2012 Race Schedule
The funny thing, or not so funny thing, about an Ironman is that will not only obliterate your free time, but your wallet as well. Ironman Arizona is almost $700 just to register (it pains me to type that) and does not include any gear, coaching, travel, fuel, etc.
Needless to say, the financial availability for me to hop in and out of as many races as I feel like doing this year is non-existent. Instead, my 2012 race schedule has been carefully crafted to provide experience in each of the triathlon distances, ensure optimal performance at IMAZ and leverage a sweet 50 percent off coupon code I got for USA Production races. Here’s a look at the planned 2012 race schedule.
1. South Bay International Duathlon: March 11, 2012
10k run – 40k bike – 5k run
In just 17 days (crap, 17 days!) I’ll have my first real race experience on a bike. I am absolutely terrified and won’t even get into in this post.
2. Oakland Half Marathon: March 25, 2012
This random race is in the mix as I had to defer my entry last year. Thus, I better use it or lose it and I’m not a fan of losing money.
3. Morgan Hill Sprint Triathlon: May 20, 2012
3/4 mile swim – 16 mile bike – 5 mile run
What I am calling my “first” triathlon will be a sprint, progressing throughout the summer in distances and difficulty. On good days I look at these and say, “Oh, I’ve got this, no problem.” On bad days I question my sanity.
4. Silicon Valley International Triathlon: June 24, 2012
1.5k Swim – 40k Bike – 10k Run
Making my way up the triathlon ladder with an international distance. It’s also important to note that I chose all of these races to be in NorCal to ensure that I’m saving as much time, money and efficiency as possible.
5. Vineman Half Ironman: July 15, 2012
1.2 mile swim – 56 mile bike -13.1 mile run
The baby Kahuna taking place in the gorgeous Sonoma county. You better believe I’ve still invited all of my family and their mamas to this race.
6. Ironman Arizona: November 18, 2012
2.4 mile swim – 112 mile bike – 26.2 mile run
The big Kahuna. I don’t think I need to say more about this one right now. I might cry.
What does your race schedule look like? Will you be at any of these races?
Happy running!
$700!!! My goodness! And I thought getting picked for NYCM waas bad! Sounds like you’ve got the right idea about keeping your others races close and very specific to your running plan. I always want to jump on the bandwagon of other races, but then I remember it all costs money and I should really just be dong the ones that help me get to my goal race.
Continued happy training!
Ironman races are SO expensive, but my husband and I will do one oneday!
Awesome race calendar, you are going to do amazing!
You are one fierce lady with an exciting race season ahead of you!
I can’t believe the Ironman is SO expensive! But I do believe that it is going to be one incredible day!!
Good looking plan to take you through all the distances. I also entered a du first last year to get a feel for things without the super scary swim! Ohhhh it’s gonna be exciting!!!
That’s a great schedule that will lead you up to IRONMAN!!!! So exciting!!!
I am going to pick a weekend when I’m deep in the midst of IM training and race a sprint and I can’t WAIT!!! Such a good idea.
Wow, that is crazy that Ironman Arizona is $700! But I guess I somewhat believe it, because Ironman events generally last the whole day – so getting permits, volunteers, race supplies, etc all probably add up for the race organizer. But still, $700 is more than I paid all last year for entry fees for running events.
Your 2012 race schedule looks great, you will be ready to go for Ironman! That duathlon sounds interesting, if I ever get into biking, that is one event I will try! Eventually I want to do a Oakland Running Festival event, though this year I don’t think I’ll be ready for it yet.
You are going to be busy lady! Can’t wait to see how all your races go this year! I am so excited for you!
girl, tell me about it! i’ve thought about keeping a spreadsheet to track how much i end up spending this season, but i’m also afraid to know! i’m doing the same thing as you and trying to only do races that serve as preparation for The Big One. i splurged and registered for two 70.3s, but they fit well in my schedule and will serve as long training days and opportunities to practice race day strategies. i also have a few small races thrown in the mix, but thanks to my connections at work they are all free : )
speaking of races, i’ve been looking into some long bike rides/races in norcal for when my training rides get reaaaallllllyyy long. let me know if you’d be interested and i’ll send you the links! most are pretty cheap and are more like organized rides rather than “races”.
That schedule looks awesome! I’m really tempted to do either Morgan Hill or Silicon Valley to do one more tri for my “season” before I start marathon training, but we’ll see how my first two tris go first. I’m running one leg of a relay at Oakland and signed up for Bay to Breakers, because why the hell not, though I might just walk it this year to take in the craziness. After that all I’ve committed to so far is the SF 1st Half in July and then my big kahuna, the Berlin Marathon, in September.
Vineman is my ultimate “someday” race because I love swimming in the Russian River so damn much.
I’m doing Oakland. Got a half off code and decided to go through with it. The half starts at 9:15 am. Crazy late in my opinion. I’m doing the opposite of you this year. I’m taking it easy. Oakland Half, SF Half, Big Sur Half (maybe) and CIM again.
I’m just trying to stay busy and healthy all year. I have about a month off in April from training. Yay!
I think your schedule is perfect! I feel like so many people try to pack sooo many races into a year but you are doing several key races but no more than you need to do. I’m totally with you on the race prices! Luckily our half ironman is here in town so we don’t have to shell out the dough but I’m expecting the total bill for Ironman CdA to be well over 2,000 NOT including my bike and all the extra food and supplements… Ay!
I’ll see you at the oakland half! I’m driving up with my dogs. Maybe my dogs can meet the famous Lola
Too bad you dont live in SD. The Tri Club here puts on free chip timed races each month!
Ironman’s are crazy expensive. The IM WI one was $800 last year I think… crazy. Not to mention a road bike and other gear, yowza.
I’m doing my first marathon on April 28th (RnR Nasvhille). I’m doing Tough Mudder in May and signed up right now to do Ragnar Madison-Chicago but might have Army conflicts. Also just signed up for Lakefront Marathon in October. I have the running bug!
Good luck with your ironman endeavor! If I liked biking or can swim, I’d totally train for one.
I rationalize expensive marathons by saying that I’m training for them for months, so it all evens out over the course of time. Since you’re training for IMAZ alllll year, then $700 isn’t so bad, right? But all those other tris leading up to it must be expensive too…hmmm.
Looks like a great race line up!