My birthday was this week and I turned 36. 36 seems like a nice round strong number, and I feel like it’s going to be a good year for me. I feel more like myself, braver, happier and more content. This is likely more to do with becoming a mother, than 36 being some kind of magical number but that’s where I am regardless. The world feels fresh, full of possibilities and magic thanks to my son, he really has brought so much light into my life.

Matchy matchy 

35 was a drastic shift from previous years. I raced once, ONCE while I was 35 and that was just a couple weeks ago. My priorities shifted from triathlon to keeping my baby and myself healthy. The year was filled with excitement and a little worry (being pregnant can be scary, when you can’t see your little one to confirm that they are health and safe). 36 also feels great because I am just starting to feel like myself again. After close to 10 months of pregnancy then recovering from childbirth my body felt foreign and strange to me. Just in the last couple weeks I have started to feel stronger and more at home in my skin again.

Now I am only interested in pursuing things that bring me joy. I don’t have time for activities or objects that aren’t bringing me closer to my dreams. I want to be a good role model to my son that you should follow your heart, chase your dreams and that it is never too late.

Quote by @imbethgerdes on returning to racing ironman triathlons after having a baby. Always inspirational and a reminder to chase the light.