I’m not sure how to create a witty intro into this post, so I’ll just jump right to it: I’m turning 30 this week. And I’m completely okay with that.
I don’t really get the whole “freak-out” that people have with milestone birthdays. Exactly a year ago I wondered if I would feel anxious or sad as I approached the big 3-0. I may not have the “typical” life that most 30 year olds have, but then again, I think that’s why I’m completely okay with a new decade. I remember vividly on my 25 birthday saying “by the time I’m 30, I will have gotten my Ph.D., finished an Ironman, and gotten married”. If I could go back in time I would condescendingly pat my 25 year old self on the head. Well as they say, two outta three ‘aint bad!
The weekend after my birthday I’m organizing a fun “Winter Games 2013″ party with my friends, and have a pretty amazing day planned out (things kick off with a beer mile and go from there). I’m probably going a wee bit overboard with the planning and prizes for my party, but I live for this stuff. And I loved every minute and every dollar spent at the Dollar Tree.
The problem is I’m not sure what to do with my actual birthday (Thursday, Feb. 7). Since it’s such a milestone birthday, I feel this overwhelming desire to do something “epic” on the day. Unfortunately, I’m stuck giving a presentation mid-day so I can’t take the whole day off and go run 30 miles or something. I already requested that my track coach give us some workout that involves 30 total laps on our 200m track. I’ve pondered 30 laps in the pool, or 30k on the bike. But nothing seems “30″ enough. Perhaps I’m putting too much pressure on myself and the day, but you only turn 30 once and I don’t want to blow it! What did you do on your 30th birthday? Any suggestions on how to make the most of this big day?
Carolina John
I was planning a 30th birthday party, but the first kid came 2 weeks before my birthday. So I was totally in that new parent sleep deprevation state.
No worries! Your 30′s are so much better than your 20′s. It really is an incredible difference. I mean, you’re already pretty smart but this is the decade when you get respect from long term professionals in your field, come into some serious income, and grow as an adult. You’re going to love it, and love yourself in the end.
rachel
how about a 30-30-30 tri-training day? 30×100 at the pool followed by 30 miles on the trainer then 30×200 on the track?
@erinklegstad
Happy 30th birthday! My 30th was pre-triathlon days (why didn’t I start sooner?!), and I celebrated with my closest friends at my house. Hands down, my 30s trump my 20s!
Anyway, I like rachel’s 30-30-30 tri-training day! Have a fabulous day!
alett
I think I simply had a 30th birthday party…but then again, I usually have a birthday party every year (party = inviting people to a bar btw). Oh and I’m turning 43 and I celebrate birthday WEEK.
How about doing 30 random acts of kindness during your birthday week?
cheers,
a.
Jessi @doctorate housewife
Feb 7th is my 30th birthday too. I want to make it special, but so far everything I’ve come up with is ordinary. If you get any inspiration, please share!
Jeff Vanis
I like the 30-30-30 option that may be a good brick to get ready for Knoxville. Happy early bday, USAT has said you are already 3-0!
Matt
How about a day off from training?! That’s what my wife “suggested” I take for my last birthday. It was tough, but I survived and sometimes a recovery day is the perfect gift.
Chloe
Ah – it’s over rated. Go out and get drunk and then eat some Taco Bell
And I agree with Jeff – According to USAT, you turned 30 January 1st! 
Dana
yea for feb bdays!! I have two more years til thirty but I have that list to do before then too.
Gracie
My birthday is the day after yours, many years earlier. When I turned 30 two friends at work bought me a toaster as I didn’t have one and considered wrapping it in wedding wrap, as a somewhat old fashioned wedding gift so to speak, as i wasn’t married and didn’t get one as a gift. Many years and three kids later, we have quite the deluxe toaster. Hope you had an inspiring 30th birthday, you’ve accomplished so much and it only gets better!