When I think back to January 2010, I can’t believe 12 months have passed since then. I just can’t. I started my Core Fusion Challenge on January 2, 2010, which means I have been taking Core Fusion almost every day for a FULL YEAR. How is that possible!
The more I thought about that, the more I thought about my year and how it was documented on this blog. More importantly, I realized how so much of this would never have been possible with this blog. My entire year was shaped by experiences born from Dori’s Shiny Blog.
I hope you will indulge me as I take a look back to the major events that happened for me this year. I owe this year in large part to all of you, and for that I am forever grateful.
January
On January 2, just a few days after a big breakup and an even more stressful apartment move, I wished my readers a Happy New Year and started the one-month Core Fusion Challenge thanks to the generosity and insight of Fred DeVito. I recruited a group of about 15 blog readers to join at home with the DVDs. These ladies’ positive experiences throughout their challenge helped push me through my own.
On January 19, I received the news that one of my very good girlfriends passed away. This was my first real experience with someone my age dying. I still have not fully come to terms with it and I can’t believe it has been almost a year since I’ve spoken to my Robin. I think about her every day. I hope to one day be as good a writer as she was. In fact, one of the reasons I keep writing and blogging is because she said the greatest thing anyone has ever said to me: “I can’t wait to read the book I know you’re going to write one day.”
On January 21, I held a highly successful Dori’s Shiny CHARITY AUCTION to raise money for Think Pink Rocks so I could run the NYC Half Marathon. I chose a breast cancer charity because my mom survived breast cancer when I was 10. I was blown away by the generosity of companies and readers who donated their goods, services and money to my cause. You guys are seriously awesome.
On January 28, I noticed significant improvements after almost a month of Core Fusion.
On February 2, I shared my one-month results from the Core Fusion Challenge. So much changed in only one month — and now I have been doing Core Fusion for a whole year! Yes, kids, it works. Believe me. And if you don’t, just ask the (long) list of boys I can supply you with upon request.
On February 7, I ran the Gridiron Classic race with Meghann, whose blog I had been reading for a long time. I also brought her to Core Fusion and ate at Alice’s Tea Cup for the first time!
On February 10, I opened up a bit about my exercise history and explained why I could never go back to having a regular gym membership again.
On February 20, I ran the Race for Haiti, which raised over $400,000 towards earthquake relief.
On February 24, I learned to never say “I can’t” when I realized that Core Fusion drastically improved flexibility in just two months.
On February 26, I discovered my favorite exhale class, Kayleigh’s Core Fusion Yoga. That same week, I tried Core Fusion Cardio for the first time, which has since become a permanent staple in my life.
March
On March 21, I turned 27 and I ran my very first half marathon – the NYC Half Marathon. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I cried at the start and finish (and around mile 7) of the race from an overflow of emotion. I wish I could relive it!
April
On April 3, two weeks after my first half marathon, I ran my second one in my hometown of Flushing, New York. Missy was there taking this video and that video.
On April 7, I revealed to my grandmother that I am a vegetarian.
May
On May 11, I announced the new DSB posting schedule: Tuesday Blags. This set the stage for the rest of the year, and having this schedule took the pressure off myself to post all the time while keeping me responsible for writing every week. I also disclosed that I spend an inordinate amount of money on clothing my brother’s dog in sweatervests and Obama shirts.
June
On June 6, I reflected on running without music. And we all know how much I like my running music.
On June 12, I ran a 10K in 56:05 and am still on cloud 9 from this. I realized for the first time that I can be fast when I am willing to push my limits.
July
On July 17, I completed my final qualifying race for the 2011 ING NYC Marathon. This race also marked the first indication of my hip injury that would plague me at the end of the year.
August
On August 12, I held a free Core Fusion class for my blog readers. I was so happy to hear that they all loved it. The main reason I promote Core Fusion all the time, to anyone who will listen, is because I really just want other people to experience what I did, get the same benefits and understand why this is truly a mind body workout.
On August 21 I ran on New York City’s Summer Streets for the first time and witnessed the dumpster pools. On August 24, I ran nine miles from Basytr University to my brother’s home in Kirkland, Washington during a fantastic vacation.
