At the beginning of 2018, I set a few goals that I wanted to accomplish and created a list of events I really wanted to attend. Some of the goals on my list have been “works in progress” over the past 10 years or even longer.
All the goals were related to running, fitness, bucket list items, personal development and finance.
Ultimately, I wanted to do a few things I haven’t done before and go places I haven’t gone before in order to meet people I haven’t met before and accomplish things I didn’t actually think were possible (but deep down I still wanted to try).
In the beginning, 2018 started out rather smooth and the first thing that happened was the start of the VIRA Island Race Series. The 2018 VIRA Island Series was different because I felt like I got to run the races before I even ran the races. I got to think about racing and training strategies and then review them to see whether it worked out or not.
Most of the time, my strategies worked, although I have to admit, I don’t think I was in my best running shape in January 2018 when the series started. Either that, or I just have to lay off the free doughnuts in the office and all the other baked goods I’ve been eating in December! But hey, I’m one of the first people to admit that I’m human too. However, that’s a whole different blog post.
Overall, I think 2018 went well.
Given what happened in 2016 (injuries, a few failed friendships and other issues that are best left to your imagination for now), I think 2018 went exceptionally well (and in 2017 I was way too busy to write a “year in review”).
We spend a lot of time dwelling on our shortcomings and complaining about things that we can’t control. We complain that another year went by and we did not accomplish what we wanted to accomplish. Therefore, I decided to share a few of my wins in 2018. These are the things that I’m proud of and grateful for this year.
As you read this, I challenge you to write out 10-20 things that you are most proud of this year.
Write out 10-20 experiences that you are most grateful for. Think of 10-20 things that make you feel like “life is awesome”. If you think carefully enough about it, I know that you CAN come up with 10 or more things!
So, what are my highlights of 2018?
- Finish all 8 of the VIRA Island Race Series.
In 2018, for the first time in a few years, I’ve been able to finish all 8 of the VIRA Island Race Series events. I missed most of them in 2016 due to injury and I missed many of them in 2017 because I was away a lot that year. However, in 2018, I completed them all and ended up winning the series for my age category, which was a big bonus for me.
- Shoot with James Patrick.
I first came across James Patrick’s work back in 2013 and ever since then it was my goal to work with him. At first, I was afraid to even contact him. So, in 2015, I interviewed him for a project I was working on. I admired his knowledge, talent and credibility. With that in mind, I stayed in touch and by “staying in touch”, I meant following him on social media, knowing that one day I will work with him.
Finally, it happened on February 23, 2018. I was in Arizona for a running event (see #3) so I was able to get in contact with him and arrange a shoot. The results were great and I’ve very happy with the pictures! He does awesome work and I felt very comfortable working with him.
- Mesa-Phoenix Half Marathon: February 24, 2018.
I read somewhere that it’s a relatively flat course and most of the runners who run this race end up doing well. I wanted to come to Arizona anyways and racing is always a good reason to take a trip. The race went relatively well and I think the weather was perfect for running. It wasn’t my fastest half, but it gave me confidence for my future races.
- Top 20 Under 40 Vancouver Island Business & Community Achievement Awards Gala: April 21, 2018.
This was my 3rd time being selected as a finalist in the Top 20 Under 40 Vancouver Island Business & Community Achievement Awards. It was great to meet a lot of inspiring, forward-thinking business and community leaders who all see value in working together to make the world a better place. I am glad to be a part of that group for all the volunteer work and community service time that I’ve put in.
- Another successful TC10K for the Viking Air Plane Crazy Team.
This was my 3rd year coaching the Viking Air Run clinic. Once again, our team came out on top for the Engineering & Transportation Category. We had a great turnout! After that, we all enjoyed a team pizza party at Brickyard Pizza.
- Pacing the 1:50 Group at the BMO Vancouver Half Marathon: May 6, 2018.
I was very excited to pace the BMO Vancouver Half Marathon. Pacing is exciting because I get to play an integral part in helping other runners accomplish their goals. When I’m pacing, I’m only focused on doing what is best for my pace group and that there is no ego involved.
