Happy Friday! Man, what a week it’s been. I know those of you in Boston and surrounding areas have been hit hard, but in DC we just had our first real snowstorm this week and it was fun. Then ridiculously cold temps set in and that was not as fun. Sigh. I think I’m done with winter and just ready for some nice weather. 50 degrees, sun shining, low breeze – can I get an amen?? Anywho, this week we are talking about five races to run in 2015 and since I’m trying a tri this year, I’m sharing five triathlons that I’m looking at potentially racing. I’d love any race tips you might have – I’m looking for a late spring / early summer race that is drivable to DC (i.e. an hour or less). I know that’s kind of narrow, but that’s what I’m looking for so if I missed a great one, shout it out in the comments! Per usual, I’m linking up with my girls Cynthia andMar for the #Friday Five. You can read our linkup rules here. Please note that if you don’t play nicely, we will delete your link.Seriously. We’ve had a number of people who have been dropping their link, not mentioning the linkup at all and not commenting on ANYONE’S (including the hosts’) blogs. Those links have been deleted and we will continue to delete them. Please follow our rules if you choose to linkup. Okay- bolded rant over. 
- Rock Hall Sprint Tri – right outside of Baltimore and the timing is perfect for me.
- Kinetic Sprint Tri – this is on a lake in VA that I’m super familiar with so it would be fun!
- Ladies Choice Tri – this one is all ladies and the swim is a pool swim which is super attractive to me!
- Pink Power Tri – also a pool swim but a little later in the summer than I’d like.
- Richmond Int’l Raceway Tri – I love racing in Richmond, what can I say?
Any recommendations for me?
Ooooh, Courtney, I vote for the Ladies Choice Tri; that sounds like a good one! I can’t wait to see what you decide to do; I admire you tri folks – whew! Talk about tough! I hope you have a great weekend and that things start thawing out soon. Sheesh. We get up to almost 70 on Saturday and then drop 30 degrees again almost immediately – ha! Crazy. Thanks for another great link up!
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Races to Run in 2015
i’m definitely leaning towards ladies choice. it just seems perfect right? i need to register so that i’m committed. i’m terrified of the whole thing!
I don’t know enough about tris to recommend one, although my friends have loved doing the Chelanman here in Washington State. I’m in awe of triathletes’ ability to swim, ride, and then run–as well as make it through those awkward transitions.
You have a great racing year ahead of you!
Molly @alsoranagain recently posted…5 Races to Run in 2015
i’m in awe as well and NOT confident at all that i can do it 🙂
The Richmond Raceway Tri seems really cool!! My friend Andrew recommend some tris in Lake Anna… I think setup events hosts them. Excited for you 🙂
Jennifer recently posted…Tasty Thursday: Austin Eats
i’m excited too. and by excited, i mean terrified! 🙂
How awesome you are going to try a tri! I did one a few years ago. It was on my bucket list to do one before I turned 30. I probably should of started with just a sprint tri but I went for an Olympic tri. It was tough and so rewarding. I am glad I did it but I think I’ll wait awhile until I attempt another one. I definitely need to get better at swimming.
Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner recently posted…Songs to Keep You Motivated!
wow, that is super impressive. i will have to ask you for some tips!!
You go girl! I can’t even imagine doing a tri… I would need a cot so I could take a nap between the swim and the bike portion! Not to mention a picnic lunch for between the bike and the run! 🙂
Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Races I’m Most Looking Forward To This Year
i imagine i’ll be one and done. and i’m completely terrified by the whole idea, lol!
I’m a big fan of the all women races. I’ve never done a tri, but I think an all women’s event would be a good start.
Have a good weekend.
Haley recently posted…Five Races to Run in 2015
Me too! I’m leaning towards ladies choice. I hope you have a great weekend!
I don’t tri, so I have no suggestions. Have fun though!
MCM Mama Runs recently posted…No excuses + 5 races to run in the DC area
I hope to!
My Luna Chix ladies have done Rock Hall, I can ask them about that one! I would go with the ladies pool swim one to dip your toe in the water, so to speak! I liked having some practice open water swims before my first tri and early season that is hard to do! So a pool would be really neat for one earlier on!
