My 2019 Year in Review via Photos

January:

Podium finish is a great way to start 2019!!

It is SO HARD to swim with a merman on your back!!

I’m so grateful our twin nieces and my sister came to visit for the twin’s swim meet!

I’m so grateful for morning runs with my favorite girl! #basillovesrunning

WOW!! Magnificent sunsets are amazing!!

Running in the snow is SO HARD, but I loved every minute of my 8+ mile run in the sun!!

Basil loves to play in the snow and help shovel!!

Snowshoeing at dusk with my faves!!

I have some of the best people in my village!! Thanks Ruth for the reminder to #explore in all areas of my life this year and always! You’re the best! ❤

February:

I’m so ready to “explore” in a new career!!

Carving my glass heart!

The finished product! I think they turned out pretty awesome!

These 3…I love them all!! So grateful for their unconditional love!!

I’m so grateful to be on #tigerteam19!! My Coeur Sports teammates help me to feel empowered, inspired, connected, loved, and full of joy!!

Mother Nature’s sense of humor is a bit different than mine, but I am grateful for the 4 seasons…even if the snow drifts over one of our favorite trails. #driftedsnowiswaistdeep

I am so grateful for my Normatec recovery boots…especially after 14 solid treadmill miles!!

March:

Double medal race day at the St. Paddy’s 1/2 Marathon where I got 2nd place in my age group!

So grateful I got to see these two beautiful faces…even if it wasn’t for the happiest reason.

So grateful for girl’s night out playing board games with these beauties!! #needtodothismoreoften

The first time in my 16 years of teaching that I was given flowers from a student.

Love my mama! She’s still the boss even after 42 years!! 🙂

I am grateful that the weather is nice enough to rake up all the leaves and play in them with my favorite girl!!

Love you more and SO glad you’re back in the water!!

So grateful for spring weather so I could wear the same Coeur Sports “Not Today Cancer” kit for my bike + run! Oh…and super grateful for my favorite girl who loves to run!! #basillovesrunning

After a tough run (1100 feet of climbing over 7 miles), I was so grateful to find a way to use my Normatec Recovery boots in the car since I had to be there for a few hours post run.

Grateful to meet the Iron Hippie’s parents for lunch!

So grateful that I got some run love with Robin! I’ve missed my girl time!

April:

“Growth comes at a point of resistance; we learn by pushing ourselves to the outer reaches of our abilities.” ~Josh Waitzkin

Grateful for the support of SBR Sports, Inc. SBR is my go to for chlorine removal + blister prevention + easy wetsuit removal. Use KEPL19 at checkout for 20% off your next order of these amazing products!!

Grateful for the warmer temps + sunshine as I put my feet up with a good book while the dogs enjoy their bones!!

WAHOO!! Grateful that the IronHippie is seeing green in Training Peaks again post surgery!!

Grateful for the yoga mat + some vitamin D!!

Grateful to have Basil run by my side and the IronHippie back in the saddle!!

These two…so grateful for their unconditional love!!

Grateful for some girl time with Robin as we pound the pavement!!

14 Ironman finish lines amongst this #swimsquad and more to come in our futures!!

3 cheers for 3 Drake 1/2 marathon finishers!! Grateful to cross another finish line!!

Grateful for freedom on 2 wheels on the open road with my fave!!

100s Z3 effort until failure for breakfast…goal pace = 1:39/100 yards with 20 sec recovery between each; failure = 1:42/100 yards
Self doubt told me I could only maintain my goal pace for 5×100.
Self confidence told me I was strong and could crush this pace for at least 10×100.
Giddy!! That’s how I felt when I successfully completed 20×100 at 1:3x.x + nailing 21×100 before failure!! #explore #befierce #beatiger #believe

May:

Chaperoning my last 8th grade dance!!

Morning sunrises are the best way to start the day!!

Playing in the water with my fave!!

Joining some friends for a spin class!

Our neighbor, Marjorie, came home from Arizona. We are so happy she is here to stay!!

So grateful my favorite girl loves to run!! 13.2 miles later, we were both ready for some food and a nap!! 🙂

BOOM!! I think I grew gills and fins!!

I love fresh, homegrown veggies!! So grateful to get our garden planted!!

Grateful for the time and nice weather to finally landscape around the house!!

I love spending time on two wheels outside with my fave at my side!!

Walking into my classroom for the last week of school with kids.

Grateful to have these two amazing ladies show up and attend my triathlon clinic!!

Going out with a splash!! My last day with kids was super fun!! Now for a week of professional development before starting my new adventure next week!!

