2023 Racing Schedule - Just a Little Late

For those that have been following me for awhile, you know that I am a planner. I love to plan out my racing schedule and build out my training cycles for the year. Knowing what is coming keeps me focused and drives me to keep getting better each and every day. As I've started to ease my way back into racing this year I was nervous that just like in 2021 and 2022 I wouldn't follow through on my plans. That is why I forced myself to focus on the year a month at a time and not to over commit and ultimately not share my plans and dreams for the year.

Over the last 3 months my confidence has slowly come back and I can officially say that I am feeling 100% like my old self again. I've reached this point by setting very small goals to create a habit of success and then building on those. This confidence and success has finally brought me to the point that I am willing to share my remaining race schedule for 2023. One big caveat is that some of the schedule is still a bit in flux and can change. 

Recap

I'll start off with a quick recap of the year so far. I kicked off my season on January 29th at the Tri for a Cause indoor triathlon that included a 400 yard swim, 7 mile bike, and 2 mile run. This was my first multisport race since August 2019. A little over a month later I ran in the Time to Paddy 5k at Big Creek State park where I managed to place 2nd in my age group. In April, I upped my game when I ran in the Drake Road Races 10k which is one of my absolute favorite races each year. After the race at Drake, my training and focus shifted to triathlon with just under 2 months to prepare. 

Remaining Schedule

When I started off the year, my goal was to compete in 8 races this year and I thought that I would be a big stretch for me. Now, I'm actually at the point that I'm trying to keep myself from signing up for a race every weekend. 

Quad Cities Sprint Triathlon (June 17)

I've done this race 2 times before, in 2018 and 2019, and am looking forward to it. The race is very friendly to competitors of all experience levels. The swim is a simple out and back 600 yard swim from the beach, the bike is a 15 mile out and back course that is fairly flat, and the 5k run is partially cross country and includes rolling hills. I raced really well on this course in 2019.

Ames Sprint Triathlon (June 25)

This will be a completely new race and course for me which is very exciting. To add to the excitement my buddy, Adam, has signed up to do the duathlon as well. This means I will have company on the trip up and back and we will be there to support each other on race day. This will be my 2nd triathlon in as many weeks. 

Des Moines Corporate Games 8k Cross Country Race (July 8)

That's right! John Deere has entered the Des Moines Corporate Games this year which means more races for me. This race will be held on the Iowa State Cross Country course in Ames. I ran here previously in 2018 but that year I ran the shorter 4k distance. 

Des Moines Corporate Games Sprint Triathlon (July 9)

Races on back-to-back days and my 3rd triathlon in 4 weeks means that I will be putting my fitness level to the test. This is another beginner friendly race that includes a 400 yard swim, 20k flat bike course, and 5k run at Big Creek State Park. I competed here in 2018 and have done a lot of training at Big Creek in the past. The shorter bike means that I will have to rely on my run more to be competitive here. 

Bix 7 (July 29)

A recent addition to my schedule because it just so happens that we are planning a trip to the Quad Cities to pick up the girls from my in-laws after staying at grandma and grandpa's that week. I am very familiar with this course completing the race 5 times previously but not since 2016. Starting in June I will be incorporating a lot of hill intervals to prepare for that Brady Street hill climb.

Adel Sweet Corn Festival 5k (August 12)

Currently a tentative race on my schedule. I ran this race for the first time last year and other than the cobblestone streets, really enjoyed it. It is always a bonus to get to see my sister and her family since they live in Adel as well. I can also stick around afterwards for the parade. 

Rexy Run 5k (August 19)

This is currently a tentative race on my schedule but I'm fairly confident it will happen. We were invited down to Kansas City for a family get together with Erin's family so I figured I might as well find a race to do. A simple text to my uncle Mike revealed he was already planning to run this race in Lawrence on Saturday so I figured I would invite myself to join him. 

IMT Des Moines Half Marathon (October 15)

Another one of my favorite races at my favorite time of the year to race. I've only completed the half marathon course once but it is flat and fast! As a bonus, I'm planning to do this race with Adam who might be completing his first half marathon (if he doesn't end up doing it before then). When the year started out, I had no intentions of building up to a race this long in 2023, but at this point I'm very confident I will be ready for it.

Conclusion

Originally I was looking for a fall triathlon to wrap up my season, but now I'm leaning towards focusing on running once I get past the July races. The 2 month gap between races from August to October is a bit long for my liking so I may look to add a race or 2 in there. The IMT is also a great place to end my season as deer season will be in full swing and basketball season will be right around the corner. 

There are many challenges ahead this year but I feel that I am up to the task. I'm continuing to get better each day and look forward to seeing what I can do come race day. For now, it is time to get focused and put in the hard work.