Team Sheeper Goals for 2008
Every year, Team Sheeper sets annual goals for the team that include focus and buildup events with internal training events and workouts designed to achieve those goals. Some years, the team goals include Ironman events, some years we focus on shorter events.
The team goals intend to provide motivation and structure with a common objective that makes the team a team. You needn't share these goals absolutely, but they offer a way to choose your challenges for the year and an opportunity to try something outside your comfort zone. All with the support of friends and training companions.
For 2008, we have created three requirements for our goals. This year's training and events are designed to be...
VITAL: significant, essential, and attention-grabbing for the entire year
NEW: something many of us have never tried, out of the comfort zone, off the grid
CHALLENGING: with a bit of uncertainty to keep us motivated and reaching to the next level
The Goals for Two Seasons
We've divided 2008 into two seasons with a goal event topping off each one. All membership levels can participate in any or all of the following activities. Find details about our internal events on the Team Events page.
Season One
- Goal Event: Hawaii Ironman 70.3 Half-Ironman, May 31
- Team Training Event: Fearsome Foursome (Ultimate Run, Feb Swim, Epic Ride, Fearsome Tri)
- Physiologic Testing: Sessions at Endurance PTC, Feb 10 and Apr 27
- Training Camp: Mendocino Multisport Camp, Apr 4-6
- Prep Race: Wildflower Half-Ironman, May 3
Season Two
- Goal Event: USAT Club National Champs in Las Vegas, Oct 18
- Team Training Event: Grinder Series (grind up 6 different bay area peaks on your bike)
- Physiologic Testing: Sessions at Endurance PTC, Jun 29 and Aug 24
- Training Camp: Sierra Altitude Camp, Aug 1-3
- Prep Race: 24 Hours of Triathlon in Denver, Aug 30
2008 Goals FAQ
Q: Do I need to sign up for one season or the other?
A: No. Our annual goals are simply a way to structure training and encourage personal goal-setting. They have no relation with our membership levels and registration process.
Q: These goals sound intimidating. How do I fit in if everyone on the team is gunning for half-Ironman races and I'm just trying a sprint for fun?
A: We have many members who are short-distance specialists, are new to the sport, or simply don't have time to train for long distance races. So you won't be alone if a half-Ironman doesn't interest you. Our workouts will prepare you for sprint triathlons just as effectively.
Q: What if I can't go to Hawaii?
A: Please participate in our workouts and training events even if you don't plan to go to Hawaii. There are many local half-Ironman races that would be a great substitute for Hawaii, as well as Olympic and sprint-distance triathlons.
Q: I don't know what my plans are for the fall, can I join for just the first half of the year?
A: Our registrations aren't based on our goals, so there's no half-year option. You can sign up for quarterly or monthly payments, but these are automatic debits so you would need to cancel your membership to quit for the second half of the year. With regard to planning for the fall, our October goal offers three events; sprint, Olympic, and Half-Ironman distance triathlons all on the same day. So you don't need to decide now whether you'll be interested in or fit for a certain distance event late in the year.
Q: The goals seem fine, but what does this mean for weekly training?
A: Our training schedule is designed to benefit athletes will all sorts of goals, so you will find that early season base-building is followed by gradual introduction of speed work and racing prep. Week to week, the workouts will help you stay healthy while improving strength and endurance over the year. We incorporate strength training, flexibility and core work with ongoing technique and skills training.
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