Another year done. Every year we say it, but where di the
year go? Although the months felt like they flew past, this year I felt like it
was a long one. There were many good and bad things that happened but now that
I think about it, moving forward you never really remember the ‘bad’ things.
You remember the things that brought about change or for you to re-assess your
future or your present. But if I think way back to 2013 now (2014 is still too
fresh in the memory)what were the ‘bad’ things to happen then? I could not
actually tell you a solely ‘bad’ thing. I could tell you some of the challenges
I faced which have made me grow and change throughout 2014.
For example 2013 was
the year I was finally able to understand and accept that I had an eating
disorder and how it as controlling my life. So 2014 was the year to fight it. I
was put on a food plan by a nutritionist to start my recovery which I kept
swaying on and off of if I’m completely honest, but it was a more healthy way
of living then what I had been surviving on up until this point and started the
re-wiring that my brain needed to understand that food was a fuel source to do
the things I wanted to be able to do, rather than the enemy.
I had to more friends jump in to try and help me. I feel
terrible because as a look back now I see how resistant I was to both theirs
and professional help, and words cannot describe how thankful I am that these
amazing people didn’t let me push them away which would have been the easy
option for sure. They were my rocks and although I didn’t like to ask for help,
they were always there for me when I did need a bit of reassurance that
everything was going to be ok and that I was doing the right thing. One
convinced me into getting a psych referral. Actually he pretty much had to do
it for me because I went to the appointments and completely froze. I couldn’t
talk, let alone get out the reason why we were there. So he filled in the
massive blanks. I don’t think I was actually ready for it, but would I ever be?
I remember at the time thinking I don’t think this is helping me at all, but I sit
here now and compare where I am at now with where I was at this time one year
ago and there is no doubt that I am a far more healthier and happier version of
me. I have been able to eat out, and in front of other people – mainly friends
but the occasional stranger.
I think one of the best things that I could have done was
the Frantic Nutrition Challenge. At the start of the challenge I was in shock
about how much I was apparently under eating. Seeing the numbers of my current
intake, compared to the amount I should be eating for my activity levels was a
big reality slap. Given that I almost gave up 3 weeks in and had a few people
telling me that this was too much for me to handle right now, I have one person
to thank for believing that I had this in me and playing bad cop and getting me
to keep going. I hated her tough love at the time, but now I know I wouldn’t be
where I am today because of it. Although the volume of food can still be
overwhelming at times, I can say that I know the food is fuelling my performance
and if I have a day where I don’t eat enough, I can feel the difference. The ‘Challenge’
was 8 weeks long, but the first thing that was said to us was that this was not
8 weeks to abs, or get shredded in 50 days. This was the first day of the rest
of our life – here was the plan and you need to stick to it. It was a good 15
weeks for me to be comfortable in this challenge, but the discomfort has been
worth it.
Another ‘bad’ thing that happened in 2013, which was what I
would have seen it as at the time was that I quit swimming. As the time it
literally felt like my life was ending. I could just not get back into that
pool one more time. But if I wasn’t Chloe the swimmer then who was I? What
defined me? How was I different from everyone else? In 2014 I have learnt that I
don’t need to ‘be’ anyone or anything. I don’t need a label and you don’t just
have to ‘do’ one thing. Quitting swimming launched me into my fitness journey
which has brought some of my best friends into my life and given me some of my
biggest challenges. As much as swimming taught me so much about my commitment
and dedication, these challenges have shaped my attitude and values far more
then following that black line could have in the past year. Although I don’t
regret hanging up the goggles for a second, looking back with the nutrition
base that I have now, I deeply regret the decisions I made about my food while
swimming. I had potential just coming from my ability to push through physical
and mental barriers, but I was so heavily let down by the massive restrictions
I put on my food that there was no way for me to reach that potential. And I am
kicking myself now for that.
Moving into 2014 – what do I see as the ‘bad’ things?
