So it is time to recap 2012…
Life Throws You Curves…
2012 brought me some big changes…
1) My grandfather passed away. He was my rock, the most influential person in my life. The last few weeks with him were very hard, and saying goodbye to him deeply affected me in a way I didn’t expect. I think of him every day, and miss him so much.
Always on his shoulders…
2) I got a new job – still as a forester but in a much diffferent capacity with much less freedom than I am used to having. This completely threw my schedule and life for a loop. I like the job, it was just a big adjustment for me.
On the job
Training…What Training?
2012 was basically a total non-event for me as far as training and racing goes. There isn’t a lot to recap that I am proud of on that front. Let’s see…
1) I DNT (did not train) for Ironman Mont Tremblant and not suprisingly DNF’d.
2) I gained about 15 lbs DNTing and EEIS-ing (eating everything I see)
That pretty much sums up my training/racing for 2012.
Friends & FUN…
What I didn’t do in training, I made up for in meeting with friends, time on the river, and wandering around in the mountains.
1) I met up with SO MANY awesome blog friends at IMMT, I definitely am happy I went and frigged around on the course for part of the race. The best part of that event for me was seeing and meeting Jeff, Annie, Kevin, Jenny, Jon, Beth, Michelle, Peter, Fran, and ADENA!!!!!
I stole this picture.
2) Matt, Heather, & Jason came to CARATUNK (read all about it HERE)!!!!!!! I was so happy they came. We went rafting and hiking and I tried to keep them here but they had to leave. So sad.
Ready to raft! Harris Station in the background
3) I actually got on the river a lot this summer - which is awesome. The best trip for me by far was John and I taking my 87 year old grandmother down the river…
Gram, John, and I
4) I can never get enough of wandering around mountain peaks…
Little Bigelow
Re-focus…
I came back from IMMT feeling pretty down.
And soft.
And just plain old out of shape.
In September, I signed up for the gym. This meant getting up at 4am and driving an hour just to get there.
The surprise (to me) was that I did it.
I begain to feel stronger and just…better. I was feeling like an athlete again.
At some point, I stumbled onto Vinnie Tortorich’s podcast.
I was hooked.
I followed his advice of cutting sugars and grains out of my diet - I tweeted, FB’d and generally stalked him and Anna trying to soak up all the advice they have to give (I was even interviewed on his show!)
I lost over 20 pounds since tuning in and following along. My training for Ironman Lake Placid (only 209 days away) is going strong, and I have never felt better.
What a great way to close the door on an old year and open it on a new one.
It was great to finally meet you back in August Mandy – such a great trip!
We have to plan up another one soon! Maybe you can make another trip down to PCB in November!!
Great to meet you guys too! I’ll try for PCB! Let me see what the year brings.
2013 will be your year to shine!
Louise Cunningham recently posted..2012 a review
Thanks Louise!
It was a blast meeting you and talking to you and Schmoodge on Hangout (which we need to do again soon!)
Happy 2013 To You!
Jason @ Cook Train Eat Race recently posted..Goodbye 2012, Hello 2013
Yes! We need to do it again soon!
You DID have a good year! I have a problem with EEIS too. It sucks! It also sounds like your year was motivational for you and jump started you back into training. That’s a good think. IMLP is going to be awesome, and you’re going to do great! Keep up the good work!
Matt Smith recently posted..Christmas Lights, Christmas Ornaments, and Christmas GIVEAWAYS!
Thanks Matt! I can’t wait to follow your 2013 progress! It is going to be a great year for both of us!
NOthing like a break to come back twice as strong! Good for you on the 20 lb loss!! Can’t wait to meet you in Feb at the mid winter classic! Happy New Year!!
michelle recently posted..Looking Back on 2012
I’m looking forward to FINALLY meeting you too!
I love your posts. I open them with the same urgency that Ralphie opened his Little Orphan Annie Secret Decoder Ring package just before Christmas. And it’s always worthwhile- you never tell me to drink my Ovaltine,
Love you and miss you Peg!
You’re an inspiration yourself Mandy! I’m downloading that podcast now. Bring it, 2013!
My favorite memory of IMLP 2011 is meeting you on the run and staggering to each other for a hug. Hope to see you sometime soon!
Happy New Years. We’ll be there in about 2.5 hours…
Patrick Mahoney recently posted..December In Review
Happy New Year to you Patrick!
2012 seemed to have some ups and downs for most of us. I think you’re on a great path to making 2013 amazing!
Yay for feeling like an athlete and feeling strong, those are two things that really make it for me too.
Alisa recently posted..2013
Thanks! I am looking forward to what 2013 has to bring!
caratunkgirl recently posted..Out With The Old…
Just read your comment on my post, YES, I would love to chat! What email should I use?
Alisa recently posted..2013
You are going to rock IMLP! And 2012 was the best year ever cause I finally got to meet you. 2013 girl, it’s ours! xoxo
adena recently posted..well hello 2013, you sexy thang…
You Mandy are amazing
Just saying!!
My only hope for 2013 is that I GET TO SEE YOU AGAIN! That and lots of happiness for you of course! xo
You’re going to have a blast in Lake Placid. Time to get lean and mean in 2013!
Carolina John recently posted..Christmas 2012
I can’t wait to hear about your training for Placid! 2013 is going to be great!
Heather recently posted..2012 Year in Review and a Toast to New Beginnings in 2013
I am excited for it for sure!