2010 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 2010.
And be aware that Team Sheeper athletes pursue a variety of races of all distances and venues, so keep your ears open and your Google group login fresh to hear about other amazing and unique adventures that your teammates are planning for the year.
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 2. website
- Morgan Hill Sprint Triathlon, Uvas Reservoir, Morgan Hill: May 16. website
- Silicon Valley International Triathon, Almaden Lake Park, San Jose: Jun 13. website
- Folsom Olympic Distance Triathlon, Lake Natomas, Folsom: Aug 15. website
- Santa Cruz Triathlon: Sep 26. website
Half-Ironman distance races
We have four Half-Ironman distance team focus races on the calendar. All are challenging, worthy goals for 2010. These races fill up, so register now and make your travel plans early:
- Wildflower Long Course Triathlon: May 1 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 pot-luck dinners Fri and Sat nights.
- Ironman 70.3 Hawaii: Jun 5 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 start is the beautiful Hapuna Beach for the swim and transition #2 and the finish are at The Fairmont Orchid Hawaii (on the Mauna Lani Resort property).
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 can be arranged through Tri Bike Transport. You are responsible for your own race entry and travel arrangements, so make your plans early!
- Vineman Ironman 70.3: Jul 18 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 swim-plus-bike Aqua Bike or the women-only 10th anniversary Barb's Race on July 31.
- Ironman 70.3 Miami: Oct 30 website
This race has already sold out, unless you can spend $750 for a charity spot. It's a brand new 70.3 and looks to be extremely popular. The venue is Bay Front Park, downtown Miami with the expo at the Hyatt Regency Miami. If you're looking for a more local long course race in the fall, consider Big Kahuna on Sep 12.
Ironman distance races
We have two groups of athletes who are training together for Ironman races this year. So if you're not one of those dedicated individuals, be aware that you'll be riding, running, and swimming with some folks who will still be out there when your feet are up and you're sipping your recovery smoothie.
- Ironman Coeur d'Alene: Jun 27 website
To get ready for this popular Idaho race the team will be supporting our athletes with a training program starting in March. We also have athletes traveling to Ironman Canada on Aug 29 who can benefit from the season's first-half training.
- Ironman Arizona: Nov 21 website
We also have a crew registered for this warm-weather Ironman in Tempe, just outside Phoenix. The second half of the season will feature Ironman-distance build-up starting in August.
