2013 race calendar.
Creating a yearlong race calendar is two things: 1) a first; and, 2) overwhelming + stressful.
In the past, I winged it, searching out training plans online and signing up for a race with just enough time to train for it – and usually only one or three races a season. A couple half marathons one year, a couple bike races the next, and then a marathon that ended in the med tent.
After jumping into triathlon last year – after years of planning to do so – I can safely say I’m hooked and am excited about having a year of races in front of me. But, I’m still a triathlon newbie. I’m still learning the ins and outs of the sport, what works best for me during training and on race day, what distance is my favorite. And, I still don’t have a triathlon bike (but, soon… soon!)!
And, deciding which races to do… that’s tough. MSP is home to many well organized, fantastic races, so it wasn’t easy to narrow it down!
Unlike the other years, this year requires a bit more planning in preparation for my A race: Ironman Canada. It’s just seven – seven! – short months away!
To start: After some serious thought and despite already being registered, I decided to scrap the American Birkebeiner. I’m disappointed because it’s not like me to sign up for something and not do it, but squeezing in training for a 50K ski race at the start of training for a 140.6 is a bit more daunting than I anticipated.
I also talked about running a spring marathon, but honestly, the thought of running 26.2 miles is far more nerve wracking than an iron{wo}man. Weird, I know, because come August 25, I’ll be running that after swimming and biking 114.4 miles. Recovery time (three to four weeks) also cuts into too much of my peak training.
As far as coaching, I’ve never been so overwhelming and stressed trying to figure out who to pick. I loved the team aspect of training with Performance POWER last year – and, I’ll probably still drop in for some track workouts – but none of the girls training there full-time this year. So, after much deliberation, I decided to train with Joe Moyer of Moyerland Coaching out of Rochester. We had a great chat last week and are on the same page with goals, nutrition and training volume. Plus, he coaches friend Sonia (who’s also training for IMCA). Can’t wait to get my first week of workouts on February 1 via Training Peaks!
And, I’ll be trying to catch Nick on the bike at least once a week 
With that, here’s what I’m {tentatively*} up to in 2013.
March 9: Irish for a Day 10 Mile
April 13: Goldy’s Run 10 Mile
April 27: Take the Hill sprint tri
June 8: Liberty 70.3
June 30: Lake Waconia sprint
July 14: Heart of the Lakes Triathlon long sprint
August 25: Ironman Canada
October 5: TC 10K
October 6: TC 10 Mile (provided I get in via the lottery)
*With the exception of Ironman Canada, I’m not registered for these races yet, so they’re subject to changes and additions
What’s on your race calendar this year? Do you plan your entire race schedule or sign up for races on a whim?
Holy crap, you are going to be busy this year! I love your ambitious mindset, Erin. Good luck on accomplishing your goals in 2013, and beyond!
Thank you, John! It’s gonna be a fun year! All the best in 2013 to you, too. How’s your gym?
Too funny! I was just working on my list of races, too!
I can’t wait to come cheer you on!
And awesome news about the coach!
I can’t wait to cheer you on, too! And, hopefully see you at a few races
Thank you, friend!
Impressive! Awesome list, Sis! Even if I don’t participate in any races, at least the bambino and I can cheer you on from the sidelines for a bunch of them…!
I would LOVE to have you and bambino cheer me on! xoxo!
Congrats on the coaching decision! I am looking forward to follow ur progress!!!
Thank you, April! Excited to follow your progress this year, too
Checked out your coaches site, very cool!
New races can be nerve racking! I cant imagine the amount of planning it takes to train for an Iron(wo)man but if there is anyone I know who could do it, its you!
May 19th Santa Cruz Marathon is on the calender and I am on my third week of training! I am considering a few other races so TBD!
Thanks, dear! Lots of planning and training, indeed, but I am so excited about it! Also, loved reading in your latest blog post that a iron{wo}man is on your life to-do. I KNOW you could do it!
Hope your marathon training is going well! Excited to see what else you’re up to this year
My race calendar is up on my blog but needs some work. I haven’t figured out which Tri I want to do this year or if I want it to be an early one or late. I am definitely planning to do the Chicago marathon and the rest I wil just wing (except for the few faves I”ve already signed up for).
Ooo… I’ll have to check out your race calendar! Have you done the Life Time tri in Chicago? I did the one in MPLS last year, and it was a ton of fun!
Well this looks like a great idea to actually make yourself participate. I may steal the idea from you. The Irish for a Day run looks fun!
Sign up for it! Would love to see you there. And, definitely use it… it’s a great way to stay accountable.
I refused to plan a whole year, this year, because it makes me crazy. I don’t know what I want to do in November! Although I did sign up for a July IM, so I guess I’m most of the way there. Sigh. This comment is worthless, sorry about that.
Ha!
It IS a bit daunting to pick out races months ahead of time, but I like having something to look forward to! Hope your IM training is going well! Loving training peaks, by the way.
OMG! You are amazing. I actually was kind of thinking I might start running again…? And maybe try for a 1/2 Marathon? Eek! I don’t know…
Yes! Do it! If I lived in Cali, I would totally run and train with you!
P.S. I’m gonna be in San Diego the end of the month… how far is that from where you live?!
Awesome! I did goldys 10 mile last year, one of my faves!!!!!
I’ve heard good things about that race from many people! Are you running it again this year?
I agree, trying to recover from a marathon pre-Ironman seems like it would definitely cut into overall training for the actual race! Looks like a great set up to become an Iron(wo)man!!
Thank you, Courtney! It’s gonna be a fun year! Any races on your calendar this year?
That’s quite the list. I’m a little jealous of your ability to plan for things. I have to register for races as I happen to be in town for them (wherever “in town” may be). I have registered for Almanzo, though, in hopes of being around for it!
It’s the first year of ever planning, so we’ll see how it goes
I hope you’re around for Almanzo! And, I hope the travels + biking are going well! SO wish I could make it for the Solvang ride camp.
Excellent site i’m intersted on starting triathlon myself i have to do a strong ironman or ironman 80. 3