The Best Moments Of 2016

As I mentioned in my last post, 2016 was a rough year for me, for many reasons. Closing out the year on crutches (I have a stress fracture in my right foot) didn’t exactly help matters, but I am trying to be optimistic about the year ahead.

Despite my melancholy opener, there are a few things I accomplished this year that I don’t totally hate…

So here they are:

I Became A Certified Run Coach —

• I have been wanting to pursue my love for running and fitness in a deeper way for quite some time. In March, I finally took a step forward and took a two-day run coaching certification course in Denver with the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA). I learned a lot, and as part of my “Guinea Pig Program” I helped a group of runners of various abilities successfully complete the New York City Marathon this November. You can read about their experience working with me here.

I Got A New Job —

• In April, I left my job at The Huffington Post for a new position with Bustle’s branded content team. I am happy to report that I made the right choice in exploring a new opportunity: my contributions are taken more seriously, I’m able to take my ideas from the very first pitch to their published finish, AND I’m so, so proud to be working with, and honored to work alongside, a team of strong feminists and leaders who support one another.

I Wrote An Article I’m Really Proud Of —

• Sometimes my passions of writing and running align so perfectly that I’m able to express my thoughts in a way that really resonates with other runners. I’m really happy to have authored this piece on why I won’t stop running, despite a surge in fatal attacks on female runners.

I Took A Training Plan Seriously For The First Time —

• I’ve trained for over ten marathons, but I’ve never actually followed a training plan to the T. Now, I can say that I have. Under Chris Baker’s guidance, I became stronger and faster in all three triathlon events (swim, bike, run) and was able to track my progress accordingly. On race day, I was ready to compete in a 140.6-mile race, even though our chance to do so wasn’t granted.

…AND In Doing So, I Forged New And Stronger Friendships with individuals who I respect and admire. But most importantly, they make me laugh and help me feel loved.

I Survived (Another) Breakup —

• The story of my “breakup ironman’ is TK in 2017 🙂

My Byline Is On One of Bustle’s Best Articles of 2016 —

• Not bad, huh?

I Was Bold —

• I walked away from a not-quite-relationship (because that’s how we do things in 2016) I wasn’t 100 percent stoked about, even though having someone else to validate me was comforting and safe. I flew to another state to find out if a feeling I had was real. I bought plane tickets on an impulse to visit a friend I admire and missed. Just a few years ago, I would have never taken these chances.

What were your favorite moments of 2016? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.