So grateful to have had some of the most AMAZING colleagues ever!!

June:

Riding in Minnesota, but the lake to my left is in Iowa. Love this route!

Basil is checking out the Roomba. Each day she gets less and less afraid of it.

Sometimes it takes a little encouragement to complete a tough workout!! High fives all around!!

Today marks the last time I’ll run from the middle school as my place of employment.

Grateful to spend my last days of teaching with my colleague and friend! I already miss seeing her everyday!

Post 100 mile ride playtime! So grateful to have my fave by my side through this roller coaster ride of life!!

So grateful to be starting my new gig in Physics Hall on ISU campus!!

I’m grateful I got to spend a few hours with the Iron Hippie’s family

So grateful we were asked to be on the radio to promote the Ames Triathlon!

WOW!! Early morning runs with sunrises like this are TOTALLY worth it!!

Thank you to Kyle at Kyle’s Bikes for always keeping Mojo ready for race day and for getting me into some new bike shoes!!

So grateful these kids came to Ames to have dinner with us…ok, they really came to race the Ames Triathlon!! LOL!!

Watching the downtown crit races was so much fun with these peeps!!

We had a great day at the Ames Triathlon and couldn’t have done it without all of you…the athletes, volunteers, spectators, other race directors, sponsors, partners, medical support, photographers…YOU!!

Three Cheers to Allen Bierbaum and Dr. Chris Feil for helping one of our para-athletes in and out of the water at the Ames Triathlon on Sunday!!

Who’s ready to race the Ames Triathlon?! These two!! So glad my Coeur Sports sisters came to race in the inaugural Ames Triathlon event!!

July:

Grateful I got to see my twin nieces…even if the circumstances weren’t the best.

Grandma got most of the cousins together, but she wasn’t able to get me into Hawkeye apparel.

Yep…we are strong and ready to race!

Knocking out the last really big training day before #IMLP!!

Grateful to score this sweet treadmill from friends that moved to the Bay Area.

Grateful for the first ripe homegrown tomato from our garden before leaving on vacation!

SO GRATEFUL we got to enjoy a few days with some of our favorite people. Only wish we lived closer together and got to spend more time with Erika, Rob, and their girls!

Running along Niagara Falls was a real highlight! It isn’t everyday you get to run along the falls!

Grateful to play tourists for a day! Taking the boat tour and getting up close and personal with the falls was fun!

Grateful to celebrate 9 years of marriage to this wonderful man exploring Niagara Falls!

Celebrating 9 years of marriage with a high class dinner (this was my first time ever eating at a place with a restroom attendant).

Getting to stay on the 39th floor above the falls provided some amazing views and a perfect place to watch the evening fireworks.

We made it to Lake Placid in time for a short shake out run before the sunset.

We made it to Lake Placid! Love this place!

Swimming in my favorite place makes my heart happy!

Mirror Lake is the best place to swim…EVER!! It makes my heart happy!!

So grateful to ride the Ironman Lake Placid bike course with my fave!

So grateful for this amazing Coeur Sports Sunset Strip kit. The colors stand out!

Grateful I got to play lots of cards with my fave!!

Exploring some falls off of the Ironman Lake Placid bike course.

Grateful I get to do life with this guy! Happy 40th to the Iron Hippie!

Having fun running down Main Street Lake Placid

The Ironman Lake Placid Underpants Run Participants

Grateful for Amy Farrell! What an amazing human being!

Grateful for Carol! Love her to pieces!

Grateful to have such amazing support!

Grateful for my Coeur Sports family!

Our race day support crew! Love you Dad, Aunt Linda, and Cousin Neal! Photo credit: Neal Fedora

Love this man! So glad I get to do life with him by my side! Photo credit: Neal Fedora

Race ready!

That’s a swim PR! Photo credit: FinisherPix

Finishing loop #1 of the bike! Photo credit: FinisherPix

Finishing loop #2 of the bike! Photo credit: FinisherPix

Chasing down my fave! I see him! Photo credit: FinisherPix

Not feeling it on the run. Photo Credit: Amy Farrell

Ready to conquer run loop #2. Photo Credit: Amy Farrell

On the last loop of the run! Photo credit: FinisherPix

So glad to see Moira and Mike at the finish line! Photo credit: FinisherPix

Grateful for this finish line with my Fave by my side! Photo credit: FinisherPix

Grateful for fun opportunities with free music and beautiful views!

Grateful to Tim Chien at Balanced Bodywork & Massage for an amazing pre-race and post race massage!

Grateful to meet awesome peeps!

August:

So happy to be on the open water! You can take the girl out of the lake, but you can’t take the lake out of the girl!

