Team Sheeper Goals for 2009
Every year, Team Sheeper sets annual goals for the team that include focus races and buildup, with internal training events and workouts designed to achieve these goals.
Two-Season Goals
In 2009, you may choose to divide your season into two halves, with a goal race topping off each one. Find details about external races on the 2009 Race Plan page. Find out more about our internal training events on the Team Events page.
Season One
- Goal Event: Ironman 70.3 Hawaii, Big Island of Hawaii, May 30
- Team Training Event: Fearsome Foursome (Ultimate Run, Feb Swim, Epic Ride, Fearsome Tri)
- Training Camp: Mendocino Multisport Camp, Apr 3-5
- Prep Race: Wildflower Long Course Triathlon, May 2
Season Two
- Goal Event: Big Kahuna Half-Ironman, Santa Cruz: Oct 25
- Team Training Event: Grinder Series (grind up 4 different area peaks on your bike)
- Prep Race: Vineman Ironman 70.3: Jul 19
- Prep Race: Barb's Race or Vineman Aqua Bike: Aug 1
Racing Goal: The Double Ironman Challenge
Take on the Double Ironman Challenge! Complete any combination of our team focus races that adds up to a double Ironman (280 miles). We're not exact in adding up mileage, so for this challenge, every four Olympics make an Ironman. For example, if you finish all six of our Olympic-distance races plus one Half-Ironman, you have met the challenge.
And, even better, you can add one race outside our list below to get your Double Ironman. If you complete a full Ironman, then this challenge should be a piece of cake! Or, complete three of our Half-Ironman focus races plus one other and you've got it. This extra race must be a three-sport triathlon, either road or off-road.
- Wildflower Long Course Triathlon, Lake San Antonio: May 2
- Wildflower Olympic Triathlon, Lake San Antonio: May 3
- Morgan Hill Sprint* Triathlon, Uvas Reservoir: May 17
- Ironman 70.3 Hawaii, Big Island's Kohala Coast: May 30
- Silicon Valley Olympic Triathon, San Jose: Jun 21
- San Francisco Triathlon at Treasure Island: Jul 11
- Vineman Ironman 70.3, Sonoma County: Jul 19
- Barb's Race or Vineman Aqua Bike, Sonoma County: Aug 1
- Santa Cruz Sentinel Triathlon: Sep 20
- Big Kahuna Half-Ironman, Santa Cruz: Oct 25
- Marin County Triathlon, San Rafael: Nov 1
Level 1 Goals
As a Level 1 athlete, you can set your 2009 goals based on your personal objectives. You may wish to try your first sprint triathlon by year's end, or you may choose to test your new open water swimming skills with a series of international distance triathlons. Work with coach Ken Wilner to establish your own goals for the year.
Level 1 athletes will participate in our internal Team Sheeper events, scaled appropriately. For example, the Epic Ride for Level 1 may consist of half the distance with half the climbing, but you will still set these events as goals and work toward participating in our fun team adventures.
2009 Goals FAQ
Q: Do I need to sign up for one season or the other?
A: No. Our annual goals are simply a way to structure training and encourage personal goal-setting. They have no relation with our membership levels and registration process.
Q: These goals sound intimidating. How do I fit in if everyone on the team is training for long distance races and I'm just trying a sprint for fun?
A: We have many members who are short-distance specialists, are new to the sport, or simply don't have time to train for long distance races. So you won't be alone if a long distance doesn't interest you. Our workouts will prepare you for sprint triathlons just as effectively. And if you're a beginner, join our Level 1 program to train for your first triathlon.
Q: What if I can't go to Hawaii?
A: Please participate in our workouts and training events even if you don't plan to travel to Hawaii. There are many local half-Ironman races that would be a great substitute, as would our series of Olympic-distance focus races.
Q: I don't know what my plans are for the fall, can I join for just the first half of the year?
A: Our registrations aren't based on our goals, so there's no half-year option. You can sign up for quarterly or monthly payments, but these are automatic debits so you would need to cancel your membership to quit for the second half of the year.
Q: The goals seem fine, but what does this mean for weekly training?
A: Our training schedule is designed to benefit athletes will all sorts of goals, so you will find that early season base-building is followed by gradual introduction of speed work and racing prep. Week to week, the workouts will help you stay healthy while improving strength and endurance over the year. We incorporate strength training, flexibility and core work with ongoing technique and skills training.
