Okay, so I am late with this post, but I have been enjoying the time with my family over the holidays and things have been hectic!
I will take some ideas from Melissa for an “end of year” post and reflect back on 2009 and then focus on what I am planning for 2010.
Family Changes
2009 marked the 3rd birthday of my oldest daughter, Mia. She is a wonderful girl who has me completely wrapped around her fingers. The year also marked the 1st birthday of my youngest, Sadie. She is an independent spirit who will be giving Mia hell in the coming years, I am sure. Parents turn the other cheek when it is payback, you know. My wife, Jenn, and I celebrated our 5 year Anniversary. My sister, Jenny, and her husband, Chuck, had their first baby, a boy named Cai and he is so adorable! See Melissa’s post on her experience being there with them.
Weight Loss
In the beginning of 2009, I started my weight loss journey. At the peak, I had lost about 40 pounds, but have slipped off since. During marathon training I actually saw a weight gain, which I have heard can happen. For the entire year, I lost about 30 pounds.
Running/Triathlon
In January 2009, I could not run a mile. I started the Couch 2 5K program from PodRunner Intervals and ran my first 5K with Melissa in February. I was hooked. I went on to run a 4.1 mile race in April, my first triathlon in May, a 10K in June, off-road triathlon in July, international distance triathlon in August, a 211 mile relay run in the mountains of North Carolina in September and a Marathon in December.
Hiking/Camping
2009 was a bit of a slow year in this department. I did manage to make the MitchellWinter trip with Melissa, Jeff and Chris. I also got up to the Linville Gorge for a weekend with Andrew and Chad. I was able to incorporate camping before a couple of triathlons. I hope that as the kids get older, I will be able to take them places that I haven’t yet been able to.
Special Places
You have followed some of my new special places this year, and I appreciate you all bearing with my strange sense of humor!
2010
I hope to continue the weight loss journey in 2010 and to increase my physical ability. I have already signed up for 4 triathlons including a Half Ironman in November. This will be my biggest physical challenge of my life and I have a long way to get prepared for it. I also look forward to another year of milestones with my wonderful girls and my beautiful wife!

