Friday, October 05, 2007

Going Local, Going Loco

It's Race Schedule time!! Wahoo!!

I have a couple of things that have guided my highly preliminary race schedule this year...

First, I want to compete locally. While traveling to a race is fun and all, it's also really expensive. And my personal stash is usually pretty small. So, I'm trying to focus on races that I can get to the morning of the race or maybe stay over with a friend or family member instead of a hotel. And there will be NO driving cross country.

Second, I really want to participate in races that include an Athena category. Two things have become clear to me. (1) I'm always going to be over 150. Get used to it world. This is me and my genes and we're here to stay. (2) I like bling. It makes me feel even more accomplished. Just finishing does just fine, and (not 'but') finishing with a place in my division is finer.

Also (or third, or iii, or whatever), I really want to improve on my half iron distance performance from last year. I don't really care much about trying to reach a certain time, since each course is different. But I do want to feel more comfortable racing that distance and work on getting stronger on the bike and better at maintaining pace on the run after the first few miles. And we all know...to get better, you must practice.

And one more thing. I noticed that one of our more prolific race direction groups around here (Piranha Sports) has a competition each year for points. And since they include an Athena division, I think it would be fun to give a shot at winning some fun prizes or swag in their contest. Last year -- not a single Athena raced enough of their races (4) to win. I'd like to change that. Plus, they run races of all different distances and put on a good race. Yeah!

Okay. Enough babbling. Here's the breakdown...

JAN - Begin 18 week training program for 1/2 iron distances.

FEB - Build

MAR - Build

APR - Begin speed work
Brandywine Valley Duathlon (4/5): 5k run, 30k bike, 5k run **

MAY - NJ Devilman (5/4): half iron **

JUNE - Black Bear (6/1): half iron
Escape from Ft. Delaware (6/28): olympic **

JULY - Philly Women's Triathlon (7/6): sprint
NJ State Triathlon (7/27): olympic

AUG - Northeast Maryland Triathlon (8/17): olympic (maybe...could be too close to next half )
(or) Lums Pond Triathlon (8/17): sprint **

SEP
- Diamondman Triathlon (9/7): half iron **
Cape Henlopen Triathlon (9/28): sprint **

NOV - Philly Marathon

DEC - Rest, for goodness sakes


** Counts towards the Greater Atlantic Multisport Series.

15 comments:

21stCenturyMom said...

Excellent strategy. That is a lot of races. I feel myself picking a lot of races, too but then I'm not sure I want to race that much. Thanks for racing enough for both of us :-)

Jeremy said...

Awesome race schedule! If I can offer one piece of advice...do a recon trip to Black Bear prior to the race. That course really humbled me last June. You'll have a huge sense of accomplishment when you cross the line there.

The Original MAJ said...

It's so funny that your Athena strategy is so similar and yet so different from mine. i will tell you about it some day.

Lesser is More said...

Piranha Sports puts on some great races. I did the Diamond in the Rough Triathlon (Olympic) this past year and really enjoyed the race. I also was at the Philly Women's Tri and it was one of the best races I've seen. Flat and fast, you'll be sure to set PRs all over the place!

Team Brazo said...

I love your comment:

I'm always going to be over 150. Get used to it world. This is me and my genes and we're here to stay

That is what it is all about -- understanding who you are and loving every minute of it!!

LBTEPA said...

You're just showing off about all those Athena races LOL

Brent Buckner said...

Looks like a huge amount of fun!

Duane said...

Doesn't it feel good to have those races to shoot for!

Steve Stenzel said...

Nice schedule!! Should be a blast!!

Unknown said...

Looks good, challenging, but still fun. Rock it, girlie!

Tea said...

What a great race schedule!Y'know a couple more races and you could be on the 12 races in 12 months list.

just sayin...

The Stretch Doc said...

ya thats a good looking race schedule!

I likey!!

rockon`

Jane said...

I like you IMAble. That's kinda weird to say out in public, but I like how you're so honest and open about stuff. and accepting.

Melissa said...

Phew!! I'm tired just looking at your race schedule. Have fun!! Does one ever get to rest in December? What a crazy month in and of itself.

Melissa said...

Phew!! I'm tired just looking at your race schedule. Have fun!! Does one ever get to rest in December? What a crazy month in and of itself.