When I was growing up, my parents told me I could be anything I wanted to be. With hard work, dedication and education I could set my mind to do and be anything I could dream of. I wholeheartedly believed this. I worked, I educated myself, I dreamed BIG dreams and I accomplished a lot. Then I had kids.
What I realized was in the details of my parent’s wisdom. I could be and do anything I wanted to, but I couldn’t do it all. I had to chose.
A good friend of mine, who happens to be a very intelligent, high-powered attorney, no-shit kind of woman and mother recently said to me that she doesn’t know what to tell her daughter. “I don’t think I can honestly tell her she can ‘have it all’ because I’ve seen first hand that it’s not possible.” My friend has made many excruciating decisions about her career because they often meant less time with her family. She had to choose. Sacrifices were made.
I established and ran a successful personal training and fitness business for five years. After my twins were born a series of events brought me to one of the hardest decisions of my life – sell the business or put my two year-olds in full-time day care. I chose to sell but really, I had no choice. Yes I was lucky enough to not have to work but it didn’t mean I didn’t want to. It didn’t make it any less painful and I struggled.
Almost three years later, I have accomplished a whole host of other things, and I have never regretted my decision to sell. Not even once.
But next year, though hard work, education and dedication, I want it all. No I’m not opening another fitness studio, I want to achieve success in the marathon, triathlon, writing/blog-a-thon and the elusive mom-a-thon!
Marathon
So my BRF (best running friend) is kind of amazing and crazy, which is why we’re friends. She ran her first marathon this past fall and qualified to run Boston in 2016. However, she thinks she can have a better race then the one she ran, and wants a marathon “do over.” I completely get this. She suggested I run a spring marathon with her, and qualify for Boston 2016 so we can do it together. So I’m going try. I mean, what are friends for?
PS – This will be my first marathon since 2007. Luckily, I’m so old that the BQ time of 3:45Â should be attainable.
My last Boston Qualifier, 8 years ago. I ran a 3:30.
Triathlon
I’ve been hinting at it for some time now, not to mention all the pool time I’ve been racking up, so I’m sure it’s no surprise that I will be focusing on triathlons in 2015. My goal is to qualify for Nationals which is no easy feat. In order to qualify, I need to place in the top 10 women in a local race. Right.
Now, you may be thinking that I can so do it (and thank you for the vote of confidence) but duathlon and triathlon are two very different animals. Let’s not forget it took me two years to qualify for duathlon Nationals. And I’ve only ever done a sprint triathlon. And I’m turning 40. I’m going to stop typing now, otherwise I will talk myself right out of this whole thing!
Mom-A-Thon
This is an endurance challenge of epic proportions but I think I’m up for it. I want the boys to finish up Kindergarten with better skills then they started with, have an amazing summer, and be raring to go into first grade.
Holy shit, I seriously cannot believe they will be going into first grade.
I want to be more present and spend more time readying them for the homework demands that will come with all-day school (they’re only half-day kindergarten) not to mention teaching kindness, sharing and all that other crap you have to learn so you’re not labeled a bully and can become a productive adult, blah, blah, blah.
I have my work cut out for me.
Someday soon I won’t be able to do this. Either that or they won’t want me to!
Writing/Blog-A-Thon
I have quite a few blogging goals and even more for freelance writing. I’m really enjoying writing for Fitbie, RunHaven and Learnist and will definitely continue in the coming year. As for the blog, I absolutely love writing in this space for all of YOU who read it. Every time I start to think what a self-centered, self-fulfilling bunch of BS this is, I get a comment or an email or phone call supporting something I’ve written, and my attitude is slapped back into reality. And no, they’re not just from my Dad.
I won’t be blogging as often in 2015, and I can’t promise any mind blowing content, but I can promise to be my authentic self and almost never filter my brain dumps.
…or maybe I’ll blog every damn day!
So there you have it. A glimpse into what will be in 2015. And since I have such lofty goals and I’m reaching for the ultimate in fitness, career and family life, I’m taking a blog break. See you bitches in 2015!
What are your goals for 2015?
What do you think about ‘having it all’?
Are you taking a break over the holidays?
I love your goals for 2025 and I am still amazed everyday Emma will be also going into first grade and Lily into kindergarten. Crazy how time is flying. And like you doing everything to keep on top of their schooling and education, as well. Last but not least, taking a break myself with Christmas and New Year’s holidays coming up. So wishing you a very, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, too!!
You wrote “2025” so I hope it doesn’t take me that long but it just might 🙂
Have a fantastic holiday with your beautiful family!
That is what I get from commenting on my iPhone early in the morning lol! Seriously though Merry Christmas and Happy 2015 New Year 😉
While your goals are big, they are all within your reach, Allie. Tri nationals–you really are so in. And let’s see, I’m betting BQ with 25-30 min to spare. You’re already a good mama and blogger, so yes, 2015 is yours for the taking!
