I can say, that without a doubt, 2011 has been the best year of my almost 26 years on this earth.
It started out a little rocky with an ankle injury that prevented me from running my first marathon. The tri season also started out on a low note with getting a bloody nose and crashing my bike during my first Olympic distance triathlon. From there, there was only one way to go: up.

I had 2 huge goals in 2011: Get accepted into a physical therapy program (not many people even knew I was applying!), and cross the finish line of Ironman Cozumel. Both of which had the potential to not go the way I had hoped.
On September 27th, I got the letter stating I had been accepted via early decision to my first choice PT school. Phil got a job offer the same day, and we quickly made arrangements to to move to Denver.

Despite the stress of having to move in two weeks, I was able to some-what keep up with my Ironman training. I missed a few big workouts and I was nervous going into the race that perhaps I tried to take on too many tasks in 2011 and something would have to give.

Fortunately for me, November 27th went off without a hitch. With my family and friends right by my side, I crossed the finish line with the worlds biggest smile.

In 2011 I became an Ironman and a future Doctor of Physical Therapy. It wasn’t an easy year- balancing applying to schools, taking prerequisite classes, having a full time job, and training for an Ironman- but it was damn rewarding. I learned the strength of myself, my friendships and my relationship. I couldn’t have asked for a better year.

With a whole new city to explore, more friends to make, and several new adventures, I can only imagine that 2012 is going to be just as great, if not better, than 2011.

Happy new year, everyone!