when to schedule a half for next year
 

So, Here I am 3 days before my first tri in a long time. 2 weeks after that I have another one. Both sprint distances here in Oregon. I've mainly been cycling this year and the last month has been focused on running, being a clydesdale this is the hardest part for me. However I wanted to start planning for next year, if I don't get it scheduled I just don't do anything (Newton's first law kinda thing). So I was going to have a goal of a Half Ironman, some Olympic distances and then of course some sprints thrown in. Training time is not an issue for me.
I was just wondering when I should try to schedule the BIG event. Towards the beginning of the race season so that I'm not too beat up to do it, or towards the end of the season when I have even more training done? Any suggestions.

Another member directed me to slowtwitch.com which has some good training advice. I think insidetriathlon.com has some good links. Friel has a good multisport training book. You can always hook up with a coach which is what I am wrestling with at the moment. Most are fairly pricey and it's hard to know if the one you pick will be the best fit for you. Trainright.com seems to have a reasonable deal on coaching advice.

I would make it a late season 1/2. You can then do a couple Olympic distance races as warmups.

If you are getting to beat up, your not allowing proper recovery. This year I only have 2 A races, June and September. The rest were training races.

I just completed my first half IM two weeks ago. I trained pretty consistently through the winter and spring, and my first race was a sprint at the end of June. Two weeks later I did an olympic distance. I did another sprint in early August and the half IM was two weeks after that. I liked doing the shorter races before the half -- it got me motivated and I also had the opportunity to talk to lots of people who were half IM veterans and got some great advice. Also, I have been enjoying some much needed rest the past couple of weeks! I would definitely plan next summer's racing season the same as I did this one; it worked out really well for me. I was not feeling burned out or beat up....although I was getting anxious to do the race! Good luck to you!