Dear 2011 Me. Part II

Dear 2011 Me,
This is 2012 Me, I'm sitting at your desk that you kept clean all year (honestly, this new you is pretty "all over it" these days, so glad you organized yourself early in the year!) anyways, I'm writing to you about what you did this year, in 2011. Because I think you need to know.

Dude. You started 2011 off with a bang! YOU RAN A FREAKIN MARATHON! (In a tutu of course). You ran it with your friends and sole sisters and your husband and you had the best time in your life. (You know you just did it for the sticker, right?)

So how do you go on from there!

I have to say, 2010 was pretty good, but 2011, you really buckled down and got the hang of this triathlon thing. You're climbing into the top 1/3 of your age group, still sort of a midpacker but you're shaving off some time and gaining confidence finally. But instead of distance goals, you're working more on technique and speed and strength. WHO KNEW EVER IN A MILLION YEARS THAT THESE THINGS WOULD MATTER TO YOU! Look how far you've come from sitting on that couch all plumpy like! And that eventually crossing the finish line wouldn't be enough? I know, even now I still can't believe it. But you're still having fun, and that's what matters most.

You found a better balance between training and family because last year when you sort of "winged it," it was tough.

You didn't suck up the swim in St. Anthony's this time and you did not get a flat in your next 70.3 in Augusta in September either (and by the way that was a really fun weekend because Augusta is not too far from your best friend and you all got to hang out for a few days around the race.) You finished that race in just over 6 hours.

Here's the hard part.

Your 4 year old turned 5 and is in Kindergarten.

I know.

You can cry, it's ok, you still do.

Anyway.

You got control of that lawn of yours and your yard doesn't look all trailery anymore.

You are at more peace this year than even 2010, because you've proven to yourself that when you set your mind to something, you can do it. Whatever it is. And having harmony at home and balance in your mind gives you peace.

I'm sorry, I'm sort of scattered. Yes, even in 2012 you pack too much in a day and I gotta go write some other stuff, fold 5 baskets of laundry and get dinner on, so I'm gonna wrap this up.

Here's some valuable advice that you took this year: Try not to take everything too seriously. Stop nagging your kids about stupid stuff. A couple of pounds means nothing: it's the lifestyle that means everything. Get outside more with the kids! Go to the beach and stop caring about what you look like in a bathing suit.

Yep. You did all those things and everyone is happier. Trust me on the nagging thing.

Oh and one more thing. You are beginning to think it's time for the full Ironman. Not quite yet.

But soon.

Can't wait to catch up next year!
Love,
You.

* * *

Part I of Dear Me is here with my 2010 letter.