As I sit here, on the second day of 2017, fueled on a cocktail of Sudafed, Mucinex and green tea with honey, I’ll admit, I’m not feeling very epic. Unlike 2016, which started off with a reverse triathlon and my first Pan-Mass Challenge fundraiser, this year has started off slower. Unable to run or bike, I’ve slept a lot, hung out with my kids, and taken several long walks in the woods with my dog.

Looking back at 2016, it’s easy to get hung up on the past few months, which I will admit have had their disappointments. But the truth is. . . 2016 was pretty epic.

Personally, professionally and athletically, I did everything I planned. According to Strava I rode 2,124 miles and climbed 107,972 feet (compare that to 1,486 miles and 40,722 feet in 2015). In those miles I learned that, with preparation and planning, there wasn’t any challenge I couldn’t complete. I strengthened many of my existing relationships, and welcomed amazing new friends and teammates. And I learned that I can, in my own way, make a difference.

As the weather has cooled, I have found myself shifting into hibernation mode, and now recovery. Over the past week, I’ve channeled my limited energy into cleaning up, decluttering and contemplating 2017. Where 2016 was the year to do “epic shit,” I’ve decided 2017 is about facing my fears.

Looking forward, I see a year filled with opportunities, experiences and challenges – new rides, runs and races; new teaching endeavors, and new teams – as well as some repeat adventures (including my second Pan-Mass Challenge), and I want to make the most of each.

To quote the late, great Carrie Fisher…

“Stay afraid, but do it anyway. What’s important is the action. You don’t have to wait to be confident. Just do it and eventually the confidence will follow.”