Next year is going to be a little different from most race years. This is because next year, I will age-up into the 60-64 age group. This change has influenced my thinking in terms of my 2022 race plan.
My most significant decision, when it comes to planning a race year, is whether I want to do a full Ironman race and which one. This is a key decision because of the amount of training involved. That training volume has an effect on the whole year, and impacts the choice and timing of other races that I plan to do. So which Ironman race is on my 2022 race plan?
The answer is … there is no Ironman race on my current plan.
In thinking about the year, I decided that what I wanted most, was to try and get on the podium at an Ironman 70.3 race. This is a challenging goal and therefore requires focus and dedication. I have also always wanted to race in St. George and I am thinking that maybe, just maybe, I could qualify for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships, which are being held there next October.
With these goals for next year, it doesn’t make sense to commit to a full Ironman race. At least not now. So here is my plan. Use the first half of 2022 to take two shots at my 70.3 goals. If I make it to St. George, then my race plan for the second half of the year will be focused on that. If I don’t make it, then I will still have time to either go for a full Ironman race in the fall, or take on some other challenges, like another swim run race.
With that all said, here is my current 2022 race plan.
- April 2nd – Ironman 70.3 Oceanside
- April 29th – Pittsburgh Half Marathon (Tentative – depends on how I feel after Oceanside)
- May 22nd – Mighty Moraine Man Olympic Triathlon (PA State Championship)
- July 10th – Ironman 70.3 Musselman
After that …. who knows?