On August 28, I traveled out to the Hamptons to assist with — and be IN — a YogaVibes Core Fusion class. Me on the left:
On August 29, I went on an Outdoor Bound hiking trip with fellow bloggers Missy and Kristine. We had such a great time hiking 6.5 miles on a gorgeous summer day!
September
On September 5, my baby brother got married to Mallory in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. Can you believe they let children get married? Seriously, Mallory was already my sister and I am so happy for them, and especially for their pup Santana who is finally a legitimate puppy and no longer a bastard. Â (Doctored photo)
On September 28, I finally realized why I am still single.
October
On October 3, I ran my third half marathon this year, the Divas Half Marathon. I traveled to Long Island and ran with my friends Melissa and Erica — two friends I made through this blog. I PRd this distance, coming in at 2:14:44 despite knee and ankle pain.
On October 24, I posted photos of myself on the internet wearing nothing but an apron as part of Rachel’s Project Tasteless, Naked Chef Challenge. I then sent uncensored image to the list of boys (see February).
November
On November 1, I started a new job in social media. Finding the job was easy; finding the bathroom was less so.
On November 7, I watched the NYC Marathon for the first time — and got extra excited to run it next year!
On November 16, I interviewed Brynn Jinnett about her new studio, Refine, a new workout I’ve been in love with since October.
On November 21, I set a PR for the 4 mile distance with a 33:55 time, drastically improving from my 40:00 time the year before and running my fastest race time/mile not counting a one mile race. When did I get so fast!
December
On December 2, I held a free Refine Method class for my readers. Everyone loved it. I am so happy to share my new obsession!
On December 28, I announced the winners of the Healing Cooler Giveaway! Congratulations to the best responses (weighted double for those who Tweeted). Congratulations Melissa, Eve, Danica, Chelsa and Ana!
2010 has been a life changing year. As I wrote this post, I thought of the Billy Joel lyrics: “These are the times to remember cause they will not last forever; These are the days to hold on to cause we won’t although we’ll want to.” Thanks to this blog and your support, I will remember these times and I was able to hold on to every single day of the last 365. I was able to do so much this year, from Core Fusion to running races to hiking to Refine Method to appearing in exercise videos to making close friends and more — opportunities I never would have had if I didn’t start a little blog with a silly name back in November, 2007.
I changed so much over the past year — both my body (over 200 Core Fusion classes’ll do that to you) and my entire outlook; the way I handle situations and deal with stress. Compared with this time last year, I am a much stronger person both physically and emotionally.
I am excited to see where 2011 takes us!
42 comments on 2010 DSB Year in Review
6Pingbacks & Trackbacks on 2010 DSB Year in Review
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[…] something I definitely lack in some ways and I feel confident (especially after reading about Dori‘s experiences with Core Fusion this past year) that this is my best route to finding inner […]
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[…] Year to all the amazingly supportive readers of my blog! You made me tear up many times with your comments, tweets and emails about my 2010 Year in Review. You guys! Now I’m crying again. What I am […]
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[…] Over the last few months, I beat myself up relentlessly over my hip injury (Part 1 and Part 2). I constantly blame myself. I felt the first twinge of pain during a Core Fusion class. When I went back to class, I felt the pain during the same section, the gluteal part of class. And still, I went back. I didn’t want to give up the workout that transformed my body and my mind; the workout that truly changed my life. […]
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[…] I had no idea what I was getting myself into. But I jumped right in because it came at the perfect time in my life. And now, this is the perfect time in my life to train for a marathon. I don’t have a wedding […]
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[…] in Review Written by DoriPosted January 3, 2012 at 10:09 amHappy new year! Last year I posted my 2010 DSB Year in Review a little earlier — as in, before the new year — but I also had a lot less going on in […]
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[…] clothing In 2010 and 2011 I worked on elaborate “Year In Review” posts. In 2010 I had so much fun doing it; it was the best year I’ve had up until that point. I did so much […]
Ali @ Ali on the Run
December 28, 2010 at 8:34 am (14 years ago)I loved reading your 2010 recap. I didn’t start reading your blog until the fall, so it was really nice going back and getting a glimpse into your life before I got hooked on DSB. You have accomplished so much this year! And I’m excited I got to be a part of one of the entries! Can’t wait to see what you can do in 2011… Thanks for sharing!
melissa
December 28, 2010 at 8:48 am (14 years ago)I won, omg omg omfg! Very excited. Also fabulous post. A great look back. I can’t believe how organized you are with the dates and everything!!!
diana@mymarblerye
December 28, 2010 at 8:54 am (14 years ago)2010 was definitely a BRAVE year for you…career change (am I blind or you didn’t mention this?) AND being in workout vids? 🙂 Can’t wait to see what 2011 brings you! thanks for your entertaining tweets!
