If you want to be happy, be active

During 2013, I pushed myself to a physical limit I didn't know that I had by training for and racing in my first Ironman race.  I learned about the complete exhaustion that comes with 20+ hours of training a week, but I also learned that the more active I became, the more conscious I became of all choices I was making about my health, and as my health increased (fewer injuries, sicknesses, and bouts of depression), the happier I became.

In 2014, I believe that I have built the habits that will ensure that an active lifestyle is a cornerstone of my life forever, but I have a stressful year ahead.  I am starting a new job, I just moved across the country, I am moving in with my boyfriend, and I am training for my second Ironman.  It will be challenging to remain unstressed, but I want to monitor how I navigate this stress and how I rely on my habits of an active and healthy lifestyle to keep a smile on my face.