So grateful we got to spend some time with two of our favorite people! Can’t wait to spend more time with you in September!

I missed my baby girl while on vacation SO MUCH! I am so grateful she missed me too!

Grateful for a BEAUTIFUL evening to listen to our friend play live music at our local Coop!

Grateful for BEAUTIFUL morning sunrises!! #redskyinthemorningsailorstakewarning

Grateful for pool shenanigans with these two peeps!

Grateful for time with family!

Grateful that the big “kids” still like to play and have fun like little kids!

Grateful for the Heritage Farm recognition at the Iowa State Fair. The family farm has been in the same family for 150 years.

“Smile for the camera, Traci!” Grateful to race with my dear friend!
Photo Credit: Dave Mable

3rd place age group on a FUN day! Congrats to Bradie for 2nd place in our age group!

Meeting up with my Coeur Sports Teammate, Jess, always brings multiple smiles to my face! Love this girl!

So grateful to my Coeur Sports Teammate, Steena, for this Fellow Flower!! “Living my truth!!”

Truth: I rode 32 miles after work. I had lots of time to think. I realized just how much I REALLY do LOVE to ride my bicycle when I do it my way. I love the open roads, the wind in my face, the sun on my back, and the freedom I feel!

Truth: I ran 6 miles this morning…3 solo miles followed by 3 miles with Robin. I REALLY do LOVE running, but I love it even more with friends! I love the early morning sunrises, the fresh air, the conversations, the community, the sounds of feet hitting the pavement, sweating together, and the hugs at the end!

Grateful for the lunch date at the food truck with my fave…one of the many advantages of us both working on campus!!

Grateful for time on the water with some of my loved ones!

Grateful for time picking berries with loved ones!! Fresh fruit…YUMMMM!!

This was my favorite run so far this year! I found peace, freedom, and oh so much joy on the trails. I couldn’t stop smiling! It is exactly what I needed!

September:

Grateful to see the early morning painted sky!

Grateful to get to reconnect with my mat on the lake with my fave + my Dad.

SO GRATEFUL to run with my faves at home home! Love them and the lake!

I absolutely LOVE swimming at home home! So grateful for this magical opportunity!

Grateful to spend time with our twin nieces and play in the water!

Riding with my fave on one of my favorite routes brings me pure joy! I am in Minnesota and he is in Iowa in this picture.

Love these 3!! I’m so grateful they love to have fun + eat ice cream!

I am truly blessed to have my 2 favorite running buddies run with me at home home by the lake!

Love my girls! Happy 7th birthday to my baby! Love you Basil!

Bluebird skies + lots of sunshine + no wind + 2 wheels on the open roads = EXACTLY what my heart needed today! #happyheart #livingmytruth

So grateful for such a magical playground!!

Grateful that my fave and I got to spend a long weekend in Madison!

Grateful to have Mike Reilly sign our copy of his book, “Finding My Voice”

The rural Wisconsin views always make my heart happy!

Happy to be giving back to a sport that has given so much to me!

So grateful to all of these volunteers (+ many, many more) for helping to make dreams come true at Ironman Wisconsin for so many athletes.

Happy to be donating my hair to Wigs for Kids.

Grateful that my fave loves to have fun on this roller coaster of life!

Grateful that my fave loves to play around and enjoy life with me!

Grateful to branch out and go to trivia night, which was a bit uncomfortable as I am clueless when it comes to trivia.

I’m so grateful to have lots of time with my favorite girl to think and process my thoughts. She’s such a good listener!

This is the first time I have relaxed in the Normatec Recovery boots since IMLP in July. It felt truly amazing and I was grateful to have the neighbor’s dog snuggle up next to me.

Grateful for the bright colors of this Coeur Sports Liberty kit! It made me so much more visible riding on the open roads!

Intention: Gratitude
I started to incorporate intentions before each workout during the middle of the month and it has really served me well. During this swim, I kept focus on the gratitude and was so thankful to my body for allowing me to push it.

Thank you Ruth for thinking of me and being one of my biggest supporters!

I’m glad to have reconnected with my mat and have Basil coaching me through the moves.

Grateful to have a solid double digit run where my body felt so good I decided to run a little longer than planned and of course celebrate with a dance party post run! “If you like piña coladas and getting caught in the rain…”

SO GRATEFUL for spontaneity in riding cross bikes with my fave after work!

Grateful to see some “friends” on my 11 mile run!

Grateful for 70+ miles on two wheels with my fave on new terrain!

Grateful to Robin and Basil for running with me!

