and took a page out from my childhood and made a proclamation that I'd approach the coming year with the same child-like sense of wonder and at times, reckless abandon. This was no easy task, but when I loosened my grip or let go completely and let situations run its natural course, more often than not, the outcomes almost always turned out better than the original plan.
It takes a village. This is old news but it's never been more apparent than this year. When I started in this sport, I foolishly thought I could do it all on my own. Sure I got by for the first few years, but it wasn't until I sought out mentors and experts in the sport that I really excelled. In addition to continuing to train with Kona Ironman vets, I've met with two of the Philippines' top triathletes– Noy Jopson and Arland Macasieb. It's not everyday that I get to rub shoulders with champion athletes so when I had the opportunity to receive training advice from them, I took it to heart.
Soak it all in. I raced a lot this year. The Honolulu Marathon marked race number 16 and for me, that's a lot– the most that I have ever done in years past. Although I fell short of my ultimate goal to qualify for Boston, I PR'd in every single one of my races with margins as small as a few minutes all the way to 25 minutes. Victories, no matter how big or small, deserve to be celebrated. And that I did, along with all the people who helped me accomplish my goals. They too, deserve all the credit for much of the success I was blessed with.
2011 truly was an amazing year both personally and professionally. I honestly couldn't have asked for more. 2012 has a hard act to follow but I have a good feeling the momentum and karma from the previous year will carry on and bring about even more success and happiness.
Here's to all of you....may we share more champagne toasts and foolish dreams.
It takes a village. This is old news but it's never been more apparent than this year. When I started in this sport, I foolishly thought I could do it all on my own. Sure I got by for the first few years, but it wasn't until I sought out mentors and experts in the sport that I really excelled. In addition to continuing to train with Kona Ironman vets, I've met with two of the Philippines' top triathletes– Noy Jopson and Arland Macasieb. It's not everyday that I get to rub shoulders with champion athletes so when I had the opportunity to receive training advice from them, I took it to heart.
Soak it all in. I raced a lot this year. The Honolulu Marathon marked race number 16 and for me, that's a lot– the most that I have ever done in years past. Although I fell short of my ultimate goal to qualify for Boston, I PR'd in every single one of my races with margins as small as a few minutes all the way to 25 minutes. Victories, no matter how big or small, deserve to be celebrated. And that I did, along with all the people who helped me accomplish my goals. They too, deserve all the credit for much of the success I was blessed with.
2011 truly was an amazing year both personally and professionally. I honestly couldn't have asked for more. 2012 has a hard act to follow but I have a good feeling the momentum and karma from the previous year will carry on and bring about even more success and happiness.
Here's to all of you....may we share more champagne toasts and foolish dreams.
0 comments:
Post a Comment