setting up your 2012 race schedule

IMO, that sounds like a pretty solid plan. Most Oly training plans will have a sprint built in to the schedule around week 8 (or week 12, depending on how long the whole plan lasts) as a primer before the main race. A LOT of people do John Tanner in April as a warm-up for races in May and June.

I might even say both Olys could be "A" races if they are far apart. Unless you have lofty goals at the sprints... otherwise use those as tune-ups or gauges for how training is going/progressing throughout the season. IME, I have a hard time staying focused for that long continually. (a HUGE reason why I don't race/train long-course right now) I like to work on training over the winter, race once or twice in the spring, take a short break, and then start the cycle over again but with a shorter block of time (maybe 12 weeks instead of 16 or shorter depending on how the race falls) and priming for my next races. 

Do you have races in mind, yet?

there is always Tri the Parks series. bunch of sprints and 1 Oly second from the last race of the series.

thats my route for this year.

West Lake can be hard due to weather more than the course.  It is really hot on the run.  If you are good in the heat, it is an excellent race.

As far as your time to train, it is all about expectations.  If you are limited in time, make it count and set reasonable goals for the races.  I know the pain of setting bad goals.  It can really burn you out on the sport. What is limited time for you?  What kind of goal do you have? 2:20?  Just finish?  Finish and enjoy the day?

Hey, priorities and figuring out what is a good balance is key to a successful long-term approach. Plus 8-10 hours is plenty for the Oly distance.  I learned this summer that I really don't enjoy doing longer races in the heat so in my opinion would follow this:

PTC - International is an awesome race Mid-May so heat is not an issue (plus run is mostly shaded).  Then add a late season Oly like Tugaloo in September would keep you spaced out pretty good and away from a longer race/run when it is just a little too hot to run.  Mixing in the sprints June/July/August would fit in to bridge the gap, keep the training focused and not get burnt up.

For a first half, it depends on what you are looking for.

For a flat course, Gulf Coast (May) or Atlantic Coast Half (October) are both good races.  I've never done Gulf Coast, but people love it and you get to run through a bar (screaming fans are always good).  Atlantic Coast Half is in Fernandina Beach and is a beautiful course.  Doug has done the Beach to Battleship full and the half there (November) looks like fun.    AND, I just saw on the REV3 site that there is a new Rev3 70.3 in 2012 in Sarasota (late October)! 

For a hiller course, Beast of the East (May), Rev 3 Knoxville (May) and Rev 3 Anderson, SC (October) are all highly rated.  Beast of the East is a low-key event at Lake Chatuge in North GA.  It is a slightly easier course than Rev 3 Knoxville, but is still pretty challenging.  Race reports from Rev 3 Anderson seem to indicate that it is pretty hilly also.

For a medium course, the SC Half (October) is a solid event.  Set-up Events puts on a very good race.

Doug and I have spectated at Augusta and it was OK, but I think I would pick a Rev 3 race if all other things were equal.

What are you looking for in an event?  Price, close by, HUGE event vibe, easy swim, part of vacation, etc.