2012: The Year That Was…

I’m going to start off this post the EXACT SAME way that I did last year’s “Year That Was,” post…

Once again, the end of the year is already here!  It’s time to reflect on what we did, what we are proud of, and what we could do better going forward.  As a reminder, when you sit down to write your resolutions, focus on your behaviors rather than your goals.  For example, if you want to lose 10 pounds by February 14th, write down the behaviors that will help get you there…

1) I will eat 6 + servings of fruits and VEGGIES per day.

2) I will train with weights 3 times per week and get 2 additional cardio sessions in.

3) I will eat (pick your vice) only 1 time per week – max.

Focusing on your behaviors will give you the road map to reach your goals.

Ok, on to 2012 …

-After about 5000 moves in my life, I finally own a house!  We love the house and love the location!  I’m especially looking forward to the cookouts in the summer, being right down the street from downtown Rockton, being right down the street from all of the Old Settler’s Day’s concerts, using the hot tub in the back yard, having a great St. Paddy’s Day party during March Madness, and having our kids just a couple blocks away from the Rockton pool!

-Here were the babies last year…

And here they are now…

-Sometime back in early 2012, Carson, his friend Britton, and myself all went up to “Pizza Ranch” to get our grub on!  And we went to town!  Anyway, here is how part of our conversation went…

-Britton: Man Danny, when was the last time you drank a pop?!?

-Me: Back in the 80’s (1989 to be exact).

-Britton: No way!!! I could never do that!

-Carson: I know, that would be impossible!

-Me: It hasn’t been that hard actually.  After a little while you don’t even notice it.  You two should try it.

-Britton: No way!  Well, maybe I could do it for awhile.

-Me: I’ll give you both $20 if you can go from NOW, ’til 2014 without having even a sip of pop!

-Britton: (Thinking about it for a minute…) Ok, I’ll do it!

-Carson: (Looking at Britton like he’s crazy) Really, Britton!?!  Ah, um, eee, oh, alright, I’m in!

So, here we are on January 3rd, 2013, and both of them are in line for $20.  When I made the bet, I thought there would be NO WAY that I’d lose this bet.  But I’d be happy to spend $40 if they both make it.  Awesome stuff guys!

-I made my first trip back to Wrigley Field (my favorite place on Earth) since returning to Illinois.  To make it especially great, my good friend, and huge Red Sox fan, McKenna came into to town from Omaha to join me (the Cubs were playing the Red Sox).  It was a blast and definitely one of my highlights of this past summer!

-My favorite movie in 2012 was Django Unchained.  Shondra and I didn’t get to as many movies this year because we were so busy with the twins, life, ‘n all that.  But we did manage to find some time to see Django the other day.  It was very good and the acting was great.  Jamie Foxx was good as usual.   And Christoph Waltz is now one of my favorite actors.  I thought he was unbelievable in Inglorious Bastards, and he was great in this one as well!

-One piece of equipment that I really started using more this year was chains.  They are great for a number of reasons, and one of my favorite reasons is the fact that can help take stress off the joints when a joint(s) is in its more vulnerable position (i.e. the shoulder when the barbell is down by your chest when bench pressing).  Here’s an example of me doing Anderson Squats with chains…

-Here’s a video tour of my current training facility.  Some of my California and Nebraska friends (places I used to live… in case you’re new to DannyMcLarty.com) have asked me for video of what my current training facility looks like.  So, here you go…

-I tore my calf while playing basketball with the high school guys.  Worst. Pain. Ever!  I felt like I got shot in the calf.  I vowed that I am now “retired” from playing hoops.  Well, I still give a lot of basketball lessons and in those lessons I demonstrate some moves/drills at near full speed.  But I still don’t think I’m going to play in anymore leagues, pick-up games, or open gyms.  I kind of miss it, but then again, the 17 million hours that I’ve played b-ball in my life is enough for 3 lifetimes!

-My favorite “series” on my blog this past year was my “quick tip” series.  Here, my good friends Marci, and Michelle helped provide great, ready-to-use tips for the readers.  If you haven’t read these two posts, make sure to check them out…

Quick Tips: Training and Nutrition – Episode I

Quick Tips: Training and Nutrition – Episode II

I could probably add a few more high/lowlights of the year, but I’ll stop right here.  After all, 2013 will be filled with much more training, nutrition, and basketball posts.  So come back in and say hi whenever you get a chance.

Go out and MAKE 2013 a GREAT year!  See you soon…