Choosing races

Normally, at the beginning of each year I map out a race plan for the season. This year, I put the ritual on hold. My uncertainty about racing triathlon, or even racing at all, led me to procrastinate until I could no longer ignore the truth. I will not be racing any triathlons this year. I am no closer to successfully riding my bike than I was 6 months ago. 

My five week riding experiment in February ended without success. The symptoms I was experiencing last year in the rib and chest wall areas all returned with vigor. I hung up my bike again and prepared for the LA marathon wholeheartedly. After the race, I was left with a void, as we often are after a major race. 

It was time, then, to create a race schedule. As a very goal oriented person who loves racing, I needed to put something on the calendar quickly, something to refocus my energies. The majority of my races will be running races, with perhaps a few open water swims thrown in for good measure. Here is the thought process that went into developing my race schedule.

Of course, the main goal is the Olympic trials standard, which I missed by two minutes in LA.  After chatting with Coach Darren, I decided to run the Twin Cities marathon in October. The course is supposedly fast (well, it’s fast if I run fast) and it is the masters marathon championships. Yippee. I get to race “old” people! Don’t be deceived. These women run FAST.

In order to improve my marathon, I also need to run a faster half marathon. I chose two key sea level half marathons, both in San Diego. How convenient is that (mom and dad, if you are reading this, can I stay with you?)? First is the Rock and Roll race in June and then America’s Finest City half in August. 

My first post-marathon foray is the Colfax half marathon May 15. Can you believe this race starts at 6am? That is earlier than any triathlon I have ever done! Is it even light at 6? I may have to sleep in my car at the race start to make sure I am there on time.

The rest of my schedule will be populated with local races from 5k to half marathon which I will spontaneously choose to do when it fits into the training. A rather rogue approach compared to my normally meticulous planning.

Now that I have some races planned, I better get running.