2011 Race Plan

Our race plan has been developed to appeal to a wide variety of interests so you can choose the events that are just right for you. This page describes the races that the team is focusing on for the year. Set your goals now and plan ahead for a challenging and rewarding 2011.

And be aware that Team Sheeper athletes pursue a variety of races of all distances and venues, so keep your ears open and your Google group login fresh to hear about other adventures that your teammates are planning for the year.

Home Races

We like to patronize events close to home so you don't have to travel and so we can support local race directors. We set up our team lounge at these events so we can relax and enjoy the day together. Choose your goals and your distances, and register early:

  • Mar 13: Morgan Hill Duathlon (2mi-10mi-2mi, 10k-40k-10k). website
  • Apr 17: Reservoir Triathlon (olympic), Uvas Reservoir, Morgan Hill. website
  • May 23: Metro Triathlon (olympic), Almaden Lake Park, San Jose. website
  • Jun 11-12: Silicon Valley Triathlons (sprint, olympic, long), Almaden Lake Park, San Jose. website
  • July 31: California Triathlons (sprint, olympic), Shadow Cliffs Recreation Area, Pleasanton. website
  • Aug 21: Splash and Dash (swim/run), Uvas Reservoir, Morgan Hill. website
  • Sep 25: Santa Cruz Triathlon, (olympic), Santa Cruz. website
  • Dec 3-4: North Face Endurance Challenge Runs (5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon, 50K, 50 miles). website

Away Races

If you want some amazing travel experiences and want to experience some incredible venues, consider these team focus events. These races fill up, so register now and make your travel plans early:

  • Apr 30-May 1: Wildflower Triathlons website
    This event is a classic on the California calendar and is challenging, no matter what distance you race. It's hot, hilly, and all-round killer fun. The camping is a highlight, as is the gorgeous countryside. The team typically stakes out a number of camping sites together and plans pot-luck dinners Fri and Sat nights. Choose long course, olympic distance, or mountain bike.

  • Jun 4: Ironman 70.3 Hawaii website
    This race is popular, expertly produced, and is a qualifier for Hawaii Ironman so is very competitive. The race start is the beautiful Hapuna Beach and host hotel is The Fairmont Orchid Hawaii. Many team members stay at the Waikoloa Fairway Villas in Waikoloa, 15 miles north of the Kona airport. Contact Abbey Rentals. We recommend arriving Thursday so you have a day to acclimate and take care of race logistics before Saturday's start. You are responsible for your own race entry and travel arrangements, so make your plans early!

  • Jul 10: Challenge Roth, Germany website
    Every year we have athletes who train together for Ironman races. The big one for 2011 is in Roth, Germany, so for the first half of the year you'll find these teammates putting in major miles.

  • Jul 17: Vineman 70.3 website
    This gorgeous Sonoma County race is a traditional season highlight. It is currently sold out and the wait list is closed, but a few teammates are on the roster. This is a fantastic first-time half-Ironman experience so if you didn't get into the 2011 race, consider it for 2012.

  • Aug 14: Lake Stevens 70.3 website
    Lake Stevens is in Washington, close Puget Sound. This race is reputed to be gorgeous and low-key, a real treat with great courses, great weather, great people.

  • Sep 11: Ironman World Championship 70.3 Las Vegas website
    This year the champs have moved from Florida to Nevada, so it'll be easier for us to make it to the race. Get yourself a slot at qualifying Ironman 70.3 races!