Once again, another year has come and gone. Where did it go?!

“New Year, New Me”?

I don’t believe you need a new year to start/stop something. But it does give a timeline for a fresh start. A new beginning, a clean slate. It is also a good time to sit down and reflect on the year that has passed – 2015.

Take some time to evaluate what has happened or did not happen. What worked and what didn’t. Then, start writing down your goals. Pen them down in ink on paper.

I like how the new-year sparks new goals, ideas, inspirations and perspectives. Take this opportunity to allow for change and improvement.

---

2015

2015 was rather different. I was not tied to a rigid 9-5 job. In fact, I quit my job at the plastic surgery clinic (which I enjoyed too) to pursue my heart’s desires – health, nutrition and fitness.

I wasn’t sure where it would take me. I just knew that I wanted to be a part of this community. I signed up for the intensive one month Personal Trainer Development Programme at Fit Malaysia to obtain the necessary certifications. I passed the ACE theory exam, FIT Malaysia theory and practical exam, the CPR exam, managed a total of 4 certifications and the rest was history.

Looking back, I did not put much thought into it. I jumped straight into the unknown. Thankfully, it was without regrets. Yes, I faced many roadblocks, crossroads and other times, I was unsure of what I was doing.

But that’s life. It was not without challenges. I learned to deal with the current situation and take things a step at a time. There were a lot of experimentations, research, readings and self-teaching involved. Having the discipline and determination to press on (on your own) was tough.

Was 2015 THE year for me?

Nah. There were many highs but there were just as many lows. For me, it was a time-out to discover what I really wanted to do in life. And I think I have found it.

2015 was the first stroke on an empty canvas and I am very grateful for all the opportunities that came my way.

2015 running/fitness related highlights in no particular order:

– Quit my day job

– Studied part time while managing my own “business”

– Pursued/pursuing my passions (Nutrition, health and fitness)

– Recorded mileage stats! Yes, it is a big thing for me (never had any). Clocked 2629.65km

– Competed in 22 races with many DNS-es and my first DNF! (Finished within the prizes for all except my Cambodia run-cation!)

– Became a DOTCOM! www.adeleruns.com

– Started blogging/writing which opened up many doors for me (I didn’t think I’d like writing)

– Contributed to several health magazines/health websites

– Featured in health magazines/health websites

– Managed a PB across 5km, 10km and the Half Marathon

– Conquered my first Climbathon, finishing in 3^rd place (Elevation: 1451m)

– Together with the pacers, we grew the Puma Night Running Club from about 30 to 70-80 members

– Conquered my first towerthon!

In terms of running and racing, I took a more conservative approach. I felt stronger and better rested. I was definitely more active last year with many back to back races and racing almost every other week.

Take good care of your body! Listen to those red alerts.

God, Family, Friends

God has been there through thick and thin, through my lowest and highest times in life. I still struggle with my walk with Him but he has never failed me.

He has blessed me with everything I need. And MORE.

Family friends for life.

“Count it all JOY when you fall into various trials James 1:2”

“……but we also glory in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4″

Sometimes it takes looking back on those situations to see how our faith has grown during trials and doubts.

Patience, Gratitude, Appreciation, REST

A few things that I had to learn the HARD way.

Yep, you guessed it – dengue. It deserves another mention! I was hospitalised and immobilised for 2 weeks! THAT IS 14 DAYS! It was also my first time being hospitalised.

As a physically active person, I cannot do nothing for 2 days. It was a real test of patience on so many levels.

I had to give time for my body to recover and when I did get out of the hospital, I had to give my body time to bounce back! My fitness level was back to when I started running 1.5 years ago! It was HORRIBLE. You can imagine how demotivated I was.

It took my body 6 months to fully recover, during which I suffered from severe hair loss and fungal skin and ear infections.

But I knew that slowly and surely, I would be back. What doesn’t kill you, REALLY MAKES YOU STRONGER!

At the same time, I realised just how amazing my body is. How it works in harmony just to keep me alive. I now have a new level of appreciation just by being able to run and move. One word – AWESOME!

Solid Relationships and Connections

I am working on connecting a little more with the people around me. I’ve always been very reserved. I prefer to keep things to myself.

I tend to shy away from meetings/people and would think that it is a total waste of time. Oh, how things have changed!

Having connections and a wide network is key in the business world. I learned how to expand my network and create avenues for business opportunities.

In general, I’m not a people person. But in 2015, I learned how to become a people person. Make sense?

I truly appreciate all the meaningful and strong connections (not only for business) that I have built along the way. Of course, I lost some but I have gained so much more! So blessed to have so many of you around me.

Thank you for being a friend!

Supporters

I feel so blessed and undeserving when I see so many of you supporting me and my journey. It still amazes me and never fails to leave me speechless.

I know you guys have taken the time to verbally encourage me, leave me with comments, texts, emails, calls and coming up to me at races…… THANK YOU! It is still very hard to swallow when people tell me how much I’ve inspired or changed their lives. WHAT?! It truly means the world to me.

In fact, it works both ways. You guys have motivated, inspired and pushed me to become stronger and better. I would not have done it without you guys. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!

My Sponsors

-Puma

-Garmin

-Colantotte

-Apple Physiotherapy (My physiotherapist! Thanks Jess for fixing my legs!)

-RecoFit

In 2015, I managed 4 new sponsorships. It may not be much but I am very grateful for all their help.

I can now track my runs, run in style, recover well and run pain free.

THANK YOU for all the support.

Overall

2015 has pulled me out of my comfort zone. I had many JUST DO IT moments. And I did.

It was bitter sweet with many new experiences, failures, discoveries, appreciations, realisations, pain, tears, gratitude, losses, triumphs and celebrations. Much like running – bitter sweet.

I have learned to be a little more spontaneous and to take life a little less seriously. Life is filled with spontaneity and natural changes.

Change is good. Go with it and don’t resist it. Let it flow.

2016 will be a BIG year with MANY changes. I can’t wait to share my journey. You’ll know what I mean…… SOON!

Reflect, pray, let God plot your next move and move on! Time to take on new challenges and adventures! LET’S DO THIS!

Stay tuned for more updates!

🙂

*I have SO many things to say. SORRY if I’ve left anything or anyone out. I didn’t mean to!*