Dispatch: Bucket List Or Bust

I’m not going to lie — 2013 was a lucky year for me. I mean really, really lucky.

I got to race in some downright ridonkulous locations. There were triathlon relays in Lang Co, Vietnam and Taitung, Taiwan, a sprint race in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, a swim/marathon relay in Roth, Germany, a full iron-distance race in Penticton, Canada, and two triathlons (a “destination distance” and a half iron-distance) in Phuket, Thailand — not to mention a handful of running races at home in Colorado and in Kona, Hawaii.

I pinched myself more than a few times over the past 12 months at my good fortune in being a part of all these events. I love to race, I love to travel and I love to write about both — and apparently I do a decent enough job at it that I’ve received incredible invitations to points around the globe.

Still, there are plenty of locations I’ve yet to visit and dream of someday exploring: South Africa, other parts of Asia and Europe, Greece (imagine running the Athens Marathon?!), and the list goes on. Plus, I’d return to any of the venues above in a heartbeat. My bucket list seems to get longer and longer all the time, despite all the boxes I’ve already ticked. I wanted to know whether other triathletes share my passion for far-flung race adventure, so I sent out a query on Facebook and twitter: What destination race is on your bucket list — and why?

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“Italy, Ireland, NZ and Australia…beautiful scenery, awesome venues, great food and fun!”
— Nicole Clark

“Mallorca 70.3. Why? Race-cation factor.”
— Linsey Corbin

“1 day when I have the $$ IM Western Australia and Pucon 70.3.”
— @ericguzman

“Wildflower. Why? Because the atmosphere on race weekend seems unbeatable!”
— @JFrank32

“An IM in Australia. Have always wanted to go and it would be a great reason to visit!”
— @HeidiRuns

“Kona.”
—‪ @Best_Tri_Gear‬‬

“Anything in Phuket for elephants!
‪— @haileyaurora‬‬

These are great answers, no doubt. But c’mon people— only seven responses? We’re talking bucket list here. You’re allowed to dream, and dream big. So let’s try this again.

All logistical obstacles aside, what about you? Where do you long to swim, bike and run, given the chance — and why? I’m truly curious how far and wide, and to what places wild and wonderful, our readers wish to go. You can post a comment here or tweet it my way @hollywoo2. There’s nothing wrong with racing in your own back yard, of course — I’m just eager to stir the passion pot and encourage you to try adventures beyond your ordinary comfort zone!

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