So I hope everyone is enjoying (and/or recovering from) their New Year's festivities.  That being said, I'd like to inquire about anyone's competitive goals for the upcoming year.  Specifically, for those who participate in sports such as running (half-marys, full, any k's), triathlon, cycling (USAC competitive or otherwise, including club rides).  Obviously, there are other online groups dedicated to this, but not really from the perspective of persons in transition.  I'm curious to find out everyone's progress, and how they integrate their transition (esp if on FTM or MTF HRT, and not PEDs) into their sport. 

For me, I plan on at least a couple of road-races, or at least omniums (crits scare me); hopefully I can improve my TT "ability", since I (perversely) find it more fun than the other disciplines (though by no means am I accomplished at it).  The effect of MTF HRT will be an interesting integration into my training and competitive routine, and I'm really curious how other manage this.

(FYI - obviously, will continue to compete in the men's categories throughout my transition)

I've never been competitive in sports (other than martial arts), but I'd like to train up for my first Tri this year.  I'm putting all my energy into cycling right now because I've had an injury on my foot that's sidelined me from running for the past year.  Assuming I can fix that I'll be back into doing marathons and (hopefully) my first Tri before the year is over.  As finishing is my goal and not winning, I'm not overly concerned with how I do.  Though HRT effects will likely determine male vs female category.

Good luck on your goals!  On a side note I was reading something the other day that suggested that women have potentially better endurance capacity for ultra events - but the advantage is only apparent after 50 miles or so (running).  I thought that was interesting.

Nice to hear you'll be aiming for your first Tri this year.  Sprint-distance (I assume)?  As a note - most people who come into Tri's can't really swim, so I would actually focus some decent effort there (nobody has ever won a Triathlon from a blazing fast swim, but you can lose one if you give up too much time).  Running is the important component - as they say, Bike for show, run for dough.  Since you have a runner's background, you will do fine (assuming you don't go belly up in the swim, and are 'average' on the bike).

There are actually (very) strict rules regarding your gender for competition - it isn't nearly as simple as stating - 'Well, I'm a pre-op (or even post-op) MTF on anti-androgens, estrogen, etc...I should compete in the women's category'.  For USAC and USAT, I think there is a 2-year moratorium to compete as your "new" gender (for lack of a better phrase), i.e.,you will need documented proof of HRT, with bloodwork showing appropriate hormone levels, having been on for 2 years, etc, to compete as your new gender.  At the local level, this may/may not be such a big issue, especially if you are passable - some may not notice enough to raise questions.  But even in big cities, Tri and cycling communities are small and close-knit, and everybody knows everybody, so issues can arise at some other level (i.e. confrontational, in-your-face).  The issues really flare up if you are a podium threat.

I've also read about the male vs female endurance sports and performance.  I'm still undecided about it - I've competed in a few RAAM events (ultracycling) and while the women put up some pretty crazy times, (at least in this particular event), the men put up even more crazy, ridiculous times vs distance.  Maybe it's different in running, since I think there is probably more fluid biomechanics involved in running than biking (since, at least in part, a bike "locks" certain body parts and pivot points in position).

In any case, just some HRT-gender at competition info if you weren't aware.  Regardless, hope you achieve your goals (sport and non-sport) in 2013!

Thanks for the info Summer!  I hadn't looked into it much yet as I'm still getting back into my serious workouts and haven't even approached real training yet.  I've only been stateside for two weeks since I got back from a middle east deployment (Army).  As I'm just starting my transition my focus is more on that, getting a job, getting divorced, and moving forward with my life.  The Tri goal is really more for me to have an end-goal to focus my training on.

And yes, I do need to take some swimming lessons - I won't drown, but I'm not great.  I've been meaning to get better for years and this year (before I develop too much) is the year I think.  I also have a pool in my backyard that's suitable for laps - so I want to use that while I'm still living in this house.

And I'm definitely no podium threat and would only be competing at the local level - I'm hitting 40 and have never been a lifetime athlete.  I don't care enough about beating anyone else.  I only care about finishing and meeting my own expectations.  I'm really interested in ultra running and hope to get to that level.  I was doing 6-8 miles a night of barefoot running before I hurt my foot over a year ago (and comfortable half-marathon distances on weekends).  Physical therapy is my first stop for that.. and then I can do more than cycle (I hope).