It's the time of year when all good fitness bloggers outline their goals for the upcoming year. But before we get to the 2012 calender, let's review 2011.
In January of 2011 I set out to do the Janathon, 30 days of running (or exercise or walking). I made it to about day 15. Good, but not great. I also attempted to do the "ride your bike every day in April" challenge: even bigger failure. Turns out, I am just not that into "do one thing every day challenges." So, let's skip those for 2012.
In February, I set my sights on the Red Flannel Run because I love the Riverfront YMCA. Also, it was on my sister's 25th birthday. We planned to do it together. Well, Easy E decided to go out dancing the night before and somewhere between skidding across the dance floor on her knees and "Kevin Baconing" off the pool table several times she injured her knee. Secretly, I was stoked. I hadn't really been training and I could use the excuse that I "didn't want to make Emily walk alone on her birthday" excuse. So, we walked, which was fun.
I never did run 5 miles. I sort of forgot about running.
In March, I did do the Fight for Air Stair Climb. I was worried because my training hadn't been great. Easy E and I snuck into the 801 Grand building to practice and I was huffing and puffing all the way to the top. (But, hey, I climbed to the top of 801 Grand, yo!). I decided that I would set an even, easy pace for the real climb, and guess what? It was easy. I wasn't fast, but I wasn't really exerted either.
For June, I put down run the Dam-to-Dam. Ha! I went to Matt Couch's wedding in South Dakota instead.
In July, of course, there was the most important week of the year, the RAGBRAI. Mysteriously, though I had put in more miles this year, I didn't feel as strong. The Mayor pointed out that all the base-level fitness I had built up in 2010 must have stuck with me for RAGBRAI that year, while this year, I didn't have that kind of base.
August was supposed to be my victory climb of Half Dome. Not only did I not climb Half Dome. Nor was I victorious in my weight loss goals. Instead, did the Urban Assault with my pal Lexi. We ranked 13 again among ladies teams, but dropped our overall time. Boom.
September saw my first ever 100 mile bike ride with the Great Annual Brewery 100, which was sort of a consolation prize for Half Dome. Despite low levels of oxygen, computer related breakdowns, and the Mayor's constant mockery, I did it. No beer in a 50 mile radius of Longmont, Colorado is safe.
In October, I rocked Beav-X-90 and conquered Potter's Hill.
And, I contend my achievements in the Calba Goubla Spin Race (despite not being able to read directions) was a notable achievement.
But what about the Great Mayoral Race? Well, I don't know how the Mayor feels about this, but I feel like a draw is in order. Unless our panel of esteemed judges is willing to step in and weigh the results, I feel like we were pretty much equal. The Mayor rode really consistent mileage with his commutes. I racked up a lot of cross-training hours, and we both lost a little bit of weight (and dignity).
I do want to thank the Mayor and his press secretary for inspiring me to work hard throughout the fall, except for November when I was busy and December when I sucked. You guys rock.
2012 Adventure Calendar
January: Walnut Creek YMCA Icebreaker Triathlon--(January 29th) Well, this is coming up more quickly than I imagined, and after reading the blog, I am scared only "real" athletes do this one, but what the heck?
February: Red Flannel Run--(February 11th) I downloaded an awesome app for my phone to help me train for this one, but then I got sidelined by visitors. I want to run this one, so it's time to get jogging and working on my outfit.
March: Fight for Air Stair Climb--(March 4) I was sort of nonplussed about this one last year. The best part was the free adjustment by the hunky chiropractic student. But, DMACC has a team, the Tiger is a smoker, and the fear of huffing and puffing up all those flights of stairs might help motivate me.
April: TBA--What should I do in April? Suggestions?
May: Bryce Canyon Visit--My pal Ranger Dave transferred from the Grand Canyon to Bryce Canyon. I'd like to visit him, do some hiking, and some backpacking between spring and summer classes. Plans sort of depend on how the Mighty Mazda is holding up.
June: Tour de Pepin--(June 2) Lexi's parents moved to Lake Pepin, Minnesota, which is a naturally lake on the Mississippi River. A group of friends goes to visit for the annual Memorial Day yachting regatta (i.e. riding around on Jamie's sail boat and drinking cheap beer), but this year we wanted something different. Most of my friends are doing the 35 mile trip, because they want to take the ferry across the lake, but I want to challenge myself to the 72 mile ride all the way around.
Copper Creek Triathlon--(June 24) Why, why do I have my heart set on a triathlon? Not sure, but for some reason I got it stuck in my head. I think that both running and swimming will make me a strong cyclist: lung capacity and endurance, perhaps? So, this is the one I picked, mostly because, I met a guy who did not look like a triathlete and he was doing it. If that random stranger can do it, so can I!
July: Brewery 100--(July 4th weekend) The Mayor wants to turn this into a bonefide event. Interested in joining us for what might be the flattest, most drunken, and rattlesnake riddled ride in the west?
RAGBRAI--(July 22-28) Need I say more?
August: Backpacking the Superior Hiking Trail--it's been way too long since I've been backpacking. My gear is starting to miss me. I've got to use it before the color-ways go out of fashion. So, I've made Lexi promise that we can head up to North the Superior Hiking Trail in August before I head back to school. With luck, we can bring Cousin Amiee, who is now living in Superior, and we can see our pal and beloved hermit, Larry. I'd love to spend a good 4 nights on the trail. Finland, here we come!
Urban Assault 2012 (August 12)--(just got cheap, early registration today!) is there a better way to spend a day-before-a-birthday than riding bikes around Des Moines and creating mayhem? This year, I am going to work on Lexi's bike-handling skills so we can improve our time and get to the free beer more quickly.
September: TBA--ideas?
October: TBA--suggestions?
November: Tweed Ride--this is not a real ride...but it's a pretty one.
December: TBA--Bueller?
There you have it: a year that is exciting, challenging, a fun.
Want to join me in any of these adventures? Have suggestions for my open months? Leave them in the comment box.
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