Amber
December 28, 2010 at 8:59 am (14 years ago)I loved reading this post! I didn’t realize you ran your first half marathon just this past year – wow! You have accomplished so much this year. 2011 will be a big year!
Dori's Mom
December 28, 2010 at 10:11 am (14 years ago)Your best writing ever!
Chika
December 28, 2010 at 10:15 am (14 years ago)This is awesome, especially because you’ve been so inspirational for me. You should not forget the job change, because the old one was soul crushing, so getting out of there is big!
Thank you for continuing to inspire me to not give up on my fitness goals.:-)
Ana
December 28, 2010 at 10:22 am (14 years ago)wow, this is amazing, I am one of the winners of the giveaway! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! You have no idea how happy I am right now!!
What a great post with a recap from 2010. I have recently started reading your blog and am really enjoying it; and now I learned a bit more about you with this post!
Thanks again, is there anything I need to do about the giveaway? e-mail you?
Ana
Lim
December 28, 2010 at 10:24 am (14 years ago)dori – even though i hardly ever comment, i always read your blog and think that you’re doing an amazing job. keep up the good work and hope 2011 brings you all your hopes and wishes. happy new year <3 lim
jassy
December 28, 2010 at 10:48 am (14 years ago)what a nice review 🙂
Eve
December 28, 2010 at 11:46 am (14 years ago)Hey!!! I won for my friend Laura. AMAZING! Thank you so much ! I liked your year-end recap, congrats on the PR running, too. A really great upbeat blog.
Bess
December 28, 2010 at 11:54 am (14 years ago)Really well written… it felt like we were right next to you for the ride!
You have a ton to be proud of this year…and this post is inspiring me to tackle a highlights post, since I have a big birthday on Friday.
Matthew
December 28, 2010 at 12:15 pm (14 years ago)Really great recap! It is amazing how much progress you made.
Also, thanks for not sending me uncensored photos 🙂
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic
December 28, 2010 at 12:32 pm (14 years ago)What a great, great recap! So happy for you and your wonderful year, and I’m looking forward to reading more!
You were such a good influence on me to try Core Fusion as well, and now it’s part of my New Year’s resolution to do it more often and more regularly for 2011. Cheers to the New Year!
Ben
December 28, 2010 at 12:36 pm (14 years ago)Great recap Dori! Glad we’ve become friends and I’ve gotten these stories first hand! You’ve had an amazing year. 2011 doesn’t stand a chance
Luke
December 28, 2010 at 1:20 pm (14 years ago)That’s an amazing year, rough start but you battled through and found a way to run three half marathons in there too. Just imagine what 2011 holds after such a good end to this year. Keep up the good work!
That 4 mile PR is impressive!
Luke- @runthetrailsCO
Fit Chick in the City
December 28, 2010 at 1:22 pm (14 years ago)What a year, you’ve had! I can’t wait to hear all about your NYC Marathon training next year.
Janna
December 28, 2010 at 1:53 pm (14 years ago)Wow! You’ve had a great year! So many exciting fitness accomplishments! I can’t wait to do more Core Fusion with you in the new year (and try Refine Method too)!
Hannah
December 28, 2010 at 2:16 pm (14 years ago)Wow! How did you afford so many core fusion classes? Did you get free ones because you did the challenge? They are so expensive.
baker
December 28, 2010 at 2:58 pm (14 years ago)wow! nice work in 2010! congrats on all the PR’s and successful Half Marys. good luck in NYCM 2011 (its the best marathon ever PS)!
Missy Maintains
December 28, 2010 at 3:21 pm (14 years ago)Love this! It is so cool to see all of your accomplishments on one page! What would we do without blogging?
Missy Maintains
December 28, 2010 at 3:23 pm (14 years ago)I also enjoy the comment from your mom.
