It's hard to fathom that another year has passed us by. Time can go by so slowly (e.g. when we are stuck in lockdown) or so quickly (e.g. when we are on vacation).
I like to take time at the end of each year to reflect on what I have achieved or where I have obtained personal growth.
In 2022 the worst of the covid-19 lockdowns had begun to lift, so at long last, I finally took my first vacation outside of Canada in years. I chose wisely, I took a week long yoga retreat in Nicaragua. It was a time to heal and socialize in one of the most natural and beautiful places I could afford to travel to. The highlights were the morning and evening yoga sessions at the retreat. It was wonderful to take time to focus on my own practice for once, and let someone else lead the way. It's always refreshing to learn from other instructors anyway. Besides yoga, I also took my try at surfing. I may need more development in that area in the future, lol!
Feeling inspired after my yoga retreat, I took the time to redo my at home fitness studio. I dedicated more open space for yoga and pilates work, while still dedicating half of the studio to cardio and a larger section of weights. Having space in my home allows me the freedom to practice whenever I please, and I never have to wait for bench space, lol! And of course, my clients are always welcome in to my fitness studio. There is always a place to train (no excuses).
My big fitness goal for 2022 was completing the Chicago Marathon - finally! I qualified for Chicago back in May 2019 when I ran 3h48m in the Toronto Marathon. I was all set to race Chicago in 2020, but then covid-19 hit and everyones life took an unexpected hard left. Life and travel plans were thrown out the proverbial window, and my racing plans did not get back on track until Oct 2022. Better late than never. I completed the Chicago Marathon on Oct 9, 2022 in a time of 4h13m. Not my fastest time, but considering it was my first major race in almost three years, and overcoming my own bout with covid-19 that July, I'm simply grateful to have achieved this much.
What's next for 2023? I have some ideas, but with the luck of the last three years I'm afraid to jinx any plans. I will say that it will be Fearless and it involves even more women's empowerment. So stay tuned for more fun & fit adventures from Coach Kelly.
