Why am I thinking about this again? WHY?! (Photo courtesy my mom!)
It’s only been a few days since the marathon, but I’m already thinking about my next races. I’m the kind of person who needs goals to focus my fitness. Jill and I are doing the Island Girl Half Marathon Relay, but beyond that, I’m not sure. I had planned on doing Midsummers’ again, but learned that they are moving to the Island for 2013 thanks to construction. I don’t want to shell out cash for two island races in one season. I’m also torn about what my bigger race should be. I’m not ready for another full (probably in fall 2014!), but the Toronto Waterfront Marathon route leaves something to be inspired.
So….what to do? Here are my options:
The Toronto Island Triathlon: I’ve wanted to do a triathlon forever and I think I could train for it relatively easily. I already bike and run all the time and live close to a pool. The Toronto Island Triathlon is on August 24 and consists of a 750 metre swim, a 20k bike ride and 5k run.
Run for the Toad 25k: I love trail running, but don’t do it very often. Signing up for this would mean I’d have to make an effort to get out in the woods! If I did this, I’d definitely want a running buddy…who’s in?
Valley Harvest Half Marathon: When I was at the Blue Nose, I stopped by the Run NS booth and learned about this half, which is only an hour from Digby. Bonus: It’s on Thanksgiving weekend (October 13). However, if I did this, I don’t think I’d be able to go home for Christmas as I’ve been planning. Going home costs money!!!!!
Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon: This is the back-up plan. It’s close, it’s fast and it won’t cost me as much money as Run for the Toad or the Valley race. If I signed up for this, I’d focus on hitting sub-2:00.
Focus on shorter races: Maybe do some 10ks. Try to get as fast as possible. Enjoy racing and not a single big goal. There’s a lot of great races in Ontario and I should check more out, and save the big goals for next year.
What do you think? What races are you running in the fall? Am I insane for thinking about this already? Help me out!
I may regret saying this… But I’d do the Island tri with you. I wonder how much bike training I’d need to do?
oooooh, really?!!!! I’m leaning towards doing the tri and a half later in the fall. Let’s discuss further soon.
I”m starting to get intrigued about Tri’s myself – but i don’t own a bike and am not a fan of swimming, HA!
CONGRATS on your Marathon! What an accomplishment 🙂
I think I’m going to talk myself into the Toronto waterfront Half in the fall, as I wasn’t super pleased with my performance on the Goodlife Half – hopefully flat isn’t much worse than downhill!!
THANKS! It was such a great day!
Tris: I’m confused by all the gear, lol. Like, how do I get a wetsuit? And my bike is a heavy commuter bike — do I bring that to the race or rent a new one? So many questions!!!
You should totally do STWM! It seems like every runner in the city is planning to do it — it should be a great day.
Do the tri. and the Relay one…….that would be awesome!!!
Exciting! I love hearing about race plans. I’ve also started considering a try a tri event, but my swimming skills are in pretty rough shape/non-existant, so I might hold off until next year.
I’m hoping to do at least some distance in the Valley Harvest, so that would be my vote. My current (tentative) plan is to do a 5 or 10 at Valley Harvest and then a full at the PEI marathon the following weekend. I’ve been missing Toronto lately though, so STWM would definitely be on my radar if it wasn’t for the flight etc…so I totally get your dilemma.
Good luck making your decision! Looking forward to hearing what you decide 🙂
Oooh, if you do PEI, I need to hear all about it! I’m thinking PEI in 2014 — I have an aunt who lives in Charlottetown, so it’s a feasible trip home for me.
Your plan sounds like a great one!!
Congrats on the marathon! I just signed up for the STWM — you should do it!