Thanks Amanda! Let’s hope all goes as planned…
Your goals are awesome!! Haven’t you realized that your age is just a number at this point? Something tells me you will be doing this event better at 50 much less 40!! You are so on top of your game that you will do fantastic in the tri and even better in the marathon!! You do a lot of writing for other sites so I’m not surprised about the cut down over here, but as long as you don’t leave I think we will be okay. The homework beast is coming!! Get ready 🙂 I am not taking a break BUT I am refreshing some old posts that I wrote 3 years ago when I was the only one writing 🙂
Trust me, I never thought I would feel the way I do turning 40 but it’s kind of getting to me!! I’m fighting though…every step of the way.
I can’t see me not blogging anytime soon. I would miss it and all of YOU way too much!!
Have a great holiday my friend. Looking forward to seeing pics of those boys on social media 🙂
Your goals are awesome and that is kind of cool you keep your parents wisdom in your back pocket. Thanks for sharing!
I always do! Thanks Hollie 🙂
Great goals!! I think we can have it all… Just not all at the same time. That’s what I tell my kids. There is a season for everything. Do not be afraid to focus on the thing(s) that are in your season now. The season will change and then your focus will shift. When you look back, you will see you DID have it all. Enjoy your break!
YES! That is it exactly!! You’re such a great mom. Thanks for putting that just perfectly.
I love these goals! You’re basically my fitness inspiration, aka what I wish I could be if I liked swimming. But I hate swimming, so it seems unlikely.
Hahahaha!!! Maybe we can run a marathon together? Have you done one in New Jersey yet? 🙂
I can relate! It’s impossible to do everything but I like to try. 🙂 Awesome goals for 2015- I didn’t realize you were up for tackling the marathon again! I’ll be cheering you on!!
I didn’t either Laura!!! We shall see. Thank you!
I love that you aim high….it is the best way to go!!!!! 🙂 You are so determined and dedicated too that I believe it is “all” within your reach 🙂
I think having it “all” is different for everybody and changes as we go through life. When I think about all the people in my life that God has blessed me with I feel like I really do “have it all” and everything else that we do or that I accomplish is just icing on the cake :).
With that said…I LOVE having goals and I think they are important to keep me motivated!
I really can’t believe how fast kids get big!!!! I am just not sure where the time goes.
I am just coming off of a long blog break! 4 weeks!!! I just got so busy and it was right after my goal marathon . I was planning on maybe a week or two but it turned into 4 :/. I still read all of my favorites, I just didn’t write anything. I decided I was not going to worry about it either. I love blogging, but I don’t want to it take priority over living life.
I am also in the middle of a “training” and racing break. This recovery has been a rough one. My legs have felt just heavy and I have had a hard time getting out there. But I have just kept at it and Wednesday things clicked and I had a GREAT run. It was at a great pace and my legs felt good.
You are absolutely right that sometimes all you need is health, friends and family. Absolutely.
I have missed your posts so I’m glad you’re back and I’m also so happy to hear you have your legs back!! Looking forward to reading all about it while I’m not writing 🙂
A ladylike you has it all to conqueror your goals in 2015! Your parents raised you beautifully with their wisdom and I’m so fortunate to have you share your wit and wisdom with us through your blog. THANK YOU kindly and keep being the authentic you! Now to your BRF (love her!) …I think she got part of her beast attitude from you! I remember Patty talking to me about you two and emphasizing your exercising enthusiasm! I would just smile knowing I was just as crazy/addicted to exercising! I hope you and your BRF run Boston together, how awesome that would be!!
It would be SO awesome!! Thanks so much Tiffany and have a great holiday!
I haven’t sat down to think about 2015 yet, but I have enjoyed picking a word of the year instead of goals. That for me allowed me to bend with life…I think I was getting too over goaled and it was making me anxious. BUT I am just like you always pursuing a ton, so I think it’s about enjoying having it all!
Enjoyment has to be #1 and that’s really why I decided to run the marathon and shoot for Boston, because running it with my friend would be SO much fun!! I love how you chose one word last year (mine was ‘bull’) and I look forward to seeing what you come up with this year. Whatever it is, I’m sure it will be just right!
These are NOT lofty goals at all! You are going to kick each one’s ass!! Can’t wait to see how next year turns out for you! Hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday!!
Thanks Sue!! I’m secretly hoping to get to DC and run a race too…
Happy holidays and GET WELL!!!!
Your goals rock! I haven’t even thought about mine. I need to look back at last years and see what I didn’t accomplish too! Not sure I want to look back, but I think I need to. I think maybe I set too many and I need to back it off a little and enjoy things a little more!
Absolutely you need to enjoy! Having fun is really the reason behind running the marathon and trying for a BQ. Training with my friend and possibly running Boston with her would be fantastic. These goals have been at the forefront of my mind for a while but, now I’m going to take a serious break and enjoy these last couple weeks of relaxation!
