Kelly the Culinarian: 2014 Superlatives

Monday, December 29, 2014

2014 Superlatives

It's crazy for me to think another year is almost down the drain. This year has been one I'm ready to leave in the history books. It had its highs - I became an Ironman, took 41 minutes off of my marathon time, set a new 5K PR and got promoted to the director level at work. I also moved cross country twice, got divorced, gained 20 pounds and spent more time in an airport than I ever hope to again. They can't all be diamonds, I suppose.

Even more amazing to me is that I've been pouring my heart out to the Internet since 2007, inviting strangers to weigh in on my life, recipes and races. This will be my fourth year of looking back at the best of the posts (Read2013 Superlatives, Best of 2012, My Favorite Posts of 2011) and I'm still surprised with how much I can capture and change in a year. Granted, these are just small snapshots into my life, but I'm grateful I've kept track through the years so I can look back at my greatest hits and memories. Without further adieu, the greatest hits of 2014:


Most Popular PostOh Baby! No-Bake Biscoff Bars Recipe. This by far has received the most traffic this year, thanks in part to Pinterest and the Biscoff website.

Most Popular Pinterest PostHomemade Cherry Pie Filling. This pin has been repinned more than 1,400 and liked 120 times! It is really tasty, after all.
Favorite Crockpot RecipeLight Crock Pot Thai Peanut Recipe. Not only did this turn out repeatably delicious, the photos were keepers.

Most Delicious Dessert RecipePerfect Peanut Butter Bomb Brownie Recipe. This was heavenly. The tray of brownies was probably 10 pounds with everything that was loaded and layered into this decadent treat.

Most Helpful Life Advice: Career advice for my sister and 30 lessons learned in 30 years. I've been a bit introspective this year, starting with my youngest sister's graduation from college and continuing with my 30th birthday. I learned a lot about myself, life, relationships and work this year, much of which I'm still processing. We're constantly evolving, and I'm hoping someone can learn from my hard-fought wisdom.

Most Helpful Racing Posts: Tips and tricks for tackling the Circular Logic Marathon and 16 Secrets for Your First Sprint Triathlon. The first post has been one of my most-viewed for the year, and the second was a quick list of tips and tricks you learn along the way to an Ironman.

Biggest Accomplishment: Ironman Wisconsin. I finished it. Smiling. Through technical errors, undertraining and one hell of a summer, I could still dig deep and cross the finish line of my greatest adventure, just as I had dreamt of for years.


Best Race MedalCircular Logic Marathon. It's just cool. Simple, interesting and visually stunning. So much so I'm going to run this race again this spring.
I Ran One-Mile Loops In a Park And Finished The
2014 Circular Logic Marathon But Never Got Far From
My Car Since

Best Race ShirtEsprit de She Naperville Triathlon. Not a shirt, per se, but way, way better. Esprit de She gives out Moxie Cycling jerseys, which are by far my favorite cycling tops. I actually wore a Moxie jersey for 2/3 of the Ironman because it's comfortable, flattering and has pockets. PS - if you sign up for the Esprit de She Naperville Tri by 12/31, you get an extra Moxie jersey. Use EDS023 for your promo code!


Favorite Vacation: My run-cation to Vermont where I PRed the Vermont City Marathon by 25 minutes as part of the #CabotFit Team. The whole place was gorgeous, and the trip was victorious. I hope I have the opportunity to go there again!
Most Personal PostSuddenly Single: New Me Manifesto. Because 2014 was the best of times and the worst of times, too.

Favorite Rant Posts:#BikiniBridge B.S. and My Thoughts on Dean Reike. Sometimes, I just have to clear the air.

Coolest Blogger ExperiencesMeeting Hungry Girl, AKA, Lisa Lillian, and getting smooched by cows at a Cabot farm. Blogging opens doors that I am very fortunate to walk through and savor. Thank you to the amazing brands and organizations that have trusted me to share their mission with my readers.



And an even bigger thank you to my readers for joining me throughout this crazy, unprecedented year. Come back for more in 2015, please?

3 comments:

Losing Lindy said...

I know this hasn't been the best year, but it still has been a pretty good one. You really accomplished a lot. Be proud, don't look back, just keep moving forward.

Unknown said...

I'm excited to see what 2015 has to bring for you!!! (hopefully a blogger date ASAP!)

Regan Jones, RDN said...

Well you know for certain I'll be here for more in 2015 :) Wishing you a very Happy New Year!! And much success to come.