Short and Long Term Goals

It’s that time of the year when I start thinking about the events I want to participate for the season. I usually choose a particular event that I want to finish in top shape and then select events that I think will help me in my training and also keep me entertained for the rest of the season.

Last year I set a goal to finish the Longhorn triathlon, my first half-ironman. On that occasion I participated in two Olympic distance triathlons (the Capital of Texas and the Austin triathlons) in order to tune-up and get my mind and body ready for the long, long 70.3 miles. I did a few other shorter distance events that I used as brick and transition training.

This time around the situation is a bit different. As I’m getting ready to compete in the Ironman distance I’ve decided to make this not a one season deal, but a two year commitment. Which for me means that not only do I have to pick some tune-up races but I also need to pay more attention to the just-for-fun ones, for these are the ones that will really keep me going.

So, I’ve decided that for the season here in Austin I will register to complete the Texas Tri Series. It consists of five events that go from a novice (300m/12mi/2mi) to the half-ironman (1.2mi/56mi/13.1mi) distance and a finisher’s party at the end (yey!). Some of these events I have already participated in, others are completely new for me. I think this will be the perfect way to spend the year and also to keep me excited and energized as I go through training.

For the tune-up races I will be doing two or three half-ironman or longer events. The first will be the Longhorn which is part of the TTS. Some others that I’m considering as good practice are: 1) The Contender (Vacia Talega, Puerto Rico), this half-iron distance should be a lot of fun for me especially because it is in Puerto Rico and I could recruit my parents and old friends for moral support along the course and also because it would be my first with the swim portion in the ocean; 2) The Lonestar (Galveston Island, TX), this one is “close” to home and the early Spring date would help me keep focus during Winter; and finally 3) El Gran Tríalo de Joyuda (Juyuda, Puerto Rico), this was the first triathlon that I ever witnessed live and is the one that inspired me to start swimming and cycling.

So there you have it, some short and long term event goals. The next thing in order is deciding where the big race will be. The candidates are: Ironman Australia, Ironman Brazil, Ford Ironman Arizona and Ford Ironman Cozumel. I have two strong favorites, but the final choice is still to be made.