Cynthia @ You Signed Up For WHAT?! recently posted…5 Races to Run or Tri in 2015! {with a few race discount codes!}
Yeah, it’s definitely a major part of the appeal for me 🙂
That’s cool that you’re going to do a tri this year! I haven’t done a tri yet. I need to learn how to swim haha.
Sherry recently posted…Friday Five: Five Races to Run in 2015
Haha, I’m not the best swimmer, but I can do it. It’s hard!!
If I ever do a tri I’m definitely doing a pool swim! Lakes sound terrifying.
Kristen recently posted…Friday Five: Five Races to Run in 2015
Yeah, the pool swim is really attractive to me!
Well Anchorage is probably a little outside your driving range, but we’ve got a great one I included in my post this week! But it sounds a lot like your Ladies Choice option – an all women one. It was an AWESOME experience – go for it!
Katie@Run Wild in Alaska recently posted…5 Races to Try in Anchorage in 2015
Haha, yes AK is a bit outside my range but I’ll check out your list 🙂
I totally agree about this weather! So over it!
I have no clue about tris so I’m no help there…if I hear of anything around Baltimore I’ll let you know!
Lisa @ RUnning Out Of Wine recently posted…5 Baltimore Races to Run in 2015
Thanks! I’ve got a good list, I think!
So so awesome that you are doing a tri this year! The Ladies Choice race looks like fun, if I weren’t doing a duathlon the weekend before I would definitely sign up—I am doing the Pink Power Tri in Richmond in August–because like you, I love racing in Richmond 😉
Stacey recently posted…Active Snow Day
Awesome!! That one seems super fun 🙂
That’s awesome that you’re running a tri! I am not a strong swimmer at all and have no access to a pool anyway. I admire anyone who can do a triathlon – look forward to following your training! 🙂
Janelle @ Run With NO Regrets recently posted…5 Great Philly Races for 2015
I look forward to planning it 🙂 in dc we can swim for free at any public pool. There’s nothing like that in Philly?
Ok first – let’s start off with the AMEN for Spring! Please! This new norm of snowing every day in Boston is so overdone. Look at you – all Tri’s! I’m so impressed with you and all that are triathletes!!! This will be your year.
Lara @ Uptite Mamas recently posted…Friday Five – 5 Races to Run in 2015
I am sooooo excited for you and the triathalon! I can’t wait to follow your journey. I would love to do a triathalon but the swim terrifies me!
pool swim for the win!
That is awesome that you are going to do your first tri this year! I’m excited for you! I’ve never done a triathlon before, maybe one day Ill put one in the books. It sounds like you’ve got some good options. 🙂
Krystal recently posted…Five races to run in 2015
i think so! i’m excited!
I’m excited for you to try a tri. I am getting back into them this year as well. I’m doing the Reston Sprint in May. The Kinetic sprint is a great course-I did it a few years ago. Pool swims are also a great way to start the swim is the scariest for me always. Maybe we can do one together some time. I am looking for a later summer races maybe Quantico sprint. Happy Friday
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…5 Races on My Bucket List
First of all, congrats for taking on the challenge of doing your first tri this year! Definitely a new, but completely doable, challenge for you.
A tri that includes a pool swim instead of one outside? If I were to ever do a tri then I’d definitely choose that one!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – February 20th – Five Races I’m Looking Forward to Running This Year
yeah i’m really leaning towards the pool swim!!
I’m doing my first tri this year too! My personal goal was do one before I turn 30 so now is the time to commit. I am seriously considering doing TriRock Philly at the end of June. FYI to anyone interested in this event you can save $20 on registration today by entering the code TRIBUCKS. Since this will be my first tri I can’t give an opinion on the races you are looking at, but a friend of mine has done the Rock Hall Tri and really enjoyed it!
A tri post from you!! I love it!! The Ladies Choice and Pink Power look like the most attractive to me because of the pool swim. I’m weird about swimming in dark water.
Salt recently posted…Get Racy with Me! {The Friday Five}
I’ve never tried a Tri but I hear my Coast has some amazing ones. You should come do on in San Diego. And thanks as always for hosting the link up. Glad I could participate this week!
