2011 was a good year for me in both my work life and personal life. I was a much too frequent yogi at Moksha Yoga Downtown and decided to join the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre once my student statues had expired at George Brown. Other than the hopes of meeting new people and keeping fit, I hadn’t given much thought to what exactly I wanted from going to the gym all the time (other than a cure to boredom). This year I want to achieve something other than the self-satisfaction “I worked out today”. I’m setting tangible goals I can cross of my list and brag about once I do!

1) Run a race

Mostly out of pure sisterly completion (and wanting to be just like my big sister), I have convinced myself to be more like Erin and become a runner. Despite wearing practically nothing in the middle of December and running a 5k race for a class assignment — which count as races — I don’t think can classify myself as a runner just yet. So in 2012 I will run. Looks like I’ll be signing up for the Toronto Yonge Street 10k with proper running clothes this time. Next up the NYC Marathon! Or maybe another 10k first.

 

2) Do some triathlon training

This resolution, again harnessed from pure competition – my old roommate completed her first triathlon last summer using my bike, while I watched her do it. And I also discovered at my work Christmas party – I work with very fit people Bullfrog Power apparently employs Iron Man competitors and Extreme adventurists – who knew. And I can’t leave out the fact my housemates happen to be marathon runners. I’m constantly reminded of my un-accomplishments everyday, so now I want – more like need – to belong at work and in my own apartment. I need to stop telling myself this is something I could do and actually do it! I want to swim, bike and run my little heart out in 2012. Shannon would be so proud of me!

 

3) Lose weight & get in better shape

A very cliché resolution, I know. But, who doesn’t want to lose weight really? I would love to see my self 10 to 20 pounds lighter on the scale, but it’s more about improving my BMI and shedding the unwanted body fat weight, then actually losing weight itself. Building muscle definition is my primary objective and therefore may not directly show up on the scale. But, once I’m squatting more than my current body weight I’ll know I’m doing better. Not that I want to look like I could be in a fitness competition (but this could a resolution for 2013?) I want to improve the shape I’m in.

 

4) Do a handstand

Not only with this force me to improve my shoulder, core and total upper body strength I will also feel as though I have proven Personal Trainer wrong and perhaps shock myself with my athletic abilities and determination! Personal Trainer is the name I gave to one of the JCC workers whom said I have a lot of work to do if my goal is to do a handstand. Well, Mike, I will have the last laugh.

 

5) Eat better

Not only will this help my over all fitness challenge to lose weight, but I’ll feel energized and stronger. I like the sounds of that! Hence, all other training will be that much easier. Easy, right? Ummm. The eat better plan will be similar to Erin’s – eat less sugar, carbs and plain garbage that I do not need (I do have a sweet tooth so this will be difficult), I also plan to cleanse all unnecessary toxins out of my body four times this year. It’s the yogi in me saying this.