Ironman Arizona - TriathlonFull Ironman

Jumped in about 6:50AM and made my way towards the start. Positioned closer to the middle of the canal about 20 yards back from start. Already very crowded.

Expected a physical fight the first 0.5 miles but ended up fighting the whole time. Very violent. Kicked in face 5 times of which I had to adjust goggles 3 times. Got pulled down twice.

It was difficult to sight properly with no tall structures to aim for. I think I have a tendency to swim slightly to the left.

Felt fine coming out of the water, no dizziness I but wife said I looked pale.

Didn't concentrate on swimming during training because it is my background and it is relatively short compared to the other legs but might be worth training harder to get in front of the crowd and avoid the pounding I received from other swimmers.

Because it was my first IM, I didn't know exactly what to expect at T1. I took it a bit slower than usual b/c I figured a few minutes won't make a difference in the overall time. I didn't feel cold but must have been because my fingers were shaking a bit. Glad I stopped to get suntan lotion put on.

Pack less stuff in the transition bag, wasted time looking for things I needed amongst things I didn't need.

A bit easier than expected. Fully inflated tires, a smooth surface and a lot of amazing supporters made it pretty comfortable. Loved the guys in the banana, penguin and chicken suits. Loved riding through the turn around area with so many cheering us on. Heard my wife cheer me on once. A nice morale booster.

First loop went better than expected. Had to go to the rest room bad but didn't want to wait in line so I kept holding it in until I found an open one. I can't make myself go while riding like I've read some people do. Actually smiled after the far turn around because it was kind of fun going back downhill.

Second loop was the hardest of the three. Winds picked up and the adrenaline of the first loop was waring off. Strong head winds too.

Third loop was a bit easier despite continuing strong winds (maybe knowing it was the last loop helped). Found a group of like speed riders and we tried to stay together without violating the drafting rule which I thought was sometimes difficult with so many riders on the course.

Was able to reach my goal speed without pushing too hard and held back from pushing further to save legs for the run. Drank so much that I had to stop for the bathroom twice. Ate a power bar every hour and a salt tablet every 30minutes. Didn't need the special needs bags.



Tough to say because overall I had a great race, but maybe I could have pushed harder. Not sure where the border is btn pushing hard and suffering later on the run and taking it too easy on the bike.

Maybe over-hydrated. Had to stop twice to use the bathroom. First time there was no one there to hold the bike so had to lean it against a pole. When I came out, found my bike on the ground with the chain off.

Nice to be able to just hand the bike to a volunteer. Had to spend a bit of time looking for my transition bag but overall went well. Took a glob of vaseline and put it in the "ahem" area because I felt some rubbing there on the bike. Stopped again for suntan lotion.

Amazing run. First 3 miles were awkward, as expected, trying to get my legs into running shape. Again, thank you spectators and volunteers for your support and cheers. It made a huge difference.

First loop I just kept going, occasionally looking at my watch to estimate my min/mile time. Was happy to be on pace. Loved the pirates group of volunteers and the S&M/Police spectators. Actually made me laugh. Saw my wife on Mill Bridge which helped a lot. Was feeling good even when I was surprised by that one hill on the course.

Still feeling good the second loop. Stayed positive by thanking the people cheering me on. Told the nice lady in the S&M police outfit to handcuff me if she saw me walking. Loved the rock and roll music.

Was expecting to hit the wall, bonk at any time but never did. Helped a lot to not push too hard on the bike. As planned, walked every aid station to make sure I took in water, sports drink and gu. In later aid stations took in cola and chicken broth.

Third loop I started to think that it was actually possible for me to break 12hrs. At the point where you go right for the last loop instead of left for the finish, I yelled out loud to myself, "Yeah! One more loop! I can do this!!" Wanted to push harder to make sure I came in under 12 but didn't want to do anything different than what I was already doing since it was going so much better than expected. Also started to get dark which made it difficult to run faster in certain areas. With about 3 miles to go heading back into the cheering crowds a new level of energy filled me as I drank in the crowd's energy. My Goodness, I'm actually going to do this! I could hear Mike Rilley's voice as I turned left at the fork, when through the parking lot, so happy. Found out later that my wife was running next to my in the parking lot but I had no clue. I was so focused on the finish. Went through the chute and what utter joy. I was so so happy.

no warm down. frankly no space to do it. no way I was going to be able to eat pizza after a race but ate the fries, had some fruit and drank two cups of broth and two chocolate milks. Funny how I felt little pain during the race but felt it pretty acutely immediately afterwards. Couldn't get out of the chair without help, LOL.

Later after cleaning up and dinner, went back out at around 11pm to cheer on other athletes. I emotionally felt I owed the event, the course, the other athletes an obligation to cheer on the remaining racers. Cheered them on under the Mills Bridge until about 11:45 when I moved closer to the finish line and cheered the rest on and saw some amazing athletes finish around midnight.


experience. but I'm totally satisfied with my race.


I really expected more space and more food at the end of the race. I've been to local Olympic distance races with better and more food.

Also the dinner on Friday was disappointing, the food I mean. Terrible food; tasteless pasta and dry chicken. Mike was awesome though and the athletes meeting was worth it for a first timer. Next time, not worth going.

But these are minor issues. The race was well organized. The energy level was high. The volunteers amazing. The spectators a god send. Thank you all for an amazing experience. I am an Ironman!!