Is it summer yet?

So far the 2008 season is shaping up nicely. I've registered for nearly all of my races and my training plan is in place. Yep, I know every single workout from now until August 17th, but I'm trying not to be obsessive about it. Here's out it (should) all play out:

The first tri will be Bigfoot (Sprint distance) in Lake Geneva on June 22nd. I'm excited about this one for several reasons: a.) It's a short distance from home and in familiar surroundings, so no waking up at ungodly hours of the day (like 4:00 a.m.), and 2.) it looks like a pretty small race (I was the 26th person to register), so I may have a shot at breaking out from the MOP (Middle of the Pack) to the FOP (Front of the Pack). I'll definitely have to ramp up bike training to do that, so I'm thinking of hitting up my friend Candice to do the Trek 100 on June 7th for some extra motivation. We won't do the 100-mile distance...heck no. There's a 33-miler that I think I could handle.

P.S. What IS that thing on the bike in their picture??

Next up is the Spirit of Racine on July 19th, also a Sprint distance. I don't know much about this race except that it came recommended from the "regulars" on Beginner Triathlete. They call themselves donkeys (the regulars from Wisconsin) but I don't know why. I wanna be a donkey...

The Camp Whitcomb-Mason Sprint triathlon is August 10th this year, and while it is a relatively small race, it holds special significance for me. I worked at CWM the summers of '96-'00, which entailed volunteering at the annual triathlon. It was a highlight for me each and every summer. I body marked, I flagged, I cheered, I swept roads, and I remember the energy and enthusiasm of the event vividly. I also remember thinking to myself each time I volunteered (which included several years beyond my employment): "I could never do this race. Maybe--maybe as a part of a relay, but by myself? No way." This year I intend to do it. By myself.

The "A" race will be the Pleasant Prairie triathlon on August 17th, and this one will be an olympic-distance event. I'm nervous but excited for the challenge. I'm hoping it'll be a stepping stone to the ultimate goal someday, Ironman Madison.

So as my anticipation has grown it's been a bummer lately to look outside and see piles of snow and people bundled head to toe. But I've got all these exciting races coming up in a mere...five and a half months.

Sigh.

To end on a lighter note, I happened to look back at my training log for last year at this time and was amused to see 24 minute walks, three times a week. I scoff at that now. Now hand me another brownie and a beer.