Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Race Planning

Apparently, I am not the only person trying to plan their race calendar for the 2010 season. I had confidently listed a triathlon in June on my race schedule, only to find out while I was out of town this weekend that it was already full. After a minor fit, I got myself together and decided I better get serious about what races were important to me and get myself registered. My credit card is a little tired.

The first order of business was to sign up for the Disney Half Marathon 2011. Mike wants to do the Goofy Challenge again and it fills up quickly. With my heart set on running the NYC Marathon 2010, doing the full marathon at Disney two months later is not feasible for me. Running the half marathon will give me some motivation through the holidays. After running half of the marathon in 2009 and not getting a medal, the Donald Duck Medal will be a welcome reward. I still have getting that Mickey Medal on my to-do list, but it's going to have to wait until 2012 or later.

Next, I did some homework and found a replacement for my now-full June Triathlon as well as a sprint tri for July. For June, I signed up for the Lake Waconia Triathlon on June 27th. With a .5 mile swim, 20 mile bike, and 4 mile run it is longer than a typical sprint race. It will be good incentive to get the tri training in early in the season. I've been in the pool a little bit, but I haven't had any time on the bike. I better load it up on the trainer and get going.

The other races on my list are either not open for registration yet or I've already signed up. I can't believe it's only mid-January and I've already had to figure out what races I'm committed to. I'm sure I'll add some smaller road races along the way. I had wanted to try another Olympic distance triathlon this summer, but with training for a fall marathon I'm going to hold off. If everything is going well and I can sneak one in, then I will. For right now, though, I want to leave my schedule light enough to concentrate on getting the miles in for the marathon.

Besides freaking out about my race schedule during the weekend, Mike and I did get in some lovely skiing as well as a beautiful snowshoe hike. Here I am with our friend Cyndi on our last day of skiing. Cyndi just ran the Disney Half Marathon which was her first half marathon. Yeah, Cyndi! I'm hoping that I sufficiently nagged her into doing it again next year.

This is Mike and I at the start of our snowshoe hike:


I took a little pit stop with Marie and Buddy. Buddy is in the middle in case you couldn't figure it out.

It was a wonderful weekend in the mountains with a great group. Now that the holidays and our ski trip are over, it's time to settle down and get to work to get ready for the season. The Frozen Half Marathon is still on my schedule for this weekend. The temperatures look promising but the forecast is calling for freezing rain. I don't mind running in the cold or in snow, but I may have to draw the line at freezing rain. I've decided to wait until race day and make the call as to whether I'm going to go over for the race.

The Races on My Schedule List looks long over on the right side. I can't wait to start checking them off of my list. I'm hoping to meet up with a lot of friends along the way and have a lot of laughs and smiles. I'm sure there will be some aches and pains as well as some disappointment as well, but running has taken me on a great ride so far. I can't wait to see what happens next.

20 comments:

Anne said...

Sounds like you had a really nice weekend...and WTG on scheduling your races! Maybe one day I'll be confident enough to do that...for now it's pretty much one race at a time :)

Mark said...

Great post, and pics! Sounds like you have a great plan, Beth!

Heather said...

Those are some gorgeous pictures - what a fun time!

SteveQ said...

Looks like the only time I'll see you at a race this year is this weekend (unless your schedule changes). I'll only be spectating - and if it's raining, from a skyway.

Julie said...

I think that doing the Goofy challenge would be fun...I am going have to do that one with in the next few years.

Great pictures Beth, I am glad that you had a wonderful time:)

Mike Russell said...

The Lake Waconia Triathlon sounds perfect! You know you need to suck it up and sign up for a great Olympic distance. Regardless of the time it takes to finish one, they are a great test of your fitness levels. Let us know as soon as you figure it out!

BrianFlash said...

Are you already in New York? I won entry last year, but deferred while waiting for Jason to get in. If he wins the entry lottery we'll be there this year!

Tricia said...

Sounds like a great weekend, lovely pics!

Mel-2nd Chances said...

Fun to see your 2010 race schedule shaping up! "My credit card is a little tired" MINE TOO!!!! :S

Helen said...

Planning to be there Saturday - hope the weather is decent and we see you there!!

Nat said...

Great pictures Beth! Check out my new blog, http://mnironjourney.blogspot.com/

Hope to see you at some races!

Anne said...

Hi Beth,

Thanks for your comment and advice...I do have a heartrate monitor...and you're right. I guess if I'm in the 150's then I'm good, right?! Still learning :)

Unknown said...

Great pictures! I haven't moved past planning for Boston as far as races go! Sounds like you have some big plans!!

Chad said...

Beth, I'm not sure where you're skiing but if you're looking for flat, I heard Cleary fits that description. There also the end of the City of Lakes Loppet course which is on the Lakes, so you know that's flat. The loop around Lake Hyland isn't too bad.

I'm no expert but I'd be willing to give you a few pointers some time, if you wanted to meet somewhere. Otherwise, here are some great x-c ski videos that I found today. Check out the Offset (V1) for getting up hills.

AZ said...

I like your list of races. Isn't it a shame that the triathlon season is so short here in MN.

Velma said...

I can't believe how quickly races fill. I am still planning my races, but I better get my butt in gear. Great pictures!

SteveQ said...

Oh - from your comment on my blog: pictures of runners with both feet off the ground just look wrong, but I know what you mean. I was running about 5 min./mile in that pic. Happy day, that.

Amytrigirl (aka Amybee) said...

The list sounds like a good "start". I know you'll be adding some extra fun events this year. Hope we can share the course a few times this year.

I Run for Fun said...

Great list of races! I'm sure you'll have a great race year. Just reading your list of "tri"s and longer races is making me exhausted.

Such lovely pics...

Sounds like you had a wonderful weekend.

ultrarunner (Brian Philpot) said...

Nice pics! Its more painfull to sign up for races. 1st the money 2nd selling out. One race will never sell out untill you go to get in!