We are already over a week into 2018, time flies! I get a lot of questions this time of the year from athletes wondering how to set up their race season to produce their best result. Several years ago when racing for the Snapple National Pro Team I wrote an article for the team newsletter that touched on this very topic. I thought this would be a great time to dust it off and share. Feel free to comment with tips you use for planning your race season, I've also included an example of how this may look depending on your own personal strengths and weaknesses.Planning Your Race Season
Planning your 2013 race schedule can seem like a daunting task but should also be exciting. You can reap huge advantages over your competition just by taking the time to select the correct races. Below I’ve briefly outlined some of the steps I personally use to ensure I get the most out of my season and set myself on the right path to achieve my season goals.
1) Set your season goals. First, make sure you have identified clear season goals you are aiming for. Your season goals should heavily influence which races you select. For example if your number one goal is to qualify for a World or National championship, you need to think about what races to put on your schedule to qualify for this event. If your goal is a fast time what race courses support this?
2) Set your budget. Too often in triathlon we set goals and then end up adjusting mid season because of unplanned expenses. Knowing how much you’re willing to spend will help determine how many races or how far to travel.
3) Identify your race strengths and weaknesses. Once you’ve established your goals take a look at what your strengths are, and then play to them to help achieve those goals. If you’re an excellent climber but do horrible in heat look for a hilly course in a cool climate or if you’re a poor swimmer maybe avoid an ocean swim.
4) Focus on structure and timing. Take a realistic look at your training plan and decide when it makes sense to have your “A” and “B” races. If you live in the north it might not make sense to have an “A” race first thing in the Spring if you know you struggle to train in the cold months. Remember your first race of the season shouldn’t be you’re “A” or “B” race; plug in a couple of local races to knock the rust off first. Also, build in a little safety net, it’s nice to have backup races if you fall short on your “A” race, give yourself more than one shot to reach that goal!
By organizing and planning for the season up front you’ll allow for less stress and more training/fun later.
Here is a quick example for athlete Joe Snapple following the steps above. Joe is 45 years old and is a 4th year Amateur. He has progressively improved each year and just missed a 70.3 worlds slot last year.
1) Season Goal; Qualify for Ironman 70.3 Vegas worlds
2) His budget will allow him to fly to two races, travel to two Regional races and race around four local races.
3) Strengths: Hilly bikes and runs, hot weather
Weaknesses: Swim
Recommended Race Schedule
- April- Two early season local races to blow off rust (“C” race)
- May- Regional 70.3 race to try and qualify for Vegas (“B” race)
- June 30th - Travels to Buffalo Springs 70.3 (“A” race)
- July- Local race (“C” race)
- August- Regional 70.3 (last chance to qualify for Worlds if he hasn’t already, “B” race)
- September 8th- 70.3 World Championships (“A” race)
We can see from Joe’s race schedule he tried to optimize his schedule within his budget. He used a few local races to work out any kinks prior to an important race. He then chose three 70.3 races to maximize his chance to qualify for worlds. His budget allowed for two Regional races (drivable) and one long distance race (must fly). Ideally the Regional races would also suit his strengths, depending on where you live this may or may not be the case. For his “A” race he chose Buffalo Springs 70.3. This race plays nicely into his strengths and weaknesses. Looking at swim times this course tends to have a fast swim in a sheltered lake. The profile on the bike and run reveals it is a hilly course and the temperatures are normally hot. He planned a “B” race after his “A” race providing a last chance qualifying possibility. He also left enough in his budget to still be able to travel to Worlds once he qualifies. Looking at the structure of his races he will likely have enough training in between races to ensure he can peak for his “A” races and would want to take this into consideration when selecting the specific dates of his “B” and “C” races. Another option might be flipping his July and August races.
