You could read the following, perhaps do some further research, and make a semi-informed decision based on your schedule and fitness goals. Or, you could remove the pets from the room, grab a handful of darts, hang up the new calendar, and take aim.

But that way, you might end up running a 5K on an odd Tuesday at 3 a.m., so you may want to try reading on first.

Blue Skies in January

The Carolina (Blue Sox) Baseball Club (CBC) will hold its fourth annual hot stove banquet at UNC’s Fetzer Gym from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26.

Open to the public, the banquet will feature notable guest speakers, a silent auction, a raffle, and great food. Also of note, the 10U Blue Sox squad has announced open tryouts this Saturday. Check back for further details on the Blue Sox website at stayandplaysnackcafe.com/ or email info@carolinabaseballclub.org.

Rec Rocks!

Registration for Chapel Hill Park and Recreation spring, 2013 programs for Orange County residents begins Monday.

“We’re starting baseball and softball registration in January,” athletics specialist Michael Troutman said. Monday is the date registration starts for Orange County residents; it will start two weeks later (Jan. 21) for non-residents.”

Troutman said the Dixie Rock Indoor Rock Climbing competition is still on at the Community Center and a spring Ultimate Frisbee league is in the works.

Visit the Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation website for more information at chapelhillparks.org. Brochures are also available at the Plant Road offices.

Carrboro Recreation and Parks recreation supervisor Charles Harrington said his agency will have all of the usual offerings for this spring: girls’ field hockey, girls’ volleyball, spring baseball, adult co-rec softball, all with registration beginning today for Carrboro residents and Thursday for non-residents.

“We have CLASS (Children Learning Athletics Sports Skills) basketball,” Harrington said, “and we have a series of Sunday basketball skill-based clinics for shooting, and then also for dribbling, passing, and rebounding”

Carrboro will also offer clinics for the First-Tee SNAG Golf, fishing and disk golf coming up during the spring, with tennis programs coming up at Wilson Park as well.

“One big thing for this registration is summer camps,” Harrington added. “Registration for both our regular (summer) day camps and athletic camps is due with this next registration period.”

Y’s Move

At the Chapel Hill / Carrboro YMCA, fitness opportunities abound in early 2013.

“We’re offering a membership special throughout January,” senior membership and marketing director Greg Lee said. “Whatever the day of the month is, that’s what the joining fee is. For a typical family, the joining fee might be $100, but if they join on Jan. 3, it’s just $3.”

Lee said the Y will offer an “Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less” nutrition/fitness program in January. In February, the proven “Women on Weights” program returns, as well as a TRX program designed by Navy Seals.

While youth basketball will have already begun in January, spring soccer sign-ups begin Jan. 10 for a season starting April 6. The Y’s Healthy Kids Day is April 28.

A Running Engagement

On Feb. 2 at 9 a.m., it’s the KE Caring Community 5K, run from UNC’s Old Well. Registration and further information is through signmeup.com.

On Feb. 23, it’s the 20th running of Kappa Delta Shamrock ’n Run 5K ( kdchapelhill.org) at UNC, to raise funds for the Durham Center for Child and Family Health and Prevent Child Abuse America.

On March 2, it’s the 24th staging of the Zeta Tau Alpha Franklin 5K ( unc.zetataualpha.org). Also March 2, the first annual St. Paul AME 5K Walk/Run will start and finish at Carrboro’s McDougle Middle School. Learn more at stpaulamechapelhill.org or by calling 919-967-3961.

On March 16, the Kidney Kare 5K ( unckidneycenter.org) is off and running once again from Carrboro’s McDougle Middle School. On March 23, the UNC campus teems with Heels for Healing 5K, staged by the UNC Nursing Students Association. Registration is through sportoften.com/, or call 336-414-5149.

The Tar Heel 10-Miler presented by CEP Compression Sportswear and the Fleet Feet Four-Mile road races will be held on April 20 to benefit the UNC Lineberger Cancer Center and the YMCA’s “We Build People” campaign. Also on April 20, the Briar Chapel 5K rolls along the roads of Briar Chapel neighborhoods south of Cole Park Plaza. Registration is through runtheeast.com.

May 18 at 9 a.m. at UNC, it’s the first annual NC DNA Day 5K ( ncdnaday.org/5k/). Cedar Ridge High fans can show Red Wolf pride at the second annual “Run at the Ridge” 5K and Mile Fun Run/Walk on May 18. Registration is through sportoften.com.

Finally, the Swim for Smiles Youth Triathlon will be held on May 18 (short course) and 19 (long course). For more information, visit swimforsmiles.org.

As part of its Winter Series, the Carolina Godiva Track Club will stage its Eno Equalizer on Sunday, Jan. 15 at 10 a.m., its annual Geezer Pleezer run will be on Sunday, Feb. 12 at 10 a.m., and its Hard Climb Hill will run in March (date tba.). For more information, visit carolinagodiva.org.

At the Starting Line

Registration deadlines are looming for Girls on the Run’s spring programs (no refunds will be issued after Jan. 11). Twelve-week programs begin Jan. 28 and culminate with a non-competitive 5K walk/run on April 13. Spaces are still available in Chapel Hill and Carrboro at Ephesus School, Morris Grove, Rashkis, and Seawell Elementary Schools and McDougle Middle School.

The Chapel Hill / Carrboro Pacers Running Club offers track and field training to boys and girls aged 7-18 for a competitive edge, exercise, or just for fun. Those interested in the Pacers’ spring track and field season beginning in March should visit the club website ( ccpacers.org) and, if they haven’t already, join the mailing list before Feb. 1 by emailing ccpacers@gmail.com.

Carrboro’s Fleet Feet Sports will again offer training for young runners through its “Mini-milers” program. Registration is through Fleet Feet Sports in Carrboro: fleetfeetcarrboro.com.