Have a wonderful holiday. Enjoy it, reflect and let 2015 be whatever it will be.
Your awesomeness cannot contain you. I foresee you exploding with your version of “have it all”. Allie cannot be stopped. And yep, I’m saying this with a massive dose of seriousness.
You are being far too serious but I love it. I may have to put this on a loop on my iPod.
I will be taking a break! Maybe I will only post twice next week. Or maybe I will only post one photo instead of 400.
We shall see! Although I got shudders when you mentioned first grade but there still a lot of time. A lot of time for winter to be over. A lot of time for play dates during all of your craziness. I can’t wait to watch your journey unfold. And have my own.
Absolutely!!! Although I would miss 399 of your pictures but I totally understand 🙂
I cannot deal with your antics ma’am! I am smirking as I sit here waiting to get in the chair at the salon! You keep me laughing!
OAN, I agree that you can’t have it all! I realized that a while ago and modified my lifestyle and extra curricula’s! You already know, I cut WAY back on blogging and it’s a lot less responsibility but gives the same joy of the blogging community that I love so much. I can’t wait to see you achieve these goals in 2015! All the best!
Oh I love picturing you sitting there and smirking 🙂 Yes, you definitely get what I’m talking about and have already put it into action. I love that about you!
Allie, this post speaks to me so much. If I have learned anything in 2014, it is that you cannot have it all or at least not all at one time. It has been very difficult for me to let go of certain things but I’m trying to be patient since life is a marathon not a sprint and there is time for everything I want to achieve, I just have to let things run their course.
I totally think you can achieve all of the things that you have in store for 2015! You are one of the most determined women I know so I have no doubt you will not only achieve these goals but far surpass them!
Thank you Brittany and YES there is a time for everything you want to achieve. I know it’s probably a hard pill to swallow right now, but things ebb and flow and the things you want to wish away may be the ones you miss most. I struggle with the boys some days but I know that I will probably miss ALL the time we have together when they’re in school most of the day come September. *sigh*
I read because you are authentic, Allie – brain dumps and all! I look forward to being a witness to your achieving all of these goals!
You got it Dana! Thank you!!
Oh I love this Allie. You’ve totally got this and totally doable. You constantly inspire me, you know? Can’t wait to watch you crush it.
And on the note of having it all – that’s something that I’ve struggled with. I wholeheartedly believed that it was possible but have come to realize that it really isn’t, that choices – tough choices need to be made.
It’s hard when that dream gets crushed, isn’t it? Ah reality. It does make you really think about making the right choices for you and your kids though so I guess that’s an upside!
Thanks Christine.
I know that you will achieve your goals and have it all in 2015!!!
I’ve been wondering if you were planning to try a triathlon – I know you will be awesome and can’t wait to follow along with your training!!!
You already rock the mom thing!!!!
Thanks Kim! Let’s hope I don’t drown out there with the extra long swim I’m not used to!!
Love the goal list!
My goals for 2015 are:
Fitness–> races in running, biking, triathlon, and this year adding skiing!
Eating–> break the habit of having seconds (or thirds!). Need to get a serious handle on portion control – I love food WAY too much!
Oh ski racing sounds very interesting!! I’m a snowboarder but I cannot imagine racing anyone except maybe a beginner or toddler on it 🙂 Save the portion control for after the holidays 🙂 Good luck with ALL your goals this year!
All so true, mama! I am SO EXCITED for your 2015 fitness goals!! I definitely suspected there was a tri coming up for you. You’re not so sneaky!! I love how much you give to your boys. Happy holidays! xoxo
Thanks Carly!! It’s hard to be sneaky when you basically bear your life on a blog…but you wouldn’t know anything about that would you? 🙂
I do hope and know you can have it all! Merry Christmas!
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You and me both! I want to do it all and why not?
You are the most go-getter type of go-getter I know, so I’m confident you will reach your 2015 goals, and very likely, beyond. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead!
As for me, I still need to sit down and figure out how I want next year to pan out.
Thanks so much Alison. I have no idea how YOU will best your 2014 but I’m going to love the pictures 🙂
Living these goals and the honesty with which you have written them. Oh the heartbreak if not being able to do it all and the guilt about making choices is hard but also so very liberating!
I can’t wait to see what 2015 holds for you as an athlete, writer, mom and get tal human being!
I’m wishing you a fabulous 2015 and I hope to get the chance to see you soon!
Thanks Melissa. I think about “having it all” quite a bit, and more the older I get. Once there seemed to be so much time! Where did it go?
As I said on your blog – I hope to see more of you in 2015 then I did this year, which may be tough to beat!
Happy New Year my friend.
I love your goals!! Good luck with all of them–that’s awesome that your friend did so great on her first marathon! Boston should be an amazing experience!