It’s A Wrap – #13in2013

I can’t believe that the end of the year is nearly here and that it’s time to do a final wrap of my #13in2013 goals.  Overall, 2013 has been really wonderful.  While I was hesitant about making my yearly goals public, I actually liked checking in each quarter with my progress (even if I didn’t reach the goal I set).   If you’re new to my blog or if you just want to get nostalgic with me, you can take a peek at my check-in posts here: 1Q2Q and 3Q.

Final Wrap of My #13in2013 Goals:

1.  Complete a half marathon (the original #13in2013): This was a “No”.  After injuring myself at this time last year and pulling out of the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Half, I spent the year working on getting stronger.  After releasing myself from PT and transitioning to WundaBar Pilates, I gained enough strength to resume running.  Even though I had a few back tweaks, I went back to yoga and was even able to run a few races this year.  I’m getting stronger but I’m still not 100% yet.  There’s fodder for 2014 here.

*My favorite race of 2013:  #RunHappyRaces Duran Duran Appreciation Day 10K

Duran Duran, DuranDuranAppreciationDay, #RunHappyRaces, running , 10K

Simply perfect

 

2.  Perform 13 acts of kindness (inspired by Sandy Hook): Not sure.  I’ll be honest and confess that I didn’t track how many acts of kindness I actually did.  I believe it was likely not a total of 13 but this is a practice that I enjoy and will definitely continue!

*Kindness Abounds: While I agree with the adage that it is better to give than receive, it shouldn’t go unrecognized that I was also lucky enough to be on the receiving end of some very wonderful acts of kindness.  Chobani recently came to my favorite local yoga studio with their #ChotallyAwesome Cup Truck and gave yogurt to everyone after class AND the wonderful and lovely Tiffany@RunningHutch who sent me a care package just because.

 

Chobani, RunningHutch, Kindness

A night with Chobani and a gift from RunningHutch.

 

3.  Read 13 books: Uncertain.  I did read more books this year than in previous years but I didn’t count how many and again, I likely came up short.  There were a few books I really enjoyed including “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card (I don’t subscribe to his politics but his creative mind is stellar) and “VJ: The Unplugged Adventures of MTV’s First Wave”) book and one I really didn’t like (“Gone Girl” – why did everyone like that book?!).  2014 will definitely have me reading more nutrition books but I’m also hoping that I’ll do more pleasure reading as well.

*Favorite book: I’m not normally a short-story reader but I devoured Goodbye To All That: Writers Loving and Leaving New Yorkedited by Sari Botton. This amazing book expressed many of the feelings I have being a transplanted New Yorker living a happy life in LA while battling feelings of “homesickness”.

 

4.  Take 13 different fitness classes and review: Success!  I’ve definitely tried and reviewed more than 13 fitness classes.  I didn’t hit the goal of hitting the 5 LA fitness experiences I wanted to hit by the end of 2013 but I will in 2014!

*Favorite Fitness Experience: It’s hard to nail down just one.  I had a number of standouts – Dancinerate with Ilyse BakerTrampoline Class at FitBloggin’, Aqua Studio cycling class, the Chobani/Barry’s Bootcamp sweatfestNYC Rooftop YogaLove.Yoga.Give at the Rose Bowl and the 3 Megaformer classes.

Despite loving all of the amazing fitness experiences I’ve had this year, I’d have to say WundaBar Pilates has had the most dramatic impact on my fitness life to date.

WundaBar Pilates

 

5.  Cook 13 new dishes featuring high nutritional value foods: Yes!  I haven’t blogged about any of my meals but I’ve definitely cooked more than 13.  I’m still looking to expand my repertoire though.

*Favorite dish: Loved the Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Soup from the Peace Love and Low Carb cookbook but I also kind of loved this throw together Farro, Quinoa, Mozzarella and Tomato Salad I made for a potluck party last week:

farro, quinoa, healthy eating

My yummy Farro, Quinoa, Mozzarella and Tomato Salad

 

6.  Commit to my blog via with a minimum of 2 posts/wk: Check!  Still doing 3 posts/week and 1 video.  Launched the series Friday’s Featured Female in 4Q. 

 

7.  Launch a private nutrition practice: No.  Definitely in 2014.  Big things are coming.

 

8.  Attend 2-3 Conferences: Holla!  I hit this one big!  Not only did I go to Natural Product Expo West,  Fitbloggin and FitSocial but I also attended FitBlogLA.  All were great experiences.

#FitBlogLA, Fitness Magazine, Annenberg Beach House

 

9.  Get organized: Eh.  Other than the Editorial Calendar that I have for blogging, I haven’t yet really developed a great system of organization.  I will need to do this better once my practice launches.  This is going to prove a challenge for me in the coming year.  I’m certain you’ll be hearing about it.

 

10.  Begin Phase 2 Of Decorating the CA house:  Nothing more since 3Q.  We still have a number of bare walls and sparse furniture but it’s not a major priority.  We are happy in our home and putting finishing touches aren’t as important as other things right now.  See #7.

 

11.  Be more present by instituting a daily no phone/computer time policy – Getting better and worse.  I’ve gotten a bit better about not writing so much at night and spending more time with my family but I NEED to disconnect from my phone more often.  I’ve found myself whipping out my phone and randomly checking things in such a rude manner without even realizing it.  Technology is both a blessing and a curse.  

social media addiction, twitter, phone addiction

Image: DewaldP

 

12.  Become more financially responsible/get over the fear of money management – A little better.  Money discussions have always been difficult for me but I’m getting better about it.  This area still (and likely always will) needs work.

 

13.  Help Plan Durandemonium – the Duran Duran Fan Convention – No.  A family event prevented me from participating in planning and attending this event.  While I was sorry not to be involved, it was great to see my East Coast family.  I wish that I could have been in NYC while Duran had their MoMA event (which still stings a little) but since the band is in the studio now, I know 2014 will be Durantastic!

Capitol Records, Duran Duran, Walk of Fame

The iconic Capitol Records building and Duran Duran’s star on the Walk of Fame.

 

I didn’t meet all of the goals I set for myself in 2014 but I’m still happy with what I’ve accomplished.  I plan to do this again for 2014 and I know I need to make my goals more measurable (and then to actually keep track).  How did you do with your 2013 goals?

 

I’m thinking of doing a link-up for 2014 goals with quarterly check-in’s throughout the year.  Would you be interested?  Let me know in the comments.

One more quarter to go until the end of 2013.  How are you doing with your New Year’s Goals?  Did you reach them or have you forgotten about them entirely?