Happy New Year!

Hey everyone! Well, 2012 brought me so much growth, change, and love beyond my imagination! I have made some big changes in my world and am happier than I ever thought possible. First and most importantly, my husband and I happier than ever and are currently expecting our first child! We have hired a midwife and are planning a home water birth, which should happen sometime around March 10th of this year! I’m SO excited to meet my little baby boy I can barely stand it.

Last year was such a fun year! I ran my fastest mile ever at 7 minutes and 27 seconds and I was blessed to be chosen as an assistant run coach for the fall season with Team in Training and helped so many reach their goals of running a full or half marathon. I also ran a few half marathons myself and had a blast with friends at every single one! I ran the San Diego Half Marathon, Hot Chocolate 15K, the Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon, the La Jolla Half Marathon, Nike Women’s Half Marathon, half of the Rock n’ Roll Los Angeles Half Marathon (pregnancy and heat don’t mix well), and the Oceanside 5 mile Turkey Trot.

Twenty-Twelve also brought me a lot of surf practice! I spent a lot of time in the first half of the year (before pregnancy) out in the water with my board, fumbling all over the place and loving every wipe-out! Surfing is the most challenging sport I have ever attempted and the most rewarding. It is so full of metaphorical life lessons it’s ridiculous. Mostly, I have become closer to nature and with that have realized just how little of this life experience I have control of. Letting go of fear, taking risks, accepting things just as they are, and enjoying every minute of the ride are some things that I am constantly reminded of every time I suit up and paddle out. My husband finds so much joy in surfing and it’s absolutely contagious! I am so happy to have him in my life drawing me closer to my love of the ocean every day. I can’t wait to get back on my brand new board and swim with the dolphins out in the salty sea.

My fitness goal after this bundle of joy makes his appearance and I can run again without my uterus falling out is to run my 11th full marathon – I just haven’t chosen which race yet – any suggestions? My in-laws bought us the BOB jogger and I can’t wait to get back on the road. I have also set a goal this year to complete my personal training certification and become a group fitness instructor and hopefully I’ll be given the opportunity to coach again with Team in Training because that was A LOT of fun.

This year promises to be a year of transformation for me and Jason. We’re going to be PARENTS!!! I just never had so much respect for parents until now. What a HUGE responsibility this is! I cannot wait to show my son the world and teach him love, compassion, generosity, how to follow his passion, and how to be happy in this beautiful place we call home. I know we will face difficulties, but with that comes growth and I’m excited for all of it. Bring it on, world!!! We’re going to be amazing parents. I just know it.

I am so grateful for the health, love, and closeness of my family. I’m grateful for an amazing husband and two amazing dogs that bring me so much joy every day. I’m grateful for our jobs and our ability to invest in our home and make it a beautiful place to start our family. I’m grateful for my growing belly and all of the many opportunities to choose which way I want to go in this life. I’m grateful for the path I’ve chosen so far. It’s a beautiful gift that will never be taken for granted…and I can’t wait to find out what’s around the next corner! Until next time, keep those toes in the sand and find gratitude in everything.

Love,
Whitney