2014 is here and we are so excited to continue to build on the exciting growth SMACK! Media experienced in 2013! With incredible clients, synergy and friendship amongst our team of SMACKANISTAS (that has now grown to six)! we are all goal-driven professionals and athletes, and we are all looking at this new year as an opportunity for growth and to #smackwithpassion in the many areas of life that make us who we are: professional, athletic, relationships, health and fun! Here are our top moments of 2013 and what we are looking forward to focusing on in this year:
Eli Carlson
What is your favorite moment or biggest accomplishment of 2013?
Even though it was bittersweet, running the Boston Marathon in 2013 was a huge highlight for me. I worked so hard to qualify for that race and aside from the horrible bombings and aftermath, it was the most inspiring and rewarding race I have ever run. The energy on the course was unreal and I ran the entire 26.2 miles smiling and feeling grateful for my family, my life and my health. It’s the only bib I have hanging up in my office, right underneath my first Forbes article, another big accomplishment for 2013.
What are your 2014 goals?
Health: Do more strength training to stay healthy and injury free, and maybe…get a 6 pack as our new client, 6 Pack Fitness has motivated me to get more “cut.” 😉
Athletic: Race my first 1/2 ironman since 2006! I am also signed up for NYC Marathon 2014 and want to make it to the start line healthy as I had to withdraw this past year.
Personal: Play more soccer and basketball with my boys as they have an interest in these sports and I want to keep them as active as possible.
Professional: Continue to learn from and get closer with our incredible team at SMACK! Media that maintains authenticity in what we believe in. For 2014, I would like to see this increasingly pay off with our clients’ overall revenue growing due to our partnerships. This was very satisfying in 2013 and we want to see more of this.
Sara Hendershot
What is your favorite moment or biggest accomplishment of 2013?
2013 was an interesting year for me. It was the post-Olympic year which meant a lot of soul-searching. Looking back, my biggest accomplishment was committing to rowing for another Olympic cycle despite spending most of the year injured and fighting to come back. My spirits are up and I’m ready to go!
My favorite moment of the year though was definitely when my finance Mike proposed to me. He completely took me by surprise, which is not an easy thing to do!
What are your 2014 goals?
Health: I want to continue to treat my nagging injury the best that I can (which is now officially diagnosed as a tear in my glute and hamstring, as well as a stress fracture in my sit bone), and come back stronger than ever.
Athletic: My athletic goal for the year is to make the 2014 World Championship team! I have a lot of work to do!
Personal: I would like to make some big strides in planning my September 2015 wedding so that by the time racing season rolls around, the majority of the work is already done and my focus can be where it belongs!
Professional: I am striving to continue to grow within SMACK! Media and learn as much as I can from my colleagues and clients. I hope to continue to grow my presence within the PR world and challenge myself everyday!
Cady Villarreal
What is your favorite moment or biggest accomplishment of 2013?
Graduating with a degree in Business Administration from California State University, San Marcos. The amount of love and support I received made it extra special.
What are your 2014 goals?
Health: Always make my happiness a priority and do the things I love, like volunteering and traveling.
Athletic: Build a solid running fitness base and get back into racing.
Personal: Continue to challenge myself, get out of my comfort zone, and grow as an individual.
Professional: Help the SMACK! Media team surpass their 2014 goals and have as much fun as possible!
Brittany (Smith) Knudson
What is your favorite moment or biggest accomplishment of 2013?
I got married on Nov 2, 2013 – definitely the best day of the year and probably of my life!
What are your 2014 goals?
Health: Eat more like my client, 6 Pack Fitness. Stay focused and aware of what I put into my body even when I am traveling, running errands or simply away from my kitchen.
Athletic: Run a FULL marathon.
Personal: As a new wife I want to be a strong, balanced woman for my husband and continue to grow in our marriage as life partners. I would also like to become a spin instructor–I love the group classes and inspiring others to workout and work harder! (If it’s too long, cut it up!)
Professional: As a new SMACKANISTA I am so excited to make new friendships and learn from each of these amazing and smart women.
Morgan Gonzalez
What is your favorite moment or biggest accomplishment of 2013?
Following my wildest dreams, facing challenges head on and allowing myself to evolve! I ran the fastest track season of my life, visited my family in Mexico, took amazing road trips, and moved to the mountains with my husband Sergio where we Co-Founded California Runners and rescued four puppies!
What are your 2014 goals?
Health: I love to cook so I plan to revive my culinary skills to make nutritious meals at home to fuel my training and keep my immune system strong! (And because carrot cake and beer are not food groups!)
Athletic: I’m currently training for indoor and outdoor track. I hope to build upon last year, race fast and qualify for more competitive meets.
Personal: Get the most out of each moment. Things don’t always go perfectly, but I love taking whatever is in front of me and transforming it into a masterpiece.
Professional: Channel my creativity into strategic campaigns and continue to help our amazing clients reach their goals!
Sarah Lieneke
What is your favorite moment or biggest accomplishment of 2013?
I became a volunteer at the local Humane Society to walk the shelter dogs. I’ve wanted to do that for a long time and finally got up the courage to get started.
What are your 2014 goals?
Health: Continue to (in the words of Michael Pollan), “Eat real Food. Not too much. Mostly Plants.”
Athletic: Give my body the rest from running it needs to heal my current injury.
Personal: Call my grandmother more often.
Professional: Grow the relationships with all the amazing editors and writers I worked with in 2013!