Choosing what race you are going to enter, I feel, is one of the most exciting parts of triathlon. Most people choose a distance to race first (super sprint, sprint, standard, half, full etc) and then take it from there. And let's be honest, it's probably the easiest part - although your bank account may not always agree.
I actually believe that, no matter what your experience level, the race picks you. (I know, I know, I'm very cheesy, but it's true). There will be something about it that catches your eye and you just can't get it out of your head. You'll keep wandering back to their website or looking up the details on the race the year before and picturing yourself there.
Or is that just me?
I have to admit if the run route has a lighthouse on it then my entry is in before you can say 'take my money'. Cycle past the oldest pub in England 3 times? Absolutely let's go. Swim in the freshest Loch in Scotland that has a boat marooned on the island? Where's my wetsuit!
But in all seriousness, how do you choose a race? Especially your goal race for the year. It has to be worth doing for you. Let's be honest, if it's long distance (70.3 or full iron for example) you are talking hundreds of pounds for entry alone. Then there's accommodation, are you taking supporters, when in the year is it, can you get time off work etc etc. The list goes on. So I have compiled what I would consider the main points to initially consider when choosing your goal race for the season.
Distance. If you've never even attempted a triathlon then I wouldn't be encouraging you to sign up for an iron distance one that is in 2 months. By all means make it your goal for next year but I personally want you to enjoy the race and the training alongside doing well it in. And yes it is possible to enjoy a triathlon. Look for a local sprint distance and use that as your first race. You not only gain valuable experience from this but you also support the local races and you are highly likely to make friends on the circuit.
When is the race? If that race you are looking at is on the same day as your sisters wedding then I would strongly advise you put it out of your mind and choose a different one. The race, not the wedding just to be clear. Triathlon might be dubbed the 'lonely' sport because you have to get yourself from start to finish line but you are going to need the support of your family and friends. Especially if you want company on training sessions, babysitters so you can train, picked up when the heavens open and you find yourself in a scene from Day After Tomorrow whilst still 25miles away from home etc. Family events, birthdays, school events, other peoples races even - these all need to be taken in to consideration. Check the date.
What is the swim? If it's a pool swim that's pretty straight forward for everyone as most of us have a local pool. If it's a sea swim though you're going to have to be able to practise in the sea. At the bare minimum you are going to have to get out in the open water. My first open water experience was swimming with dolphins. Something that is on a huge number of people's bucket lists and it was on mine too. However, as soon as that dolphin started swimming towards me I was petrified! Full on panic attack, tears streaming down my face, couldn't get out fast enough. After many, many therapy sessions I was able to get in a bath again a few years later and eventually worked my way back from there but let me tell you - open water is NOT something to take lightly.
That takes me to the bike - what's the course like? If you live in the flattest of flatlands and have your eye on racing The Dragon (Ironman Wales) then you're going to have to get inventive with your training. If you really struggle with hills or descents then you need to ask yourself are you willing to put the work in to get the job done? I do strongly believe everyone is capable of getting to that finish line of any race but they have to want it. The same goes for flatter or technical courses - how are your handling skills? Don't shy away from a race just because it looks hard to you, but know what you're going to need to do to succeed.
Then there's the run. Not really dramatic at all to be fair but again it's about checking out the course. If you know you hate laps and every time you have done them you have been miserable and lost the will to live then is that triathlon that has 6 laps the one for you? Personally I like short laps as I can use the challenge of counting them as a distraction but I know they aren't everyone's cup of tea.
Lastly, where is the race? For many reasons this is a biggie. Accommodation, travel, climate, time difference - all are just a few of the things that come under this point. Many a time when I first started running and was entering races every other weekend because this one went over a viaduct or that one went past a tree that was once in a photograph with Queen Victoria, only to discover it would take 2hours to get there, 30minutes to run and another 2hours to get back. Not always worth it. And if you live in a place that rains 360 days of the year and the race takes place in 40degree dry heat well, that's definitely going to be a challenge. Training in a sauna anyone?
There are of course a few other things to consider when choosing - is the cost relative, what are previous years reviews, will you be the only one in your age group and therefore guaranteed to win it (if this is the case then get your entry in now and claim those bragging rights at the finish! Ha ha). Hopefully the above tips will get you started though.
And remember, if you need coaching, you know where to find me :)
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