Triathlon - What is going to be your A+ Race this coming season?

Just wondering what races people are gunning for this year, and what the goal is. :)

My longest-term goal is Ironman Canada, in August 2007 (2006 is already full, and I'm not yet ready for such a thing anyway).

In support of that, I have 2 major events in 2006: a half-iron in late september, and the Seattle Marathon just past Thanksgiving. The first is something I will race, and would love to break 5:30, but would be happy to break 6 hours. The second I am simply looking to finish (in about 4 hrs, I'll guess). I have done a half marathon a few times as training runs but nothing longer, and would like to have some confidence that I can finish one as a standalone event before trying one as part of a tri.

I will have already signed up for the 2007 race (signup is the day after the 2006 race), so if the above events go well, I will continue to train for it after XC ski season in 2007.

http://www.honuhalfironman.com/images_main/HonuTemplate2_02.jpg

Muncie Endurathon - 1/2IM Distance. July 17, 2006.

http://www.honuhalfironman.com/images_main/HonuTemplate2_02.jpg

I didn't know they had a 1/2 IM there, but since Hawaii is one of my wife's favorite vacation spots that gives me an idea...
"Honest, honey, I didn't know there was a race the same weekend we are here. Since I happened to bring along my bike for our vacation, it would be a shame if I missed it..."

DUDE!! IM Canada 2007 is a huge race. It is the 25th anniversary.

I want to do it too.

This year I am gunning for a sub 3 hour race at the Muskoka Long course. Also about a 5 hour half Ironman distance in Parry Sound.

collegiate nationals in Reno (olympic distance)

ChesapeakeMan IM, Sep 30, 2006
http://tricolumbia.org/chesapeakeman.html

2'30" chicago international in september

DUDE!! IM Canada 2007 is a huge race. It is the 25th anniversary.

I want to do it too.



I'm going up a few days before the 2006 race (I already have hotel reservations starting the Wednesday night pre-race), so I can ride the bike course, maybe get a swim in, see what the weather is like, work as a volunteer to help out the race, etc. That way I'll have a much better sense of how much foolish optimism I'll need to carry me through the year of training that's to follow :D

collegiate nationals in Reno (olympic distance)

Reno NV??

Yes, Reno, NV. Just got unofficial word that nationals were moved from New Orleans to Reno next year.

I don't know yet.
I have 2 marathons planned, I want to qualify for boston.
Triwise...I'm on the fence.
I didn't race at all this year, I'd like to do a 5:45 half, if I race at all next year.

I have 25+ events planned for 2006, 6-events (4 marathons and (2) 1/2 Ironman Traithlons) are my "A" races.
1. Walt Disney World double (Goofy Challange + 5k)
2. Boston Marathon
3. 1/2 IM Florida
4. Pikes Peak double
5. 5430 1/2 IM
6. Detroit Marathon (loved the course in 2005 it's flat, fast and PR material)

A race: IM Wisconsin
A- race: Age group nationals sprint course

A race: IM Wisconsin
A- race: Age group nationals sprint course


good luck in WI, that is a TOUGH course

Lots of local 5-10K runs and my first Sprint Tri...Lanikai Tri in April. No goal for that one just a respectable time. Also would like to run the Honolulu Marathon next December.

The mightyman half IM in montauk, NY

I have done it for two years and placed top 1/3rd ish both years.

Next year, I am really learning how to swim, and I am kicking ass. :D

I'm getting into road tri's this upcoming season, but I think my A+ race will still be Xterra East Champs. It's right in my backyard (seems like, I train on the course all the time.)

I've picked up a cheap, slightly used (50 miles) Cannondale road bike to see if I get into road tri's. If I do, I'll get setup with a nice tri bike. But for now, I'll be on my 200-dollar Cannondale R400. Hey, at least it's better than doing a road tri on an MTB. I pulled that on my first tri, which was a relay.

collegiate nationals in Reno (olympic distance)

see you there

i blew up in a big way on the run last year and i'm feeling hungry for a PR

Yes, Reno, NV. Just got unofficial word that nationals were moved from New Orleans to Reno next year.

unfortunately, the race is at altitude

but at least it might not be a toxic cesspool like last year (or NO).

I want to do a fun oly distance. Any recommedations?

depends on where you live.

i grew up in LA, so LA tri is a ball because its the fastest you will ever get from venice beach to downtown. they shut down all the major roads and cut the city in half. however, its a PIA and the roads are pretty bad

memphis in may is supposed to be pretty good, but i've never done the race

i love camp pendleton international in san diego. its fast and only $65

wildflower is a huge festival scene. it requires camping, though. and if you have a trace of allergies or asthma, there is a reason there is a helicopter on site at all times. personally, i won't go back until i go through a year long series of allergy shots. the race is HARD. add a good 10-15min to your regular oly time. despite complications, this is definitely the woodstock of triathlon

My A race will be Pacific Crest 1/2. This will be my second half and I hope to do much better than last time.

unfortunately, the race is at altitude

but at least it might not be a toxic cesspool like last year (or NO).

I wouldn't know because I unfortunately didn't make it last year (darn classes!). Swimming in a contaminated New Orleans lake did sound like a nightmare.

Where do you go to school? I'm at Virginia Tech (just look at my user id).

I am shooting for the Pineman 1/2 ironman. Will be starting 2nd season of tri's and wanted to bump up the distance a bit. So waterchick you said at the same time you were going to move up to a 1/2 next season. It wont happen unless you put it on paper.

I'm doing Pacific Crest and it will be my first 1/2. What are your suggestions for preparing, physically and mentally? Sounds like a tough race. Thanks.

Signed up for Ironman Canada. Will be my first Ironman. Getting nervous already :)

I have 2 A races this year. Half IM Florida, I plan on placing top 5 & IM Hawaii