Smitha @Running with SD mom recently posted…Friday Fascinations: 5 Races for 2015!
Lots of tri’s. Here’s hoping spring actually does come and you don’t freeze during the swim portion.
Lesley recently posted…Songs for Cabin Fever
I will probably be doing one with a pool swim!
I would pick the Lady’s Choice because it’s all ladies and the swimming is in a pool. That would be less intimidating for me since I don’t Tri. So, I probably shouldn’t weigh in at all!
HoHo Runs recently posted…Five Races for 2015
I think I will be going with ladies choice – and I appreciate your opinion!
You get an amen from me! Temps in the 50s sound just blissful! I’m excited for your tri! The pool swims would be really attractive to me too.
Jennifer @ Running on Lentils recently posted…Five Races to Run in 2015
Oh, doesn’t it sound awesome??
WOW you go girl!!! I cannot even imagine doing a Tri, although…never say never right? I love to swim and bike as well as run…so who knows..maybe someday!!
Have a great racing season!
Amy @ Mama Running for God recently posted…5 Races to Run in 2015
It sounds like it might be perfect for you!!
These all look so fun! I’ve never done a tri but it’s definitely on my bucket list. I’ll have to keep these five in mind for when I actually attempt one.
Elizabeth recently posted…Friday Five: Five Races I’m Looking Forward To in 2015
Courtney, I love that you are spreading your wings and trying out a Tri this year! I think mixing up the training versus running all the time is easier on the body. I’m inclined to “jump in” soon but first I want to brush up on my swim strokes! Asheville has some great Tris if you are looking to road trip in the summer. The Lake Logan Sprint in August is a popular one. Good luck!
Mary recently posted…Top Five Races to Run in Asheville
Hi Courtney! I have not done in races in VA or the DC area, but I would recommend your first tri being a pool swim. Unless, you have a strong swimming background or plan to get in open water practice, I say to set your sights on one with a pool. Swimming in open water is very different from being in the pool. You have enough to have to consider preparing for your first tri, so I would say give the pool swim a go FIRST and then you can then tackle one with open water as your second! Excited for you! I bet your will love triathlon!
Lee@tri*inspired*life recently posted…Training Update: Week of February 9
I think you are so right. The idea of the open water is slightly terrifying. The pool swim is SO much more attractive to me. Thanks for the tips, I really appreciate it!!
Very cool list. I’m doing my first tri this year out in Warrenton, so I’ll have to keep these in mind if I find I enjoy them.
John @ run. geek. run(disney) recently posted…Five Races to Run in 2015 | Friday Five
Oh awesome! Love that you are doing your first one as well.
Yay for you doing a Tri! I am completely terrified of tackling that!
Can’t wait to see which one you choose, and I know you’ll rock whichever one you do!! 🙂
Karen G. recently posted…Friday Five: Races to Run in 2015
Aw thank you so much!
I love the idea of a tri but I’m a terrible swimmer.
MelAnie recently posted…5 Races to Run in 2015
I’m not great but I think I can do it (once I train of course!)
clearly I know nothing about Tri’s but the Rock Hall and ladies Choice sounds great for you!
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Friday Five: Races to Run in 2015
I think ladies choice is gonna be the one…
Can’t recommend a Tri near you, but your going to love it!
Thanks! I hope so 🙂
i’ve definitely been toying with the idea of a tri, but probably not anytime soon; the bike portion scares me!
brittney @ corral b recently posted…friday five: chicago races to run in 2015
Oh it’s the swim that scares me!
I’ve never done a tri before, so I’m not sure I have any advice for you on this one. Good luck though! I’m sure it’s be a blast!
Tricia @ A Couple of Dashes recently posted…5 Races On My Bucket List
Thanks – I’m excited to try a new sport!
No Tri advice from me – but I love that you’ve decided to take one on this year!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Friday Five – Be a Race Volunteer
Thanks Michelle! I’m excited about it 🙂
I’m still too scared to do a tri–the open water freaks me out. Water in general actually lol–I don’t do pools or oceans very well. I’m considering a Du though 🙂
Helly on the run recently posted…5 Arizona Races You Should Run {link up}
Oooh that’d be fun. I love the ocean but swimming in it for a tri scares me!!
