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?