The triathlon and running season in most parts of the country are winding down. The marathon month of October is over, as is the Ford Ironman racing series for 2007. Veteran triathletes know that this is NOT the time for hibernation and holiday binging - rather, it is time to strategize about a successful 2008 season. The following tips will reduce much of the stress imposed by the minutia of doing triathlons; and let you focus on your training program!
1. Plan out your races by January 1st, if not sooner!
Look at the race calendar for next year and pick your races. Enter for those races - NOW! Do not pass Go, do not collect $200 because the best races sell out quickly! Ironman Lake Placid sold out in a record 8 hours. Celine Dion can't sell out that fast. Plan also to enter a few shorter races building up to your big race. If you are running a marathon, you'd better have run at least a 1/2 marathon and a few 5-10k races well before then.
2. Take advantage of early travel planning.
The only thing that runs out faster than the beer at a triathlon finish line is prime hotel accommodation. Check that credit card reward system that you've ignored for months, and use those points to score a great room ASAP! Sheltered triathlete? Just make sure your hotel is close to the race start, has a mini fridge inside it, and an ice bucket with corresponding machine nearby. Most well-organized and popular races have a list of race hotels/inns located near the site; many of which have special promotional rates that, you guessed it, run out quickly!
3. Send out your "Race Memo".
This is the most fun, elitist part about being a triathlete. Make sure your family, friends, and colleagues know about your relationship with triathlons. They will be impressed, annoyed, and confused about your decision, but at least everyone will be privy to your plans and will have proper expectations about how much of your time will shift from them to your sport. You've primed your inner circle to be your best support network for the coming months.
The bad news: you'll see less of those friends who don't really support the sport or know how much it means to you.
The good news: you'll see more of those friends (and make new ones) who want to support you and/or learn about the sport. In fact, you may even recruit a buddy to train and race with! Don't be shy. You'll only benefit by letting people know you have decided to do some races next year.
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