Maybe it’s just me, because I am getting old, but man – did 2012 fly by or what?! Last year, I was working in Fort Myers, Florida enjoying 80+ degree weather and hanging out on the beach. This year, I’m in Liberal, Kansas where it’s cold, windy and flat.
With the New Year approaching, I’ve thought a lot about Adventure Strong and the direction I want to go in 2013. There are going to be some big, exciting changes in 2013 that are going to blow the awesome quotient out of the water. But there are two main things I want to focus on:
- In the spirit of Pat Flynn’s famous Be Everywhere approach, I want to expand the reach of Adventure Strong by delivering entertaining and useful content via trail reports, videos & photo essays. I’m going to get serious with video. This is an area that will need improvement because so far my skills are pretty amateurish.
- Interacting with readers, especially meetups and events. Sitting behind my laptop and writing after going hiking or taking a trip is easy. Building a community that wants to meet in person to do things is hard. But that’s a challenge I’m up for.
I want to make sure that Adventure Strong is as fun and useful as possible. I’m open to suggestions for content so if you have one (or three) please leave a comment below.
Highlights of 2012
The biggest milestone in 2012 was launching Adventure Strong in September. It took me several months of planning and deciding if I could add something of value to the interwebs and I think I can. So, I pulled the trigger and here we are.
Another highlight was losing 60 lbs of weight! It’s been a struggle but well worth it.
I also transitioned to wearing minimalist shoes (Vibrams) when I run or hike. This was not as hard or painful as I read it could be but I attribute that to doing research and being proactive in making the switch.
Travel
I thought 2011 was a great travel year but 2012 was even better. I visited 5 new states (KS, MD, NV, NY and UT) and am more than halfway toward visiting all 50 states.
Places Visited in 2012
- I kicked off the New Year in Fort Myers, Florida.
- Washington, DC
- Manassas, VA
- Brunswick and Dickerson, Maryland
- Las Vegas, NV
- Mojave Desert & Death Valley, California
- Zion National Park, Utah
- Kona, HI
- Waikoloa, HI
- New York City, NY
- Finish off the year in Liberal, Kansas
Looking into the Columbia River Valley toward Beacon Rock (in the distance).
In Florida, I visited Sanibel Island, where I was literally surrounded by three 3-5 foot long sharks. Freaky! I also visited Fort Myers Beach and swam at Bonita Beach.
A friend and I hiked Sugarloaf Mountain in Maryland.
In Virginia, I hiked around Great Falls and visited my first Civil War battleground at Manassas National Battlefield Park.
I also made the rounds to all the major monuments in Washington, DC (again). If you haven’t made the trip to DC, it’s definitely worth it.
I hiked in Nevada’s Valley of Fire. Did a speed-hike to Cima Dome in California.
Made my way out to the insanely gorgeous Zion National Park in Utah and hiked up Angel’s Landing. I’d love to go back and spend a few days at the park.
Some friends and I went to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere. I peered over the edge of Hoover Dam, wishing I could rappel down.
I tried snorkeling and free diving for the first time in Hawaii. During one snorkeling excursion, I even got to swim with a sea turtle! Spent a day hiking the Waipio Valley and another day hiking Mauna Kea (and sucking at it). Fun stuff!
Looking to 2013
Like I mentioned, there will be big changes in 2013 both personally and professionally. I don’t want to give it all away right now. I find that when I give out details too early sometimes plans fall apart. However, I will say that some are major things on my Quest for Adventure. If you haven’t read it yet, check it out.
Goals
- One fairly specific goal for 2013 is to hike more than last year, which shouldn’t be too hard. With so much work travel in 2012, it was hard to get on the trail on a regular basis. I’m aiming for a minimum of 10 hikes.
- Build up to running 5 miles (or more).
- Drop 30+ lbs and reach 200lbs bodyweight by my birthday in September.
- Successfully hike to the summit of at least 1 mountain taller than Mauna Kea – 13,796 feet or 4,205 m.
I hope you had a wonderful 2012. Here’s to an even better 2013!
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