2011 Team Circuit

It's finally beginning to thaw in Minnesota. The snow banks outside my apartment are just two feet high now.

These first signs of spring have me looking forward to CSA boxes, Sea Salt, outdoor concerts, Open Field at the Walker, Pizza Farm, Tour de Farm, biking to work, and, oh yes, the 2011 Team Circuit. Here's the line-up. Very predictable, USATF.

March 20 - The Human Race 8 km - USATF Minnesota Championship

April 30 - Get In Gear 10 km - USATF Minnesota Championship

May 12 - TC 1 Mile - USATF Minnesota Championship

May 30 - Brian Kraft Memorial 5 km

June 18 - Grandma's Marathon - USATF Minnesota Championship

July 20 - Life Time Fitness Torchlight 5 km - USATF Minnesota Championship

August 14 - MDRA 15 km - USATF Minnesota Championship

September 11 - City of Lakes 25 km - USATF Minnesota Championship

October 2 - TC 10 Mile - USATF Minnesota Championship

And yet: predictability has been a good thing this winter. Kelsey Barale and I have been running all winter 3-4 days during the week at 6:15 AM, with a few weekend long runs. During the week, I leave my house around 6:10 and at the crest of the Franklin Bridge, Kelsey and I meet and decide which city we're going to tromp through first.

This does not mean I'm entering the 2011 season particularly fit or fast. The cold and dark of this particularly severe winter has truly required that I undertake a fierce regimen of beer drinking and TV watching. I've discovered a lot of beer that I really like. November - December: Trippel (New Belgium). January: Knot Stock (Furthermore) February: Hopslam (Bell's). March: Furious (Surly) and Margaritas in Mexico. All of this while watching Mad Men ("The Suitcase" episode in Season 4; so good!), Breaking Bad (whatever lack of adrenaline I had in my life without racing, Walt made sure I had something rattling my nerves), and Seinfeld (Tim Whatley, so harmless compared to Walt). But, runners, the fumes of my college fitness have been gone for years, and as I approach my 30th year, this sedentary life/beer habit of mine is not making running any easier.

So, I've made some circuit resolutions: strength training (any amount will do!), long runs on Saturday, one workout per week, yoga on Sundays. I will need someone to push me out of my winter shuffle. And to pick up what is left of me after this first race on Sunday.