The 2011 Year in Review

Being new to blogging I struggle with what is the "correct" way to do certain blog posts, so here we go for the "Erin Version" of a year in review:

As an overview:

*  Went a full calendar year injury free :) (which believe me after the 8plus injuries I had last season....was definitely a high point)

* Overcame my fears of riding within 3 feet of other cyclists, as well as descending hills faster than 10mph

* Competed in my second, third, fourth and fifth triathlons : Pacific Crest Long Course Triathlon, Calgary 70.3   (http://erinholmesswims.blogspot.com/2011/08/calgary-703.html) , Ironman Canada  (http://erinholmesswims.blogspot.com/2011/09/ironman-canada-2011.html) , and Kona Ironman  (http://erinholmesswims.blogspot.com/2011/10/ironman-kona-world-championships-2011.html)

* Qualified for both World Championships (wee)

* Replaced my fear of awkwardness with a general awareness that I am an awkward person

*Embraced this awkward and stepped outside of my comfort zone- including going to a 2 hour dinner with Hillary Biscay, Belinda Granger and 6 other spectacular women. I couldn't imagine doing this 2010

* Became a part of something extremely positive- 2012 will be life changing: Team REV3

* Believed in myself enough to not give up when things weren't looking too encouraging

The other day I spent some time daydreaming about 2011 during one of my training ride sessions. I could have sworn if I were to actually open my eyes that I was a Junior in high school having lunch in the library reading about 2012.....

I remember thinking to my 16 year old dorky self, "Wow, when this proposed 2012 Mayan calendar catastrophe happens Im going to be 23 (which is why i was spending my lunches in the library on the computer by myself---woof I was a weird kid)! Whoa thats so old. I will be out of college, probably married working in an office somewhere....weird I will be done swimming."

Well it hit me then and there (snapping back to reality and my well below AVG Watt training goal) - if you would have told me that I would fall in love with a sport that consumes even more time exercising than competitive swimming- I might have just given up all hope then and there for a social life.

This year was a turning point for me.

I purchased my Tri bike mid 2010 thinking "Hmmm well this is a start- it will get me into the sport and I don't feel guilty if in a couple of years if the hobby fizzles to a every other type yearly goal.

Now, don't get me wrong- I love my bike, however I didn't think when I bought it that this would be something that gets me out of bed in the morning- even when this seems to be 2 hours earlier than I would like. It keeps me from falling into poor personal decision groves (drinking and staying out late). Keeps my brain on track and promotes good nutrition- I definitely think twice before splurging in Amy's Soy Mac and Cheese. It keeps me happy and focused. And mostly, it keeps me involved and social. I absolutely love the Triathlon community. There is just an unspoken understanding and love talking to people about their races. The understanding of all the emotion that goes behind those countless hours of training.

If you would have asked me in that library, "Erin do you think in 2011 you'll be a part of a successful Triathlon Team competing in multiple 70.3 and 140.6 distance triathlons a year?"- I would have laughed and said "Not in my wildest dreams."

Here's to another dream filled 2012.

Love, Erin