How to choose your next (or first) race?
- Craig Miskin
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
It is my birthday today (2nd July - make a note and put it in your calendars for next year!) and I got curious about my history in the sport of Triathlon. To the surprise of none, I have been doing this sport for 20 years. My first race season being in 2006. Jeez - Feeling super old.
My first season is a bit of a blur but I remember missing my first ever race because I was still a footballer and I twisted my ankle in a match about 2 weeks beforehand. It was a pool super sprint race in Stratford-Upon-Avon. I also missed it the next season for the same reason....that's when football stopped and I decided never to enter that race again.
My season 'finished' with the Michelob Ultra Olympic Distance London Triathlon. My first Olympic Distance race and in a time of 2:42:43 with a 27:38 swim, 1hr10 bike and 59:10 run. There was about 6mins spent in Transition. Picture below is from that race!
Back then going straight in at an Ironman just wasn't a thing. It was a project. A 3 year one for me. So what I have I learnt about race selection that might help you?
The Framework
Firstly, let's establish that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to making a race calendar or picking a particular race. Every one of us will have different situations, scenarios, budgets, time and locations. So saying it 'must be' just isn't the way to go and what is a great race for one person, could be someone else's worst nightmare.
So instead let's discuss some of factors that you need to consider and build a framework for you to use. It's worth mentioning that not one of these is more important than the others. It's a forever changing mix of preferences which is why rules aren't possible.
If you'd like to discuss any of your races and race selection options, either grab me on Instagram or visit the Contact Me section of the page. Happy to offer some high level guidance.
Value and Price
I'm going to use the term value and price here as one set of parameters. Mainly because I think that we can get more value from a race that's higher in price with an incredible experience than a cheaper local race that leaves a lot to be desired.
Unless you are drowning in disposal income, the likelihood is that you have a budget with a little room for flex. So looking at the races available and the prices they come in, the reputation they have, the ratings from athletes - you can get a sense of what is within your wheelhouse.
Location and Travel
For a lot of us the chance to travel for a race abroad might be beyond our reach. Therefore things more local and convenient - rule the roost. Thinking of the link to price and value, 2 to 3 local races that you can travel to and back from in the day can replace that 1 abroad race. However, the abroad race whilst combining a little holiday break can have huge appeal.
So look at your constraints and figure out if closer serves a better purpose or if you can afford in time and finances to look further a field.
Interest Factor
You should also consider races from an interest point of view. You mind might immediately think of the Bucket List of races - Challenge Roth, Ironman Frankfurt, T100 London, Supertri Series, World Champs Qualifiers. Of course - these should be considered for the wow factor but that's not the only way things can be of interest.
You might be looking to take an enormous challenge as much mental as it is physical such as Ironman Wales, The Celtman or The Brutal Extreme Triathlon. A race of interest because it feels so overwhelming and scary.
Another reason might be to beat the previous version of you. There's something cool about racing the same race you've done in previous years to compare today you to old you. Of course race day variables are a factor for that point of comparison but you'll know.
Or maybe it's because you and other athletes you know are all turning up to the same race. A chance to race with friends, engage in community and share the experience. In my earlier years, my online tri club used to come together for National Relays in Nottingham and I've had some of my best experiences and memories there.
Before I forget - maybe the course has a reputation for being a PB-fest and that's what you want. Totally cool with chasing performance bests.
What else?
One of the reels I put out this week spoke about Lucy Charles-Barclays decision to race Roth. She felt ready in her mind and body so took the decision to race even when it wasn't in her plan. So perhaps there's a point to be made about just keeping an open mind to racing and looking at races that have entries available within the season when you happen to be feeling bloody good and injury free.
What's next?
For me, it starts with when. Then what. Then how much. Then why. Yours might be in a different order. A list is always a great way to go and to get all your thoughts down. You might even have one absolute wanna do race and then build back from then. An example could be Ironman in October; Half Ironman 4-6 weeks before; Olympic Distance x 2 before that.
There are so many options and choices. There's not a perfect race calendar because each choice for one option is a choice against another. Every yes, is also a no.
So be thoughtful and considered and do what works FOR YOU.
I'll be releasing a race day checklist resource shortly to support your preparation for the big day. If you aren't already, sign up for the mailing list as it's going to be shared there first.
No resets. Just evolution.
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