Just because I have decided to take the pressure off when it comes to training and keep my goals more personal, doesn’t mean I don’t have a race schedule planned. And here it is!
Shamrock 8K; Virginia Beach, VA- My first race of 2011. My friend Nicole and I planned to do the half-marathon but did not sign up in time unfortunately. Since we had already found a placed to stay, taken the time off work and planned the trip we decided to at least do the 8k and then just spectate the half and full. I really wanted to run this race since I had to bag it last year after my injury, but I guess it is just not meant to be for me. At the very least, I will enjoy 4 days in VA Beach 🙂
B.A.A Boston 5k; Boston, MA- This is obviously assuming I get in on the day registration opens. I know it is going to be a crapshoot since 27402378 are trying to sign up but hopefully I will get in. Either way, I will still be in Boston for the marathon and I am way ridiculously beyond excited to reconnect with and meet new bloggers 🙂 It is going to be a super fabulous weekend.
Frederick 1/2 Marathon; Frederick, MD- I actually just decided on this the last week. I wanted a May 1/2 marathon and this one fits best into my schedule. Plus, since I deferred Baltimore to this year, I will get the Double Medal 🙂
Black Bear Olympic Relay; Poconos, PA- Despite the freezing cold, rain and getting sick in the water, I loved this race. I was the swimmer last year with my friends Kurt and Brian and I am the swimmer this year with my friends Shauna and Lisa. Hopefully we get better weather and I can get some revenge on that swim course!
Boilermaker 15K; Utica, NY- This race takes place the day after my 30th birthday so a few of my friends and I are heading up to race and party it up! We are spending the weekend, including my actual birthday there and then running is specially made shirts! Other than Boston, I am most excited for this race.
NJ State Sprint; Mercer, NJ- This is my “A” race for 2011…this is my favorite course by far and as anyone who reads my blog knows, run by my favorite RD’s, CGI. I am not even kidding…this race is great! Even in 100 degree weather last year it was enjoyable. If you are looking for a mid-July tri, I cannot recommend anything more than this race!
Belmar Sprint; Belmar, NJ- This race is pretty simple but still one of my favorites. I love the ocean swim, the simplicity of the looped bike course and the run along the beach. This will be my third consecutive year racing this course and I look forward to getting even better this year than last year.
Timberman Sprint; Lake Winnipesaukee, NH- This is the only race on this schedule that I am still back and forth on; the entry fee is ridiculous and hard to justify but a lot of my teammates will be there and it will make for a fun weekend. Plus…Chrissie Wellington. Yeah, her.
Wildwood 1/2 Marathon- Wildwood, NJ- This is the newest 1/2 marathon in the CGI half-marathon series and I am very excited about this race. Not only does it take place the same time I am on vacation in Wildwood, but so many of my teammates are racing this and with the entry fee you get a ticket into Morey’s Pier and water park. So after the race we will be hanging out on the boardwalk and beach AND then back at my place to hang out. It will be a most excellent way to end summer!
Baltimore 1/2 Marathon- Baltimore, MD- I deferred this race last year to this year and as much as I loved this race in 2009, Baltimore does not make it easy to stay overnight there. The hotels in the area do not accommodate even though they are “race supporting” hotels. I found it all to be very frustrating and if I run into issues again this year, I probably won’t bother with the race anymore. Which would be a shame since I really do like it and they give out the coolest medals!
Philadelphia Marathon- Philadelphia, NJ- Yup. Giving it another go. I am unsure if I will ever attempt a second, so the first has to be Philly. The half distance has my little racing heart and I cannot think of any other full that I would want to be my first.
I put a lot less on my plate this year than last but as you can see, I am also going to give the marathon another try. My first attempt was a bust but I feel like this year could be my year. Especially because I have full intentions of going into every race the way I did the Philly half this year. And of course, at the end of the day, all I want to do is finish.
I am sure there will be some 5k’s and 10k’s dispersed in there but for the most part, I want to keep it more simple for 2011. I am still toying with Steelman again if I can get a relay together but I don’t think I’ll be adding in any more big races. I am excited for all the traveling I get to do with my racing this year and picked my races bases in large part based on that. I figure, I got nothing holding me back right now…midas well get all the traveling I can get it while I can.
Will I be seeing any of you at any of the above races???
