2009 Race Plan
Our race plan has been developed to appeal to a wide variety of athletes so you can choose a combination just right for you. This page describes the races that the team is focusing on for the year. Set your goals now and plan ahead for a challenging and rewarding 2009!
Olympic distance races
Our Olympic distance team focus races are relatively local so you don't have to travel far and so we can support local race directors. We set up our team lounge at these events so we can relax and enjoy the day together. Set these races as your goals for a stellar medium-distance season and register early:
- Wildflower Olympic Triathlon, Lake San Antonio: May 3. website
- Morgan Hill Sprint Triathlon, Uvas Reservoir: May 17. website
- Silicon Valley Olympic Triathon, San Jose: Jun 21. website
- San Francisco Triathlon at Treasure Island: Jul 11. website
- Santa Cruz Sentinel Triathlon: Sep 20. website
- Marin County Triathlon, San Rafael: Nov 1. website
Half-Ironman distance races
We have five Half-Ironman distance team focus races on the calendar. All are challenging, worthy goals for 2009. These races fill up, so register now and make your travel plans early:
- Wildflower Long Course Triathlon: May 2 website
This event is a classic on the California racing calendar and is the perfect challenge to prep for Hawaii. It's hot, hilly, long, and all-round killer fun. The camping is a highlight, as is the gorgeous countryside. The team typically stakes out a number of camping sites together and plans two pot-luck dinners Fri and Sat nights.
- Ironman 70.3 Hawaii: May 30 website
This race is popular, expertly produced, and is a qualifier for Hawaii Ironman so is very competitive. But in such a fantastic place, you can forget the competition, race your own pace and simply enjoy being there. The race site is the beautiful Hapuna Beach for the swim and the Fairmont Orchid Hawaii for transition #2 and the finish (on the Mauna Lani Resort property but not the same as 2008).
Many team members make hotel reservations at the nearby Waikoloa Fairway Villas in Waikoloa, about 15 miles north of the Kona airport. Contact Abbey Rentals. We recommend arriving Thursday so you have a day to acclimate and take care of race logistics before Saturday's start. Bike shipping will likely be Tri Bike Transport, stay tuned for details. You are responsible for your own race entry and travel arrangements, so make your plans early!
- Vineman Ironman 70.3: Jul 19 website
This race sold out early this year, so only a few Team Sheeper athletes will be attending. If you didn't get in, enjoy the beautiful Sonoma County venue and an always-expertly-run event that are Vineman hallmarks by considering the Aqua Bike or the women-only Barb's Race in August.
