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 notmean 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.