2018 was another wild ride! I logged a total of 45.7 race miles, not as many miles as I hoped due to a year packed with four yoga teacher training sessions, limited funds, and an unexpected foot injury, BUT I am still very proud of what I did accomplish! I have lots of gratitude for the unwavering support from you my loyal followers, friends, community members, and my sponsors Westfields Dental, Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute, Essence of Om, and Downs and Associates Insurance!

Highlights of the year included achieving two personal milestones. I participated in my first Ragnar Relay, running the furthest I ever had so far. The day before I flew out for the race in Mt. Zion, Utah, I was in the emergency room until after midnight for minor internal bleeding that I first discovered during the Race for Hope. The ER doctor and nurses respectfully thought I was crazy for going through with my Ragnar plans, but gave me their blessing after I explained my passion for persistence and that it would be my first time as a team leader, and I didn’t want to let my teammates down. I went on to complete the relay faster then I expected!

My second milestone of 2018 was competing in my first half marathon, Seawheeze in Vancouver, BC. Overall, this trip was one of the best experiences of my life, which is why I am doing it again in 2019 (spoiler alert 😉). My Airbnb host was terrific, having two daughters of his own who are marathon racers, he made sure that I had all of the necessities I needed pre and post race. It rained relentlessly the whole time I was in Vancouver, so I joined a local yoga studio called YYOGA to keep up my fitness schedule. I ended up befriending a wonderful local woman named Patricia in one of the classes. She and I instantly hit it off as if we had been friends for years. I had a stellar training schedule to follow, thanks to the valuable booklet Lululemon sent all the racers, but I did not prepare as I should have due to being immersed in yoga teacher training. My body wasn’t accustomed to the impact of street running, and as a result, I ended the half marathon with a stress fracture in my left foot. I am proud of my race completion time despite the circumstances. Lesson learned, NEVER blow off your training schedule that prepares your body for a race or fitness challenge of any kind!

A trusted wise friend told me that she foresaw 2019 as being a transitive year for me. I am intrigued by what lies ahead. I learned some valuable lessons in 2018, but I am ready to move on. I hope that you continue to find inspiration in my life journey, and forge a fearless path of your own in healthy ways that fulfill your spirit and soul!