The Compassionate Coach: My Highlights of 2023

The other day, I was snuggling with my pups in the backyard and realized that 2023 was truly an epic year for me. Aside from baking and decorating at least a dozen cakes, I hit some major personal and professional milestones I never dreamed were possible. 

Here’s a roundup of some of my favorite moments from 2023. 

→ I finished my PhD data collection.

Way back in September 2022, I kicked off the training studies for my PhD at California State University San Marcos. Between the 3-hour round trip commute, long days in the lab, and all of my normal personal and professional responsibilities, it was the busiest I’ve been in my entire life. 

After a very challenging seven months, I officially wrapped up data collection in late April. My respect for the research process has grown enormously. Running a study is tough, but I’m so lucky to have the opportunity to contribute to a field of research (strength training in women) that’s been severely lacking for way too long. 

I can’t make any promises about when my research will be published, but I’ll be sure to announce it on my social media channels when the time comes! 

→ My best friend threw me an unforgettable bachelorette party, and I married the love of my life – for the second time. 

During what turned out to be one of the most meaningful weekends of my life, I was surrounded by nine incredible women in June whom I’m truly blessed to call my friends. It feels surreal to have finally found my people at the age of 34, and my heart is completely and utterly full.

Just a few short weeks later, I married the love of my life – again! Months and months of planning culminated in a beautiful wedding in the hills of California, surrounded by our closest family and friends. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life as Mrs. Sohee Lee Carpenter. 

→ I gave my third joint presentation with my husband at the International Fitness Summit in England. 

Shortly after our wedding, Ben and I flew to the UK to give our third joint presentation at the International Fitness Summit. The energy at IFS is always insane, and it continues to be one of my favorite fitness events of the year. Getting to educate a huge audience on topics I’m truly passionate about alongside my husband makes it all the more special. 

→ I landed the cover of Women’s Health Magazine.

Booking the cover of Women’s Health Magazine has been a professional dream of mine for as long as I can remember and this year, it finally happened. I flew to New York City in May to shoot the cover and five months later, the issue – titled ‘Forces of Fitness’ – hit newsstands across the country. My husband and I spent nearly two weeks scouring our local grocery stores before we finally got our hands on my cover. 

It’s usually hard for me to admit that I’m proud of myself, but this was different. After a lifetime of holding myself to impossibly high standards, I embraced this milestone with everything I had. And it felt damn good. 

→ I got my team together one last time in Los Angeles. 

I wrapped up the year with my ELT Method coaches at our annual team retreat in California. We went to Disneyland, ate delicious food, filmed some content, and worked on a somewhat secret project that’s been in the works for the past couple of years. As an online business owner, I try to get my team together as often as possible and this year, I managed to do so three separate times – easier said than done, considering we live in different states! 

This year was a whirlwind. I had my fair share of ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade any of it – not even the messy parts. I have the most incredible people in my life and I know I can handle whatever life throws at me with them by my side.

2024 is shaping up to be another incredible year and if everything goes according to plan, my new training app (Momentum by Sohee) will be launching in February. Make sure to keep your eyes on my social media channels, so you don’t miss anything! 

Thank you for your steadfast support and for being such a pivotal part of my journey. Let’s continue spreading the message that health and fitness are never one-size-fits-all and make 2024 our best year yet.