Grateful to my Coeur Sports sister, Jess, and her family for having us over for dinner and enjoying each other’s company!!

October:

Grateful for a dog that loves to run and is sad when I run on the treadmill.

Grateful for my reminder to believe in myself and what I am doing!

Grateful for my body to allow me to push it even when I have ALL. OF. THE. EXCUSES. TO. NOT. SHOW. UP!

Grateful to have my CECs done for my personal training certification!

So grateful to have such an amazing running buddy! Basil is my girl and she definitely LOVES to run!

Grateful to have Sound Probiotics boosting my immune health!

Grateful for my Normatec Recovery boots to flush out the legs post long run!

Grateful to “crash” my dear friend’s tailgate “party” and surprise her!

Grateful for this beautiful morning sunrise on our way to Lou.

Grateful to spend the weekend with my girlfriend + Coeur Sports teammate, Erika.

Grateful I go to volunteer at registration on Friday morning with this crew.

Grateful I got to turn social media friends into real friends! So awesome to meet Kristen in person!

Helping our Coeur Sports sister, Mikki, wrap up registration.

Helping our Coeur Sports sister, Kristin, wrap up registration.

Thank you Erika for my matching bracelet!! Love you girl!!

Autumn in Bardstown with Erika!!

Three peas in a pod!!

Swimming in Lou when we arrived.

Go, Kristen, GOOOOO!!! Keep MOOOVING forward!! #IMLou

Cheering our hearts out!! #IMLou

Grateful we got to meet up with our Coeur Sports sister, Erin on the bike course! #IMLou

Grateful my fave enjoys having loads of fun! Our outfits got lots of laughs and cheers from the athletes! #IMLou

Go Rob GOOOO!!! Keep MOOOVING forward!! #IMLou

Rob getting chased by my fave in his second costume of the day. #IMLou

Looking strong Mikki! #IMLou

Happy birthday Kristin! #IMLou

Encouraging Kristin to finish strong! Congrats on your 1st place AG and Kona qualification! #IMLou

Ironman Louisville from a new perspective. What a fun day! Congrats Rob on your amazing race! #IMLou

Grateful for the beautiful fall colors that showed up a bit later than normal.

Intention: Gratitude
15 miles for my Friday happy hour in 30+ mph winds. Some of my gratitude thoughts while running:
*I’m grateful for a strong body + mind.
*I’m grateful for warm temps + sunshine.
*I’m grateful for completely new running routes.
*I’m grateful for a job that I love.
*I’m grateful for Halloween decorations to keep me entertained.
*I’m grateful to have my long run done before the rain shows up this weekend.
*I’m grateful for the beautiful fall colors.

I’m so grateful for friends that like to try something new. Glass blowing is so much fun and I got to make a beautiful pumpkin for fall.

Thank you to Robin and Basil for 8 BEAUTIFUL fall, morning miles with me!

Grateful for Triny and the #itcouldbeme campaign to help make roads safer for everyone!

Grateful that our girls love to go to the parade and enjoy the socialization.

Grateful for my babies, beautiful fall colors, and fall walks!

Grateful for fall campfires…even if the fall season was EXTREMELY short this year!

Life is a roller coaster ride full of highs and lows. I’m grateful for good people to help lift me up and run with me when I’m at a low. 6 beautiful fall/early winter miles this am with my faves!

Grateful to connect with my mat and the intention of fear.

Grateful to reconnect with my inner Arial.

Grateful for early morning rides with my fave!

Grateful for some easy miles off the bike to start my day!

November:

I’m beyond grateful, humbled, blessed, and honored to be a Coeur Sports ambassador for my 6th year! 2020 is going to be amazing!

So grateful for Friday happy hour swims with my fave!

I’m so grateful for a strong body + mind so I can do what I love!

Another Hillbilly Hike 1/2 marathon is in the books!

So grateful to be getting back to the weights and strength training the entire body!

Grateful for the opportunity to ride the horse carriage at Snow Magic.

So grateful to get to run with these rad ladies at the Coeur Sports women’s run in Des Moines.

Looking for a way to make squats (or wall sits if you don’t have suspended straps) more challenging?! Add a dog to the mix! Basil LOVES to “help,” but sometimes her version of helping creates more of a challenge for me. Grateful for her unconditional love and support!

Grateful for some time with my mat!

Grateful to get to cheer these two on at their swim meet!

So grateful for my Coeur Sports teammate, Triny, and the work she is doing to make roads safer for everyone!

Grateful for time on my mat with Robin by my side!

Intention: WIN (the day)
After being away from the water for two weeks, it felt so amazing to get some #chlorinetherapy today! #wintheday

Grateful for a morning run with my fave!

