Triathlon Season Preview

The biggest item in my savings allocation account is Triathlon and Race related expenses. We budget more than $100 a month towards this, but won't likely start spending till next month. Triathlons are an expensive hobby, and even though we do our best to compete on a budget, there are some things we can't avoid. Over the course of February, I hope to plan out my race season, and equipment needs.

 Equipment needs: I don't need that much, I'd like another pair of bike shorts, and maybe running shorts. I am in need of new sneakers for the season. Mrs. Lwil will need new shoes, and probably a few wardrobe upgrades. We'll both need some routine bike maintenance, and I am in need of a bike fitting. There is also an assortment of nutrition items (Gels, salts, bars, powders…) I would put our equipment costs at $500 for this season. Some items will come from our clothing budget.

We have a plan to keep this down though. First, we're REI members, meaning we get a yearly rebate for purchases there. Second is the REI Member's garage sale. REI has an incredible return policy, and any return merch is marked down and sold as is at garage sales through the year. February's event is this weekend for us, and it's the best of the year due to Christmas returns. Hopefully, most clothing needs will be met. We'll also pick up our first round of gels. Finally, there was a groupon offer for 50% off tune-ups at our LBS (Local Bike Shop), and I'm really bummed that I missed it. I thought I had till today, but it ended yesterday.
Overall, we're in good shape for equipment, we've spread our large purchases out over the past two seasons (Wetsuits, and bikes).

Races:    $1400 estimate
At this point in the season, we're looking into races, and planning our season. Registrations will start sometime in March at the Multisport Expo Boston Registering at the event is great because you usually get a shirt or water bottle, and sometimes a discount!
Here's a look at the races and events we're considering:

March:

• 3/19: Multisport Expo Boston: The season kickoff where we roam the convention floor looking for good deals and races to sign up for. (Free!)
  
• 3/20: Quincy ½ Marathon: I'm still not sure if I'm going to run this. I've only got 6 weeks to train, and my "long runs" are about 4 miles. I'd realistically like them to be 7-8 miles at 6 weeks out, but if I shoot for three hours, I think it's doable. ($40 ea)

June:

• TBD: Corporate Challenge a fun weeknight 5K race in Downtown Boston ($35 I think)
  
• 6/25: Warrior Dash: a 5K through hills and obstacles, and all kinds of insanity. ($50 ea)

July:

• 7/4: Harvard Pilgrim 10K: The first 10K I ever ran. This is run in some serious heat on 4^th of July. The finish line is the 50 yard line at Gillette Stadium. ($60?)
  
• 7/16-17: Mass Dash: a 12 person relay covering about 150 miles over two days. This is a stretch race, I'd love to do it, but I'm not sure we will be able to get a team together. ($100 ea)
  

August:

• 8/7: Urban Epic: a South Boston Sprint distance Tri. This bike course is Super, Super fast on the way out due to massive tail winds. But you fight your way back. ($85 ea)
  
• 8/28: Cranberry Trifest: an Olympic distance Tri in scenic Lakeville. Last year I raced against former New England Patriot Max Lane (I beat him!) and former Biggest Loser contestant Rudy Pauls (Lost to him) ($85ea)
  

September:

• 9/11: Pumpkinman Trifest: a HIM (Half Ironman) in South Berwick Maine. Our A race this year. The wife finished strong, while I was Last Man In at about 9 hours. I hope to finish before cut off this time. ($225 ea)
  
• 9/18: Funtastic Nantasket: a Sprint Tri at Nantasket Beach, this is the first race we ever did, and our second time was even better. This is our annual end of season race now, and the one I look forward to most. ($85 ea)