For most of us living in the cold Midwest in January is the time we are looking forward to the spring and summer.  We have had time to recover from the ’09 race season and even start to get motivated for the ’10 challenges.  So you sit on your indoor trainer watching Legally Blonde or Napolean Dynamite, one question will continually cross our mind….what races will I do next year?

As you look at your race schedule for the next season, the first thing you will need to do is prioritize your races into A, B and C races.  An “A” race will be the top priority race for the season.  Your training for the season should be developed based on your “A” race, so you are able to follow periodization process for the year.  Yes, you can have more than one “A” race, but they should be spread far enough apart to recovery, build and peak for the second “A” race. 

All “B” races will be defined as races that you will not peak for these races, but will have a partial taper.  With “C” races, there will be no taper as you will train right through the race.  Any “C” races can be thought of as hard training days. 

When picking deciding your race season, there should be several questions you ask your self.  What goal(s) would I like to accomplish this year?  Many have heard of “S.M.A.R.T.” goals; specific, measureable, adaptable, realistic, and with a timeline.  One thing I believe every athlete should consider to goals setting; challenge.  What challenge will this goal present?  If you do not truly reach a new level, is it worth the time and effort to work towards the goal. 

Is your goal to complete an Ironman, but only have 10 hours a week to train?  While looking at your race distances, you will need to take a realistic look at your personal time constraints and dedication to prepare yourself for the “A” race.   Every race distance will take its own time commitment and your goals could change that level of commitment, but the following is an estimate of how many hours per week it will take: 

• Sprint: 6-8 hours
• Olympic: 8-10 hours
• Half Ironman: 12- 14 hours
• Ironman: 15+ hours

How do I go about choosing my A race?

• Personal challenge
• Specific goal
• Do you really have the time to properly train for it
• Periodization training
• A, B, C races – what they mean/ how you prepare

So take the time to sit down and plan your next year’s race season.  While you look at next year, ask friends, experienced athletes, coaches and, most important, make the decisions on what will give you the largest sense of accomplishment while still be within your reach, even if you are reaching for the stars.