Today marks another birthday and another year of turning 30. Each birthday, I set personal goals for myself, and I look back every year to see what I’ve accomplished. This year is no different. I’m grateful because I was able to mark most of my goals off my list this year, but I also accomplished a few things that weren’t on the list last September:
- I bought a house.
- I raced my bike.
- I became a JDRF Coach.
- I ran a half marathon.
- I saw my lowest A1c of my adult life.
- I finished a sprint triathlon.
So what about next year? My goals are plentiful, some personal, some professional and some spiritual. But the biggest goal that affects what I share here is my decision to train for a half-Ironman next summer. This weekend, 70 athletes are competing on the Riding on Insulin team in the Ironman Wisconsin. Of those 70 athletes, 40 have type 1 diabetes–including several personal friends (like Jeff down below.) I want to join them next year, so I’m setting my sights on a half-Ironman (likely in July of 2016.)
That’s 70.3 miles of swimming, biking and running and 10 months of training. I haven’t officially picked my race yet, but I’m leaning toward Ironman Vineman in Sonoma, Calif., on July 10. Racing through vineyards sounds pretty fantastic, not to mention enjoying that #FinishLineWine my friends are so good at providing.
Here’s to another year of being healthy and showing T1D it doesn’t run the show. Here’s to another year of staving off complications and making sure my body is as healthy as it can be (without giving up bacon.) Here’s to another year of showing the next generation that T1D only makes you dream bigger.
You guys, I think this might be my best year yet, and I can’t wait.
Yes. You can do this.
Happy belated birthday! You’re going to be so awesome in your 70.3. I’m excited for you.