I’ve been thinking a lot about my goals for 2015. I know my running has improved a lot recently and with some hard work I may be able to try and race a fast half marathon and/or marathon. I’m once again seeing race times and training paces similar to 2009, back when I was nailing PR’s. As for triathlons, I put my heart and soul into training for Ironman Boulder and now I didn’t know what I wanted in 2015. I thought long and hard about taking a step back from triathlons next year but I was worried that if the Ironman bug bit for a 2016 race I would be spending a lot of time playing catch up from lost swim and bike fitness.
I figured this may be a good time to try a different race and all signs were pointing towards one:
My hometown Calgary 70.3.
I was terribly uninterested in the race the first few years it was held. The point to point course from Ghost Lake to the Glenmore Reservoir was a logistical nightmare. A swim in a glacier fed lake was completely unappealing. The course has now changed and the swim has moved to Auburn Bay so it is not nearly as cold! I also really like the timing of the race at the end of July. If a fall marathon is in the cards for me next year the training from a July 70.3 should flow nicely to a marathon focus.
I’ve never raced a 70.3 at home before. I like that I’ll get to sleep in my own bed the night before the race. I’ll be able to eat a pre-race meal at home that I know will work for me. The course will be challenging but I’ll be able to train on it. I’ve only ever participated in this race on a relay team before so this should be fun.
Are you racing the Calgary 70.3 next year?
Good for you! I’ve been helping announce that race for a few years now if they want me back I’ll look forward to following your day. I agree about the Ghost lake thing…I never would have done that swim-it looked rather scary as well as COLD.
Yes! As part of a relay, since I’m not up for whole thing. I did it the first year. The cold water wasn’t so bad, but the petroleum smell near the docks nearly made me barf. Even now the logistics are still tough. The bus part has always been tough sledding. But the course is beautiful! I live really close to the bike course, and if you want to stage training rides from my place, just let me know. In fact, from my place, up to weaselhead, do the hills, and back is a good run.
I won’t be racing, but I’m pretty certain I’ll be in town so I’ll definitely be cheering you on!!
So exciting! I definitely won’t be racing it, but maybe I’ll sign up to volunteer again and then I can cheer you on!
It is going to be so amazing to sleep in your own bed and train on the course! And it’s awesome you waited until the swim course was changed! 🙂
Everything about this would scare me…haha. You go girl!