Picking events that suit your strengths

We all have our strengths and weaknesses. Some athletes excel in the heat, while others excel in windy and hilly conditions. Some may even like freezing weather.

In the quest for excellent performances, it is appropriate to take into consideration the conditions each race will present. Some races will be extremely hot, while others will be relatively mild. If you know that you don't do well in the heat, then it's probably not a good idea to make your key race of the season an Olympic distance race in Central Florida in July. While traveling across the country may not always be a realistic option just to do a race, if you are serious about your training you'll at least plan accordingly. A few ideas:

Dislike the heat
Key races for the spring and fall
Short races & maintenance during the summer

Like the heat
Key races in hot and oppressive places like Florida and Arizona in July
Pick championship races as above

Strong, light cyclists
Difficult (hilly) cycling courses
Long cycling legs

Strong, heavy cyclists
Windy cycling conditions
Flat courses with shorter runs

Strong swimmers
Open water events with a high probability of choppy conditions
Long swim courses

Powerful runners
Off-road and hilly or twisting run courses

Quick (light) runners
Flat, straight run courses with easy bike courses

Enjoy the cold
Anything during the winter or up North during the summer!