What's Up 2013?

I think I have finally gotten settled into 2013.  It only took me 3 weeks, but I am not longer writing 2012 on checks and student assignment sheets.  And, now, that I am comfortably engaged in the year, it is time to make my event forecast: the winters are remarkably mild in fitness land!

So, you already know about the Ride-As-Many-Days-As-Possible Challenge from a previous blog. That is still going.  Still going, despite the fact that I was laid out with consumption last week.  The quarter of a mile I did on Monday about killed me, but I did it.  And, despite the fact that I almost forgot to ride my bike on Thursday.  I was trying to fall asleep when I remembered.  So, I hopped out of bed and did five miles listening to a Planet Money pod cast.  

To my great surprise, I have already ridden 139 miles this month.  For a trainer, some spin classes, and a bout with consumption, I would say that is pretty good.  So, my informal goal is to add a hundred miles a month.  If I get to 150 this month, then in February I shoot for 250, in March 350, etc. until I get to July when I have to ride a total of 750, but minus 450 for the RAGBRAI and 100 for Tour De Brew that's only 250 extra miles. 

In addition to that, here is what else is on the docket.  I was roughly planning on doing an event a month for the year.  

January--Nothing. I was thinking doing the Icebreaker Triathlon again, but I just couldn't get my biscuit motivated to get in the pool.  I tried running one day after spin class and I was just not into it.  So, January, nothing.  

February--Again, I was planning on doing the Red Flannel Run, and I might go out and walk/jog it, but I am not going to be serious about it, because, well, I just don't care enough.  I have learned, in my years of infinite blogging wisdom, forcing doesn't work.  Instead, I am on doing the BRR Ride for the first time next week!  And, there is a 5K in Columbia, Missouri the weekend of the True False Film Festival, which I plan on attending with my pals Matt and Martha.  Marthy is the one who suggested the 5K, so we will do it together. 

March--in honor of the Tiger's birthday month, I promised him I would do some sort of randonneuring event. The Tiger has decided he is no longer a "commuter" and no longer a "bagger."  He is a "randonneur."  (He is still searching for his bicycling identity).  I am not expert, but I think that randonneuring is like a long distance, self-supported, alley cat race, only instead of messenger bags, randonneurs like handlebar bags.  And instead of ear plugs, they like beards.  There are no winners, though, "you are competing with yourself."  And, from what I can tell, the popularity of randonneuring died out in the 19th century, which is why the Tiger likes it so much.  And, they give out medals.  I guess there are some permanent-do-it-yourself and write in for your medal-level events around central Iowa.  

April--Fight for Air Climb Redemption Redux.  The first year I did this event was not as bad as I would have thought.  Last year was pretty painful, both because I had less fitness and because I was fatter.  I hope both to be less true this year because I am actually going to train!  

Side note--on Tuesday night, I was laying on the futon in pile of my own phlegm when I noticed I had text message from Steven, "Aannnnnd, [the mayor] managed to donate a hundred bucks to your last years climb fundraiser instead of this year's. Fail." 

I have to tell you when I got that text message, my first thought was, "what stair climb?"

My second thought was, "Oh, yeah, I remember, I do stuff like that."  I peered back through my consumption-induced fog and remembered that even though I was sick, and hadn't worked out in several days, that I would get better, I would be able to climb a bunch of stairs, and someone out there, someone who is pretty serious about his net worth believed a hundred dollars in me!  I gave me hope!  

So, Mayor, whether or not those funds ever find their way to my fundraising account, I say, thank you for believing in me!  I will get better.  I will train.  I will climb those damn stairs.  And, when I get to the top, I will take a picture of myself wearing a Mayor-Mask. 

May--Still Looking for Ideas.

June--Copper Creek Triathlon--do I want to do this triathlon?  If I do, I have to start training, for reals in March.  We'll see.  Goldie, what do you think?  

July--Tour de Brew, duh.  RAGBRAI, duh. 

August--Beer, beer, beer.  Bike, bike, bike.  Belguim, Belguim, Belguim.  

September--Maybe the Beaverdash, maybe something else. 

October--Still looking, Night Cap Cross?  Yikes.  There's nothing scarier than the idea of doing cyclocross with a bunch of people watching. 

November--Survivor Cross--my goal for this year is to do well enough at Survivor Cross that I don't look like I need a self-appointed "coach" to teach me how to shift and stuff during the ride. 

December--Still looking.