Race Planning - Everything to Consider

This epic winter seems to finally be coming to an end and, with warmer weather making an appearance, it’s time to start planning your race schedule for the upcoming 6-9 months.

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to laying out your calendar, so let’s review what should be your most important inputs and strategies before you begin marking up your calendar (and plopping down big chunks of change on registration fees).

The best way to start planning your race calendar is to determine what the single most important race and/or race goal is for you. Ideally this event doesn’t take place in the near future, but more like in 4-5 months. You want to structure your entire training and racing schedule around this one culminating event. This is your “A” race; the day that you should be fully tapered and ready to perform at your very best and hopefully have your very best performance. Once that’s in place, all of your other races serve two purposes: to help you build fitness and to help you build confidence.

How you structure your remaining schedule depends on a lot of things, starting of course with your personal and work calendar. Planned vacations, trips, and other commitments are going to dictate where your “B” and “C” races fit in. Next, with your list of possible race dates, look at which events could work and which ones get you excited. Ask yourself what your desire is to travel to races. Do you want to stay local or travel to an event you haven’t raced before? Also ask yourself, “what is the purpose of doing this event?” What sort of training stimulus will it offer you? And don’t forget to ask your friends what events they’re considering and maybe think about doing a race together. The social aspect of training and racing keeps it fun. Last, but not least, remember not to overcommit. Life happens, plus the toll racing takes on your energy, budget, and sometimes your enthusiasm for the sport is real, so go easy and stay flexible.

Planning your season should be a fun activity. It’s a great way to help bring structure and organization to your training plan, and it’s a great way to get motivated for the work ahead. Just remember, your love for the lifestyle comes first. Don’t make racing feel like a job. Enjoy the process, be kind to yourself, and stay in the right frame of mind. That approach is much more likely to help your unlock your fullest potential.

Good luck, and race hard!

-Thys