So it’s been a full year since I started my challenge to get in the best shape of my life.    And I have to admit I don’t feel like I was successful.  Technically I only completed three out of four original challenges and I didn’t really change the way I eat, which I think will be key in my ultimate goal of getting into the best shape of my life.  (I may not have been successful, but I’m not giving up.)
If you asked me in the fall if I had succeeded my answer would have been yes.  I felt strong, my body felt good.  I was five pounds lighter than I am now.  I wasn’t eating great, but I was willing to excuse it because I was exercising so much, doing a lot of cross training and felt good about my health. 
But when my third challenge was over I didn’t keep exercising the way that I had been, and I actually starting eating worse.  I found myself  losing sleep and being tired frequently, which may be connected to the Hashimotos and thyroid issues I discovered I have last month.  So, all in all, the year was going well, but didn’t end up the way I expected.
Today marks a day to get back on track and start anew.  This year I’d like to focus on eating better over the fitness challenges.  I know those will happen.  I’m already signed up to do the Ragnar Relay this May.  Hopefully, I’ll get to hike in the fall like I usually do.  My life tends to just automatically account for some of those because I really enjoy exercise and being in nature.  And I’m always up for a challenge.
So my focus needs to go toward eating better and reducing stress.  I lead a very busy life, and I like that, but as it turns out my body may not and it may be fighting back a little.  Plus, if I want to eat better it takes time.  And I know I need to make that I priority. 
Birthdays, New Years—these days tend to mark times we and alter the course of our life or change the path or plan we are on.  They are good reminders to take stock in what we are doing.  So today I set a harder goal for myself than I think I did last year.  Instead of four challenges and eating better to get in the best shape of my life, I’d like to do the following: continue regular exercise, EAT BETTER MORE HEALTHFUL FOODS, and find at least ten minutes a day where I’m not connected (no car, PC, phone, nor TV).