What’s Next?

Recently (well, just over a month ago), I completed my goal of running 40 miles.  It was INCREDIBLE and I would totally like to do an ultra distance again.  The question is, how soon?

I also know a whole lot of people just finished their fall races.  Whether it be an ultra, full or half marathon, or perhaps a spartan race or triathlon, you might be thinking, what’s next?  For those marathoner’s who BQ’d or triathletes who grabbed a spot for Kona, congrats!  We know what you are doing next:-)  For those who didn’t or who had different goals, you may be asking yourself the same question I am. What is next?

For me, another marathon would be fun, and qualifying for Boston would be an awesome goal.  An Ironman Triathlon would be an incredible challenge or even an olympic or sprint distance would be great.  To do a half marathon with some speed goals would be good, too.  Speaking of speed, 5K’s might be the best option.  Lots of nice choices, but which one is the right one for now?

So to break it down (I’m a real visual person), I created the chart below to help me make the right choice for me, right now.  I also included a little additional info on each in case you were wondering:

Triathlons…oh my gear!  There is a lot to spend on gear.  Unless you are testing the waters and can borrow a bike for a few weeks, you need to buy one.  Because most (not all) are in open water, it is likely you will have to get a wetsuit.  Then, depending on your training, you may need bike stand so you can train on your bike inside during bad/cold weather. This is just touching the surface!  Don’t forget the membership to a pool unless you live right next to a lake or the ocean.  It can add up quick. But, there is something to be said for the feeling you get after racing in three different sports at one time, the variety of the training and the ability to focus on different elements at different times (less burnout).

A sprint triathlon is usually a half mile (750 m) swim, a 12.4 mi (20km) bike followed by a 3.1 mi (5 km) run.  However, with the sprint the measurements can vary.  If you haven’t tried a triathlon before, this is the best one.  It’s not to say that one couldn’t go right to olympic and be fantastic, it’s just a good distance to try before you commit to all the gear. It should take around 1:15 to complete.  This was my first triathlon. I borrowed all my gear for it, but I don’t think that would be as easy to do with a longer distance.

An olympic triathlon is a 0.93 mi (1.5 km) swim,  a 24.8 mi (40 km) bike and a 6.2 mi (10 km) run.  Three hours, plus /minus depending on skill,  is about the time it would take to complete.

A half Ironman triathlon is a 1.2 mi (1.9 km) swim, a 56 mi (90 km) bike, followed by a 13.1 mi (21.09 km) run.  When you see the 70.3 stickers on the backs of cars, it’s for this race. Half Ironman’s could take six hours (give or take) to complete.

Ironman triathlons are the ones with the 140.6 stickers:-) . 2.4 mi (3.8 km) swim, then 112 mi (180 km) bike, and lastly a 26.2 mi (42.195 km) run.  Think about it…before you even run the marathon you are going to swim over two miles and bike over 100?  How awesome an accomplishment is that!   This is a long one and can take upwards of 12 hours to finish.

Click here to see a listing of triathlons (all distances).  Click here to see a good breakdown of costs and where to save.

A 5K is approximately 3.1 miles and there are races everywhere and at any time of the year.  Fees are definitely doable. There are also themed 5K’s for everything under the sun.  If you wanted to run a 5K in a Chewbacca suit, I am sure that there is a 5K somewhere that has that as their theme.  Finishing times vary.  Most will finish under a half-hour with the faster folks in under  20 minutes.  For 5K’s near you, check out this site.

A half marathon is 13.1 miles.  You’ll find a good number of these half’s running at the same time as a full.  So, if you are full-curious but don’t know if you have the legs, you can try the half and come back for the full the next year and you’ll already have some experience on the course.  There are also many half’s that run independently.  Check here to see one near you.

A marathon is 26.2 miles.  They are almost everywhere and are not all created equal.  While not all equal, there is a marathon that is perfect for you if you are willing to do a little research.  If you get caught up in the excitement, any of the majors (perhaps all six if you are really motivated- there’s a special medal for that), will be a goal.  Boston tends to be one of the creme del la cremes and is one of the hardest to get into.

An “ultra” is a marathon that is over 26.2 miles (marathon).  Most often they are 50k, 50mi, 100k and 100mi, but you can find all different lengths. There are also 12 and 24 hour ultras where the winner has the most miles logged.  Ultra races are harder to find and are typically more expensive for registration, but not unreasonable.  Because they aren’t as common, you will likely have to travel to your race which might cost you big $.  While you don’t have to have gear (like a vest and water source) for every race, it is in your best interest and strongly recommended since most of the races don’t have aid stations like they would for a marathon.  Check here for an ultra for you.

I would love to do another triathlon and step up the distance, but the time commitment is harder right now and more importantly I don’t have a bike.  Spending money on gear (as we near the holiday season) is not a family priority.

So, this is what I am going to do.  My priority is going to be bringing my 5K time down to under 21 minutes by the spring. I’ve got legs but no wheels.  As a secondary focus, I will continue to cross train and I will keep my long runs longer than they would normally be for 5K training.  Once the 5K goal is met and it’s time for the next one, I won’t be as rusty:-)

One other thing worth noting that I didn’t stress above…races aren’t necessary for reaching goals. I ran my 40 miles independent of a race and I will likely try to meet for 5K goal on my own, too.  Races are great for the atmosphere – the excitement, the noise, the camaraderie.  Just because you reach a goal and it wasn’t documented on an official course (we have Garmin now people), doesn’t mean it is any less spectacular.  In fact, it may even be better because your efforts and mental strength, not external motivations, were the sole source of your achievement.

What are your goals for the upcoming months? Have you thought about trying something new?  Are you going for speed or distance?  Or, are you doing something that isn’t on this list?

Happy goal achieving folks!