Crushing bike intervals + spending time with my fave = pure joy!

Grateful for time to PLAY in the water!

I love sushi! So grateful for this yummy goodness!

So grateful that Mom came down to join us for an evening of joy + entertainment!

Wow! This was a great show! Grateful I got to experience it!

Grateful for this girl’s friendship! Morning miles + girl talk are icing on the cake! What a perfect start to the day + week!

“Follow your heart. Life is too short to be sidetracked by the things everyone else wants you to do.” ~Unknown
My heart speaks swim/bike/run! It brings me calm, it brings me joy, it builds self confidence, it often teaches me something new, it breeds discipline, it connects me with others, it forces me to be more courageous, it allows me the freedom to mess up & still end up ok, it provides me an outlet, it makes me stronger – physically and mentally, it fills me with gratitude, and SO much more! What does your heart say?! Do you listen?!

I love digging deep and feeling the accomplishment of overcoming obstacles and achieving something that once seemed impossible! I’m so grateful my body allows me to push it!

So grateful for these peeps (and Basil) to run with before devouring all of the yummy Thanksgiving food!

Friendsgiving! SO grateful for my framily!

Now that Thanksgiving is over, the tree is up. I’m grateful for making all of the 2019 memories (that are documented with medals on our tree) and the bright lights that remind us to always shine bright and give our best in everything we do!

Intention: I get to
It isn’t always easy. Mother Nature threw down some 38-40*F temps, rain, and winds (hello IMLou 2018 weather). She likes to think that she holds the power, BUT SHE’S WRONG! I hold the power when I keep the mental chatter positive!

December:

I’ve decided to step out of the box I’ve been in and experiment with self coaching in 2020. I’m excited to try new things knowing that some of these things may not work for me, while other things may be the best thing ever for me! I’m grateful for the opportunity to think outside of the box, experiment with trial and error, the freedom and control to do it my way, and the excitement with trying something new!

So grateful to Dr. Chris Feil at Team Chiropractic and Rehabilitation of Ames for helping me get back to training.

So grateful for the dream that Emily Hampton had to start Ignite Yoga and build such an amazing community!

So grateful for Dr. Chris Feil with Team Chiropractic and Rehabilitation of Ames who continues to work to get me back to healthy!

So grateful that I can spend time with my mat while rehabbing my back.

LIVE! Every. Damn. Day!

So grateful to be spinning on the bike…even if it is an easy ride!

Grateful for our new Tuff Mutt hands-free running leash from our Secret Santa. We can’t wait to enjoy all of the miles together with this!

I’m grateful for Dr. Chris Feil at Team Chiropractic and Rehabilitation of Ames for helping get me back on track this month.

These beautiful December days with unseasonable temperatures are amazing!!

The girls are so glad that Dad is home after being gone for a week.

Glad to be rolling again!

Wow!! Grateful for beautiful sunrises!!

Grateful for Kyle at Kyle’s Bikes to help me get my Wahoo Kickr ready to ride!!

Grateful for framily and matching PJs!!

First run all month!! Grateful to be nearly fully recovered from my back sprain and enjoying fresh air + sunshine + time with my faves!!

Grateful for these love bugs!! “Give me all the treats!!”

Sushi for Christmas dinner…YES PLEASE!!

Today I had all the excuses for not moving…
-I didn’t pack warm enough gear for the drop in temperature today.
-I should just go home and try to get Zwift working.
-I’m still not quite 100% after my back sprain.
-I don’t have a coach, so I can run tomorrow or this weekend.
-I’m tired. I should just go home and rest.
I ignored all of these excuses, put on my sweatshirt, and ran home from work. I celebrated every step, every breath of air, and every drop of sweat. And yes…I was reminded why I don’t wear cotton when I workout!!

Chris Chapman with Movewell Iowa is helping me get my muscles to properly fire and keep me injury free.

Friday night happy hour miles + quality time with my 2 faves! My heart couldn’t be happier!

First official Zwift ride…yep, I think I’m hooked! Lots to learn, but I can see how this will help me get faster + stronger in 2020! #grateful

Grateful that yoga is a family affair in our house!

So grateful to have worked out to the point that the Normatec Recovery boots got some use!

Burning the sh!t I want to let go of as I prepare for 2020. I am so grateful for the Athlete Mastermind program that Jenny Hayes is putting on.

Sending 2019 out in style! My FTP test indicates a loss of fitness in the off season, but that’s what the off season is for, right?! Time to get to work as I chase my dreams in 2020!!

2019 Totals