33

I turn 33 on Sunday!

Brian asked what I wanted to do for my birthday this year, and I said “not make any decisions all day.” (That’s honestly my dream in life, too.) So I don’t know what we’ll be up to this weekend, but I’m excited to make him choose all my meals for me (which, also, is my dream in life; nothing stresses me out like a menu).

Usually I use my birthday as a nice time for reflection. (At least for blogging purposes, right? Here’s 32, 31, 30, 29, 28, 27, and 26.) Looking back at the last year is interesting because it involved a lot.

At first, 32 was rough. I started the year with a Crohn’s flare that didn’t let up for seven months. And let’s be honest, because it’s no secret: It was a hard year for me all around. Physically, sure. Emotionally, absolutely. But once I kicked the Crohn’s flare and things started falling into place, everything was pretty great. I remember 32 very fondly.

Some highlights…

I found a happy fitness home at Orangetheory, which I still love. I proudly completed my first Hell Week, and got second place in the studio’s ultra-marathon challenge.

I ran a 5K PR.

I went to Meb Keflezighi’s retirement party.

I celebrated my cousin’s wedding with my entire extended family in Texas.

I interviewed Natalie Morales, Mia Michaels, Kara Goucher, Molly Huddle (twice!), Gwen Jorgensen, Desi Linden, and Andrea Barber for the Ali on the Run Show. It was such a good year for the Ali on the Run Show. (And oh baby, we’re just getting started!)

I saw Celine Dion perform in Las Vegas.

I saw Jennifer Lopez perform in Las Vegas. I met Jennifer Lopez. And Alex Rodriguez. And their kids.

I took my first big solo road trip along the California coast. Everything changed for me on that trip.

I ran three races in three days. In Bermuda.

I got pregnant!

I ran the New Jersey Half Marathon. Pregnant!

I got better at handling my emotions. I learned to treat myself with more kindness, but also gave myself some tough love when I needed it. I let myself break down — publicly — and, in turn, had a huge breakthrough. I felt more secure with myself and my decisions. I focused on doing what I wanted, not on what I thought other people would want me to do. I stood my ground, and stood up for myself. I maintained my “I’m 32, I’m too old for this shit” motto.

Even with plenty of setbacks, 32 was really good. As for 33? I feel really good about it. I don’t know what we’re doing this weekend, but Brian is an A+ planner (hello, honeymoon; hello, Hawaii trip), so I know it’ll be great.

Then, on MONDAY, there’s a big announcement coming! I’ve been teasing the podcast live show for months now, and we’re finally announcing all the details on Monday morning and I cannot wait!

And on Tuesday, I’m heading out of town for a few days. I’m taking a little solo trip somewhere warm and wonderful. (I figure very soon I won’t be able to take spur-of-the-moment solo trips, so now seemed like a good time to seize the day, like a Newsie.) I have a whole lot of reading and writing I want to do, so…bye!

It’s good to be 33!

I can’t really vouch for that yet, but it rhymes and seemed like a nice way to end this, so… Have a great weekend!