No advice on specific races to try but that is really exciting that you are going to race a triathlon! If you have any questions at all don’t hesitate to ask!
Leana recently posted…Five Races to Run in 2015
Thank you – I’m sure I will 🙂
I’m not really familiar with any of those races, I tend to stick to the Southeast for the most part! I am super impressed with you for doing a tri! I love to bike and run, but open water swimming is terrifying to me and laps in the pool make me soooooo bored! But I think I need to get out of my comfort zone and start thinking about adding a tri to my schedule!
Open water swimming scares me too so I think I’ll choose one of the races with a pool swim!
I am running a relay race in Greenbelt, MD this weekend (gulp!) and not looking forward to the weather! It is so inspiring that you are doing a tri. I tried to do one about 10 years back, got injured and never did one and just caught the running bug. One day I will do one! Bucket list! Cannot wait to hear about your training!
Christine @I’d rather be sweating recently posted…Five Races to Run in 2015
Oooh good luck this weekend. Layers and hand warmers!!!
Good luck on your triathlons this year! I tried one a couple summers ago and it was a cool experience! I did the biking section on a mountain bike though and got smoked by most of the competition. Live and learn though! 😉
Nora @ 2 Generations Running recently posted…This Week’s Workouts {Drop it Like a Squat}
Haha, yeah I still have to buy a bike 🙂
This is the perfect timing for this link-up topic! I am totally ready to fill my race calendar and am anxious to see what everyone else is running. That is so awesome that you are tackling all those triathlons! I am just now learning how to swim but don’t see myself ever leaving the pool! I look forward to seeing your races!
Diane @runninrocker recently posted…Friday Five: 5 Races to Rock in 2015
ooohh noooo just ONE of the tris! hahaha, whichever one i choose will be my first 🙂 i’m so glad the timing of this was helpful! 🙂
The Rock Hall Sprint Tri sounds fun! I haven’t done a tri in several years now. That’s kind of my back up plan in case I ever get burned out with marathons, lol!
Aimee recently posted…FAQ Friday: What are your top 5 races for 2015?
Your list is pretty cool, I wish we had more triathlons in my vicinity. thats the hard part about living in a small remote town. I think the trip in the pool is pretty neat, great for a first timer. I also am going to check out the one in Richmond. We are BIG Nascar fans!!
The Fredrick Women’s Tri is a super-great, supported first tri. It has a pool swim, a nice bike course and a looped run. Close to DC and when you are done South Mountain Creamery for the win. And all women! I rest my case!
Stay warm, I have a big, huge loud AMEN to throw out there for 50’s, light breeze. This is old!
HJ recently posted…Haters Gonna Hate
so that was on my radar but i can’t find any definitive info about it. (date/ etc). we got married in fredrick so i love that town 🙂
Wooo that’s awesome that you’re going for a tri! I know NOTHING about them, but I wish you luck and can’t wait to hear about your training process!
Definitely sign up for the ladies only event and definitely go for the pool swim. My first tri was a ladies only sprint with pool swim and while I was nervous and it was terrifying, the group of women were extremely supportive and the pool have me a sense of comfort as I had been training by swimming laps. To say it’s the best way to get your feet wet in tri is an understatement. You’ll be surprised how much fun it is, and the feeling of finishing a tri outweighs anything else I’ve ever done. Go for it!!
Thanks for the encouragement!! I think I will be signing up for ladies choice!
You are so lucky to have so many races to choose from ! It is not yet the case in France… I would have to drive very far to get to a lot of them.
Karen – Fit in France recently posted…Missing yoga
yeah, i’m fortunate to be a short drive to a few different states!!
Awesome that you’re tri-ing a tri! Just a warning – they are seriously addictive! I don’t have any recommendations for early season races, but Nation’s Tri is a great later season race. I did it last year and was really impressed (despite the fact that they had to cancel the swim).
Liz @ Loving to Tri recently posted…5 Amazing Races I’m Doing in 2015