2014 will be a season of firsts: my first season focusing on long course racing, my first time racing abroad and my first season as a “pro”. For my perspective on what going “pro” does—and does not—mean check out last week’s post: Going “Pro”: What’s in a name?
Another first for me is planning my season in advance. In the past, I’ve flown by the seat of my pants, training hard when I felt good, moping around when I felt bad and racing on the spur of the moment. This year, with the help of Richard Pady of Healthy Results, I began to appreciate that planning and periodization are essential for consistency, longevity and high performance. The time had come for a less amateurish approach.
For some insight into the process I used to map out my season, check out this companion piece: A Quick Guide to Planning a Race Season. My big races for 2014 are mostly finalized, but I’ll definitely hit some other MultiSport Canada triathlons and local running races.
| Date | Race | Location |
| 4/27 | Billy Taylor 15k | Guelph, ON |
| 5/16-18 | American Triple-T | Portsmouth, OH |
| 6/22 | IRONMAN 70.3 Syracuse | Syracuse, NY |
| 7/6 | Challenge St. Andrews | St. Andrews, NB |
| 8/3 | MSC K-Town Long Course | Kingston, ON |
| 9/7 | IRONMAN 70.3 Muskoka | Huntsville, ON |
| 9/21 | MSC Niagara Falls Half Iron | Niagara Falls, ON |
I would also like to welcome some new sponsors* and thank some ongoing ones:
- Keystone Communications*: Experts in communication, leadership, negotiation and image management; skills as applicable in athletics as in business.
- Healthy Results Training: My resource for coaching expertise. Look out for the new Healthy Results Elite Team!
- MultiSport Canada: The largest Canadian-owned triathlon series and supporter of the MultiSport Canada Recharge With Milk Ambassador Team.
- CompuTrainer*: More than a bike trainer, it’s like having a personal exercise physiology lab.
- Nineteen Wetsuits: An industry leader in producing fast, comfortable and gimmick-free triathlon wetsuits.