As a pacer, I’m not there to show off-I’m there to show up and lead. The runners who followed me trusted me. I ended up crossing the line in 1:49:xx, while most the people who were following me ended up passing me within the last 500m. I was EXTREMELY happy to see them succeed and I encouraged them all to run ahead of me with so little distance left in the race. Watching my pace group accomplish their goals was the highlight of my day.
- CAF (Canadian Armed Forces) Running Nationals: May 25-27, 2018.
I got to travel to Ottawa in order to compete at the Canadian Armed Forces Running National Championship. It was an amazing experience! I did the 5k and although I didn’t get a personal best, I had a lot of fun. The Ottawa Race Weekend was definitely a blast!
- VI Endurance Cedar Ultra 24 Hour Run: June 1-2, 2018.
This was my first ultra-marathon and an unforgettable experience. Although I originally wanted to complete 100 miles in 24 hours, I fell short by finishing only 130.7km. Later, I realized that trying to do 100 miles for my first ever 24 hour event was a bit too ambitious. I was proud of myself for not sleeping nor taking too many breaks during the 24 hours.
Originally, it was my friend Jerry Hughes who inspired me to try an ultra-marathon. Jerry and I ran the Cedar Ultra while raising money for the Help Fill a Dream Foundation. Help Fill a Dream is a local non-profit that helps critically ill children and their families.
- Re-Launched my website.
For many years, my blog/website was quite poorly designed and difficult to navigate. Therefore, I decided to work with bWest Interactive in order to re-launch my website. I want to keep using my website and blog to inspire more people to start their fitness journey and share my passion for running.
- Run4Dreams.
Run4Dreams is my way of sharing my passion for running while giving back to the community. The Help Fill a Dream Foundation is the charity that I’ve partnered with for Run4Dreams. All net proceeds from Run4Dreams are donated to Help Fill A Dream. I want to make a positive impact on the community and on the critically ill children and the families who benefit from Help Fill a Dream’s programs. Run4Dreams was featured in a number of local media outlets for being an innovative way to raise awareness and funds for Help Fill a Dream Foundation.
- I got the position.
At work, it has always been my goal to advance and to grow my skill set. It was my goal to join the supply chain team and I am extremely happy to have accomplished that this past year. I know that I will be learning a lot in the new role.
- Attending FITPosium: Oct 5-7, 2018.
Since I still do fitness writing and train a few people, I thought it would be beneficial to attend FITPosium to make new connections and meet other people who are also interested in fitness. It was a very inspiring and informative weekend. I learned a lot and made some great new connections (some of which I still have to follow up with in the New Year). It’s an awesome event for anyone who is even remotely interested in making extra money in the fitness industry. I’ve been wanting to attend since 2015, but never got the opportunity to before.
- Finishing the New York Marathon: Nov 4, 2018.
I first wanted to visit New York 20 years ago, when I was still in elementary school. I had no idea that 20 years later, I would be doing a 42.2km tour of the Big Apple-on foot! This was my 2nd World Marathon Majors race. Therefore, I have 4 more to do before I can put this puppy to bed. Although I originally wasn’t proud of my time, I am grateful that my body let me complete another marathon.
- Getting my article published in Oxygen Magazine: Dec 2018.
This one is definitely near and dear to my heart. Getting published in Oxygen Magazine means a lot to me because it has been one of my goals for over a decade. I met the editor at FITPosium and was able to present my article for consideration. This opportunity would not have been possible without FITPosium and I am grateful that I was able to connect with the editor. This was definitely a great way to end 2018 on a very high note.
Sometimes, I admit that I get down on myself for thinking that I didn’t accomplish enough in any given year.
As I read back on all the things I’m grateful for in 2018, I realize that I am, in fact, moving forward and growing in a positive way. I got to travel to multiple cities in Canada and the USA. I got to meet some really fantastic, forward-thinking people.
I urge you to sit down and write your own list (I’d love to see your list too!!). If you share your list with me, I will have a special surprise for you!!
Document your accomplishments and milestones throughout the year so that on December 31 of the following year, you will look back and just be thankful.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!