2020 – The year that allowed me to stop!

As I sit here in a clean and cosy home with a fake fire on my tv thanks to YouTube, it’s time for me to put my thoughts about 2020 down.

Strangely, this year gave me time. Time to slow the fuck down and I am so grateful for that. Last year on the 31st December I wrote on my Facebook that I was heading into 2020 with one goal.

I am proud to say that I did exactly that. I bought my very own house on my own. Very grown up. Lol. Took me long enough. I was never the one for settling in one place, but after the surprises in 2019, it was time.

2020 has not been devastating or sad for me. What it has allowed me to do is spend time with myself. Process the end of my marriage. Heal, grow and spend time in my new house settling in and loving my fur babies, Nero and Lucky.

For someone like myself who travels extensively throughout the year, I managed one trip this year to Lanzarote to host the 2nd Stomp the Pedal Camp. I learnt a lot on that camp, for which I will be forever grateful.

I bought my house in Feb of the plan. I was supposed to move in by April, however that was delayed and understandably so. The Covid pandemic showed itself in March, forcing the world to go into varying degrees of lockdown. Which we all experienced, in our own way.

March was the last time I sat at my desk in my clients office in Mayfair. I have not been back to the office since. As with many others I know, I was able to work from home. As I had not moved, I was very grateful to have had a massive house with just me. My own office and a separate training room etc. Outside from missing my work colleagues, I was doing pretty good.

The remaining months in my previous martial rental home, I worked full time in my corporate job, continued to run Stomp the Pedal and basically cleaned out all the crap, packed the entire house and moved house.

In July, I finally filed for divorce. Even though I was not the driver, I did all the work lol. Getting a divorce online in the Australian Federal Court is pretty surreal. You simply fill out forms, get them witnessed, serve the ex, get them signed and then upload them. You have to be separated 1 year and 1 day before you can file for divorce in Australia. Anyway, all this was done without even seeing the other party involved. Truly incredible.

In August, still whilst the pandemic continued I received great news that I could settle on my house. OMG I was so ecstatic. I couldn’t believe I had actually bought a house until I got the keys.

I was very fortunate to have my rocks, my girlfriends who have been by my side the entire time as I journey through the break up last year to the joy of cracking open a bottle of champers on my first day in my new house, new beginning, new chapter.

There was no racing for me in 2020 and I was not disappointed at all to be honest.

I think if I had to train for an Ironman, move house, work full time, go through a divorce and run Stomp the Pedal, I think I may have just had a nervous breakdown. So again, I have been grateful for the opportunity to slow down. Take a breath.

I also managed to break my first ever bone in my body. My pinky toe, by slamming it into a flat pack. LOL. Thank god I was not racing, as I would be pretty pissed. Then recently whilst on an outdoor ride. Misjudging a turn, gravel and little bit of ice I damaged my MCL. Thankfully though I did manage to complete the 4th edition of Stomp the Trainer. 500kms on the trainer in 8 days!

Stomp the Pedal in 2020 grew and grew and grew. I honestly could not believe it but the final two quarter periods were my best sales ever! Since starting the brand in September 2017, it took until June 2020 for STP to make its first profit. You know the kind that is money leftover after paying for all my stock, postage, packaging, accountant etc etc. This was indeed a grand moment in STP history.

Brand awareness also improved. All of which has been organic. I have not paid anyone or done ads etc. There really has never been the money to do that.

On the corporate job front, the job that basically pays for everything. I am so grateful to have been contracted the whole of 2020. And to know that I have signed another 6 month contract for the first half of 2021 is incredible considering the times we live in.

Some other fun things to note that I began, or reconnected with……..

• Had weekly zooms with my cousins in Australia, where I was drinking with them at 11am on a Sunday whilst playing games
• Discovered Yoga with Adriene, Bought TRX straps, Barbell and more weights. Signed up to Les Mills on Demand.
• Hired a new triathlon coach and joined Precision Race Team
• Grew my Gin Collection from 1 bottle to 80 bottles lol
• Started my journey with crystals and learning about them
• spent far too much money on Sweaty Betty gear lol
• Reconnected with my subconscious mind, inner goddess, spiritual side and have started to learn Tarot. Which I am absolutely in love with.
• I finally hired a business coach and virtual assistant for Stomp the Pedal. I could not be more excited about this development.

Then in December, this month, The Australian Federal Court granted my divorce, which becomes official on the 3rd of January. Again another thing in Australia. Once the judge grants the divorce, it is not official until 1 month and 1 day later.

So basically it allows me to start my 2021 fresh. A new. I have never been so ready. My heart is full. I love myself a great deal. I am proud of what I have achieved thus far. I am ready 2021.

Till next year babes

Smooches

Tarshy xx