The absolute stand out by far has been my wrist injury. It
has held me back from Physio work, from moving into my apartment sooner and
from training and competing as I have wanted to. But of couple of the very best
things to happen in 2014 have been a direct result of this injury.
-
Perth Elite Chix. I was brought on to this new business
four days after coming out of hospital. I had expressed my concern about what I
was going to do for income and how I was going to fill the time without going
crazy. I jumped straight in with no clue how to run a business but I don’t look
back for a second. I share this with three other incredible girls and am so
proud and excited of the empowering community of strong women we are creating.
-
Gold Coast. In a round about way. A company we
were looking at investing in was holding a conference over there and we were
invited to go over and learn more about the company its systems and everything
behind it. After putting a lot of thought into the possibilities with this
company, I decided that it was not the right time to get into this business as
where I am currently I am not completely passionate about it as I am with Elite
Chix and would not give it 100%. But what I learnt while away on the trip and
the time I got to spend with some pretty awesome people was worth it.
My wrist has by far been the biggest challenge I have faced
in 2014 – financially, physically, emotionally and mentally. But it is the biggest
challenges which create the best change. Everything happens for a reason.
Standout Achievements of 2014
-
Bought an Apartment. In partnership with my dad.
And moved into that apartment one week before Christmas. I remember of the 3rd
of Jan 2014 I was asked where I wanted to be in one year from now. My immediate
response was ‘not here, in this house’. At the time I didn’t think that was
realistic at all…but here I am!
-
First Half Marathon in 1 hr 39 mins and 18
seconds. I was a part of team Peaking Ducks in the Busselton Half Ironman. A
spur of the moment decision made by our swimmer giving me 6 weeks to turn from
an occasional 10km runner to a half marathon-er. This incredible team of girls
put in a great effort and finished 4th out of the Female teams!
-
3 vs 3. With my two training partners we went
from 0-crossfit in 6 weeks. I went from half marathon runner to crossfitter in
5 weeks. After not being able to get a spot in the beginner competition like we
had planned on, I had the genius idea of entering us in the intermediate competition.
No problems. Except I didn’t know how to lift a bar. So the most experienced out
of the three of us decided to call in the reinforcements…cue Crossfit Frantic.
After a world of self-doubt, tears, torn hands and nervous pee, we held our own
and didn’t come last. Actually even won a WOD and were adopted into the Frantic
Family. And so was the start of a very big part of my life.
-
Perth Elite Chix. From 2014, this is what I am
most proud of. I never considered myself to be capable of running a successful
business. I never thought I wanted this kind of responsibility or did I have
that much passion or drive. Surprise! As I steer further away from Physio,
particularly when it wasn’t an option, Elite Chix has kept me sane and given me
focus. My business partners are my best friends and the vision and mission we
have is life changing for so many people and makes me so excited.
-
Tough Mudder round 2. Done in a trio this year –
all were very much unprepared in comparison to last year, but we did it for a
laugh and to get our Green Legionnaires Headband. Bring on the Pink!
-
Competed in my first Triathlon. And won it. I
swore I would never ride a bike, but I was talked into writing and running a
triathlon course for our members, which resulted in me also taking part in the
300m swim, 9km ride and 3km run race in the Women’s Pink Triathlon.
-
Augusta Adventure Race. Back with the Peaking
Ducks plus one. Far harder for me as the runner then the half marathon but the
team I race with made the scratches and bruises worth it.
-
Crossfit Frantic 24 WOD Challenge. One WOD on
the hour every hour for 24 hours. 20 people started at 8 finished to raise
$2000 for charity and 315 presents for the K-Mart Whishing Tree Gift Appeal.
The challenge was exhausting and stuffed me up for a good week to follow. But
persevering with a group of hard working and determined individuals was an experience
and you never know what you are capable of until you push out of your comfort
zones.
The bad that comes along with the good is a journey. And
2014 has been one hell of a journey. I don’t regret anything from this year and
as hard as some of the times have been, something good has come of it and has
shaped me into me.
2014 thanks for the lessons. 2015…bring it on
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