Happy New Year! This is the time of year where I think of a New Year’s resolution. I like to do something each year. Most people start their resolution on January 1st, but I prefer to start on the first day back to work.

Once I get back to work, I get back into a routine, which helps me add or remove something to my day without too much distress. Over the years, I’ve accomplished some major goals: I quit smoking. I tried quitting a few times, but was finally successful. I’ve been smoke free since 1991 and I have no desire to ever smoke again.

Over the years, I’ve been to many gyms and have gone, but have not always been successful with sticking with the program I started. In 2005, I once again started my fitness journey. This was the year I discovered running. I wasn’t sure I’d like it but I thought it would a good exercise that I could do anywhere, especially while traveling to visit family and taking vacations. Over the years, I’ve participated in many 10K runs, and I’ve done 3 half marathons. I still want to do a marathon, but that’s a goal for another year.

I then discovered cycling. In 2007, I signed up to do the Ride to Conquer Cancer. This is a 200K 2-day cycling journey from Toronto to Niagara Falls. The ad said anyone could do it, so I signed up and thought why not me. I’ve done it for the last five years. This has been a fabulous experience each year. I also started working on my nutrition. When I started cycling, rather than lose weight, I started gaining weight. It was quite frustrating to be cycling 50K each week, and putting on weight. I knew it was due to how I was eating, so decided I needed to do something about the nutrition. So I started seeing a nutritionist to help me with managing my weight loss.

As you can see, I’ve had a few bumps along the way. I wasn’t successful during my first attempts at quitting smoking or doing my fitness and I certainly hadn’t been successful with my nutrition. Then in 2011, I found a flyer in mail box from The Motion Room. I started going in February of that year, and continued throughout the year. I really enjoyed the programs and for the first time, I was able to actually stick to a program for more than just a few weeks.

In 2012, I was fortunate to be picked as a Motion Room Ambassador. It’s been great working with the other Ambassadors, and the Motion Room trainers. I’ve had a few stumbles through the year, but I’ve mostly achieved the goals I’ve set. Now, I’m ready for 2013. It’s time to officially surrender the holiday treats and start thinking about what I will do this year.

Stay tuned for more details! I hope you had a fantastic 2012, and here’s to a great 2013!!