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!