Team -

So, if anyone has read any of my posts there are 2 things that are fairly obvious - a) I'm a data-cruncher and b) I'm alarmingly green when it comes to this endurance thing.

Keeping both of those in mind, I've done a lot of research on races and vocabulary, but there's something I just need some clarity on, if someone (or someones) doesn't mind.

I've read quite a few races that say 'finish your triathlon season with <insert race name>" in any number of months. I also understand the concept (at a high level) of 'A races' and 'B races' - one being your primary target and the others being tune up/tweak/test races. Fine, sure. But, I think what I might be missing is - is there an actual, calendar season for triathlons? That is, does some governing body have a general calendar that marks the beginning of 'race season' and then it's on you to prioritize? What I'm gathering is that a season revolves around any given athlete's 'A races.' But, I could be wrong - it could be that the universal calendar for all things Tri revolves around Kona, or something.

I'm just looking for some guidance so I can ask intelligent questions and make reasonable plans. This year, for example, will be my first actually running a race. If everything goes well, I'd like to do 2 - either 2 sprints or a sprint and an olympic - before Jan 1. That's...my calendar. July - Jan is my 'season.' But, if I use that language incorrectly, someone might look at me like I'm an idiot and I may not get the help I need.

So, am I on the right track here?