As previously mentioned, 2018 is not going to include long races as my focus is on getting smaller (losing weight) and getting faster. With that in mind, below I have listed my racing schedule so far:
April 22 - Drake Relays Road Races 5k
May 20* - Hickory Grove Triathlon (Sprint)
June 3* - Pigman Sprint Triathlon
June 16* - Quad Cities Triathlon (Sprint)
June 30 (Tentative) - Nishna Valley Triathlon (Sprint)
July 14* - Accel Triathlon (Sprint)
July 15 - Des Moines Corporate Games Triathlon (Sprint)
July 28 - Bix 7 (Quick Bix)
August 19* - Bluff Creek Triathlon (Sprint)
September 2 - Des Moines Triathlon (Olympic)
September 23* - Cyman Triathlon (Sprint)
October 20-21 - Des Moines Marathon (5k and/or 5m)
* Signifies a Heart of America Series Race
Besides racing the Heart of America Triathlon Series this year, there are a few other highlights to my season. I'm kicking my season off at the Drake Relays Road Races this year. I absolutely loved running the half marathon there last year and am excited to return for a shorter event. On the 2nd weekend of July I will be competing in 2 sprint triathlons in the same weekend. On Saturday I will be in Waterloo at the Accel Triathlon while on Sunday I will be competing in Des Moines at the Corporate Games/Iowa Games Triathlon for Pioneer. My "A" race this year is the Olympic distance at the Des Moines Triathlon. That is where it all began for me 2 years ago and I am very much looking forward to racing there again.
I will be racing all across the state of Iowa this year, so if you have the chance to come out and spectate, I would highly encourage it. Not only would it be great to have people out there cheering me on, but triathlon is a very unique and exciting sport to watch. Some of the best athletes from around the state compete in these races and it is fun to see.
Now, only my goals for the year. Last year was all about setting goals based on distance and signing up for longer and longer races. Since this year is about speed, that is what I am focusing on for my goals.
- Run sub-8:00 min mile
- Run sub-27:00 min 5k
- Bike > 20mph average in a race
- Swim sub 2:00 min/100 yrd average in a race
- Swim sub-1:45 min 100 yard
- Weigh <220 lbs on December 31, 2018
- Qualify for champions wave of the Heart of America Triathlon Series by winning my age group (male 30-34)
Some of these goals are pretty lofty, while others are extremely attainable. If I happen to break one of them fairly early in the year, I will try to add to the list. One thing is for sure, 2018 is going to be another EPIC year!