Finishing is Winning 
oooh I hope you get into the BAA 5k! Otherwise, I’m also hoping to do Philly this year. Sweet ass race schedule.
holy smoke! look at all those races! i didn’t know you haven’t done a full yet. i just assumed you had. i’m glad philly will be your first. it’s near and dear to my heart.
and we have multiple chances of meeting up at a race now!
WOW! Holy racing, girl – this is incredible!! I’m so excited for you and cannot wait to watch you race all these! I’m going to live vicariously through you this year, ok? Maybe you can squeeze in a race out West…particularly Colorado. A girls’ weekend race?!? 🙂
HUGS!!!
Dang girl you’ve got a ton of stuff lined up for 2011!!! Can’t wait to follow your adventures through them all! I see PR’s in your future darling!!
So is the problem with Baltimore not having the ability to clean up post race because you have to check out so early?
Right…most “race supported” hotels have late check-outs. There is not point to stay overnight in a hotel if I can’t use the hotel.
I am still on the fence about the Boilermaker. I have a wedding on the Friday before so it may be tough to run that race since it is always really hot and grueling. Time will tell.
Wow Jill! For someone who is cutting back on races, you look pretty busy this season. I’ve decided on just two so far.
It does look like you’ve chosen races that you know you’ll have fun with. And in the end, that’s what it’s all about! I look forward to reading your recounts again this year!!
You are going to have an awesome year! Go you.
I’ve done Frederick twice and love that race. If you’re coming to Baltimore, I’ll come down and cheer you on! I’m usually at the race for some cheering!
You are everywhere! Wow. That’s a lot of place to be. I don’t know that I will get to see you even with all that traveling!
Hi!! I love your race calendar, I’m hoping to travel a little farther for some races this year. I was excited to see the VA Beach 8k and wanted to do it too because my brother lives in VA Beach, but I realized it’s the same weekend as the NYC half. 😦 I’m toying with the idea of doing a full this year too (with Jen I hope!), and like the idea of doing it in Philly…I’ll be running their RnR half again, but do love the city!
27402377 – I promise I am not signing up.
AHHHHHHHHHHH you are going to be in Boston!!!!!! SO EXCITED 🙂 holy blogger meet up, this is going to be the biggest one ever!
What a great schedule… I don’t really have one planned yet! I’m just playing it by ear. 🙂
I wish I was going to be at one of those, but those are on the wrong side of the country from me. Maybe someday…
What an exciting schedule! Looks like you have a great year ahead of you.
my a race is the olympic nj state tri, is that the same as teh sprint one in mercer ?
Same race but different day because of the distance. Right after the Sprint, I am heading to Lake Placid to watch the IM so I won’t be at NJ State for the Oly.
You have me pretty much convinced to do the Frederick Half. So I will likely see you there!
I love the boilermaker- sounds like a great way to spend your birthday!! I actually just mentioned it in my blog as well about it being one of my favorites. Thinking about doing it again this year! Looks like you have an exciting year coming up-Enjoy it!
OK, let’s just fast forward to Timberman and Philly, those are 2 race reports I can’t wait to read.
Hope you’re having a great week Jill!
You put a lot less on your plate this year, and still ended up with that many races? Wow! Looks like great training leading up to the maraton.
Wahoo, awesome schedule! Maybe someday I will do a tri in the ocean – that would be a heck of a long way to travel to a race for me. 🙂
There are no races down south missy. Tsk tsk! I won’t be in BOS in time for the 5k but hopefully we can meet up later on Sunday or Monday or Tuesday? Regardless we need to arrange something sometime.
Does that mean you aren’t doing that Relay event from Gettysburg to DC?
Also, Lake Winnipesaukee? What about Bob!! Great movie!
Keep it simple she says 🙂 Jill I think this is an impressive race schedule and I look forward to see how you are going to do on them this year.
You won’t be seeing me at the races but guess you already expected that 🙂
you have a terrifice 2011 lined up! Awesome 🙂
I wish I was seeing you at one of those! 🙂 I love how you are racing all over! And I hope you get in to the Boston 5K!!!
Looks like a great schedule! I wish I had mine planned out so well. I’m still sorting things out, but I’m pretty sure I’ll be signing up for the Philadelphia Marathon too.