'A' races

Mine comes from The Triathlete's Training Bible.  I might not be interpretting this right but this is my take.  You pick your 'A' races and count backwards to determine when your training season starts.  You break your season up into different periods and depending upon which period the race falls in determines what class (A, B, or C) the race gets.  'A' races are ones that you want to do the best and all training is planned around them.  'B' races are important, but you won't build and peak for those and you will have minimal rest for.  'C' races are for fun, experience, and a good workout  It says you are supposed to train through these races with no peaking and little rest.  I am sure there are other methods and more that goes into some peoples planning.  Hopefully, some of the experts will chime in and learn us both.

For me, an "A" race is one that I fly a training plan for and attempt to reach the starting line in "Peak" condition. This is a big goal race with a bunch of expectations.

"B" races are usually tuneup races scheduled as part of a training plan (For an "A" Race) and are often shorter distance than the "A" race I am training for. These races have goals, but it usually to support the larger effort.

"C" races are just for fun races and usually done on current fitness with no real goals in mind and no expectations.

I personally find that doing multiple races to work up to a single goal works well for me and don't mind doing several tuneups for a big race. And, I am not against mix and matching races. I just did an Olympic Triathlon as a Tuneup for a Marathon in 2 Weeks. (Which is a tuneup for a December "A" Race Marathon)

As others have mentioned.  "A" races are planned out for peak performance and are what you are specifically working towards.  In most cases you can only peak in a training full training cycle about twice a year, sometimes 3.  That is because most plans are in the 12 - 18 week range to really get the most out of yourself.

"B" races are intermediate races where you go into them not fully rested/peaked.  And "C" races would be pick up ones you use as a workout.

There is not any need to perform at a lower level in racing.  in fact, unless dictated otherwise you should put out a 100% race effort in each instance.  The difference would just be in the level of expectation for yourself as to what you are capable of due to fatigue and such.

Here is my pre game plan for next year.  Please let me know what you think.  I am planning on doing a lot of base building in everything over the course of the winter.  I am going to do a half marathon in december.  A full marathon at the end of february as tests of my running base building.  Then for the '09 tri season would it be a good idea to do a half IM in april as my first A race, a few B and C races (Olympic and Sprint) through the summer, and then another half IM as an A race to finish my season and also to test my progress from the first half IM at the beginning of the year?  Please let me know what you think or if there are any suggestions to improve on this.

Lose the marathon if you plan on truly training and peaking for the April HIM.

And either get a coach, or a really solid and well though out training plan for incorporating those races into your build.  Training "without purpose" or a plan is not giving yourself the best opportunity to performing at your peak.

"A" races are focal points in your racing season. The concept is primarily for competitive triathletes. If you are still content with simply finishing, then forget about priortizing your race schedule. If you ARE competitve within your age-group, then select two or three key races that are spread throughout the season, then build and peak of each.

Matt Cazalas
Technical Writer

network cables