Jess
December 28, 2010 at 3:24 pm (14 years ago)WOW! I LOVED reading your look back on the year, mostly because it gave me a chance to “catch-up” on you since I haven’t been a faithful reader until fairly recently. I’ve firmly decided that once I finish my STS strength training rotation in mid-January, I’m doing the core fusion challenge on my own for a whole month. I cannot get over the results you experienced (mind and body) after just a month. Unreal!!
Dorry
December 28, 2010 at 5:53 pm (14 years ago)Loved reading this! What a year. I love that you get emotional about running (and WHILE running) like I do. Looking forward to seeing where 2011 takes you. Hope you are happy at the new job! We’re still trying to come up there in February – I’ll keep you posted.
Chelsa
December 28, 2010 at 8:22 pm (14 years ago)What an inspiring fitness year post. I’m so excited to try my healing cooler for the new year. Will you be notifying winners by e-mail on how they can order their cooler? Thanks so much!
Lindsey @ Eat, Read, Run
December 28, 2010 at 10:56 pm (14 years ago)What a great year you had!! Awesome post. I need to take a look at 2010 and all things I’ve done. It’s always fun to look back. Hope 2011 brings you even greater things!
Jen
December 29, 2010 at 12:28 am (14 years ago)Awesome recap of your year! Thank you for continually sharing with us your journey through fitness and life. I’m so proud of you and to say I’ve been your friend for this long. I hope I get to share more with you now that I’m home! <3 you!
Jen
December 29, 2010 at 12:29 am (14 years ago)Oh and I forgot to say how funny I thought it was that your acronymed your blog and it made me to a double take because I first thought it said “DMB”
😀
Rick
December 30, 2010 at 12:31 am (14 years ago)Excellent recap, quite the journey–way to persevere and never stop believing that all things are possible if you have a vision and believe! Best of luck in 2011.
Cheers!
Rick
jenna k
December 30, 2010 at 1:41 am (14 years ago)i’ve so enjoyed reading your blog the past couple weeks- beginning when i tried core fusion for the first time. i love how this post helped me catch up on the highlights of your year!
totally lol-ed at the hints for single girls and sent it to my partner in singledom. i’ve got to stop getting makeup on my date’s handkerchief and passing out from too much liquor!
j.
December 30, 2010 at 11:16 am (14 years ago)i love your recap! i remember i started reading your blog shortly after robin passed away, so i feel like i’ve been following along with you throughout the year. i think robin would have been highly amused at how she brought together so many people.
Holly
December 30, 2010 at 5:24 pm (14 years ago)You have had SUCH a year, Dori! I loved reading your recap to see how far you’ve come. It’s amazing because I can remember your posts from (what seems like) long ago when you were injured, and now you are a running ROCKstar! Not only that, but what you’ve accomplished with Core Fusion is amazing. I continue to obsessively Google it all the time to see if it’s come to Indy yet. 😉
And I am so sorry about your friend, but I know that she was right. I can’t wait to read your book, either!
Megan
December 30, 2010 at 9:37 pm (14 years ago)Great post! I only started reading your blog a couple months ago, but I really enjoy your fitness posts. Can I ask how you combine your running with Core Fusion? Do you do both on the same day?
Congrats on a great blog, and hope 2011 is even better for you. 🙂
Jocelyn @ Enthusiastic Runner
December 31, 2010 at 11:04 am (14 years ago)“On September 28, I finally realized why I am still single.”
This is the funnest blog post I have ever read. HYSTERICAL. i am still laughing right now.
Amy at TheSceneFromMe
December 31, 2010 at 3:05 pm (14 years ago)I love this! What a remarkable year you’ve had!
Best of luck for another fabulous year in 2011 🙂
MelissaNibbles
December 31, 2010 at 6:29 pm (14 years ago)Wow! You did quite a bit this year. I love the reason why you’re single. I think that’s why I am too. Patti Stanger would hate us!
I’m so glad to have found your blog. Not only did you get me hooked on Core Fusion, but I relate to you so much and can’t wait to meet you in 2011! Happy New Year!
Erica Sara
January 12, 2011 at 11:36 am (14 years ago)So, August 12th is when we officially finally met at your awesome class!!! You had an incredible year… can’t wait to watch as 2011 unfolds 🙂 Going to be EPIC.