Ironman Arizona - TriathlonFull Ironman

The cannon went off and I started out...EZ...this is a long day!!! There was so much contact for the entire swim. I just kept my head down and went. My sighting was spot on. I think the fact that I mainly OWS swim trained paid off in the sighting. I got caught up so many times trying to pass folks that it really slowed me down even though I never really exerted myself. I was kicked, punched, grabbed too many times to count but I kept my cool and just kept going. I probably had 10 minutes of open water the entire swim. I kept the bouys on my left, although many of the swimmers passed on the right...no way was I chancing a DQ!!!I did get one cramp in my left calf right before the Mill Ave bridge but was able to work it out and continue without a problem.Had had enough of Tempe Lake to drink by the end. The Lake is anything but clean!!!!
Hit the stairs and get pulled out of the water...stopped at the top and screamed to my parents who were right there at the exit!!! So happy to see them!!!!

Next year I think I am going to start right behind the fast kids. I think it would allow me to swim in more open water.Perhaps I would drink less of the lake if I didnt have as much contact!!! Other than that I would do NOTHING different. Hard to swim fast when you are with 2900 others!!!

Oh how I wanted to avoid the womens changing tent!!!! I wore a tri top and shorts for the swim, but decided to put my one piece suit on to be warm/dry on the bike. I had a great volunteer who helped me immensely! The one piece suit was a nightmare to get on when I was wet...caused me to spend way more time than I wanted to in transition. Got it on and out I went!!!

Stay in the same outfit all day!!!! As long as the weather is good there is no need to change!

I saw Al in transition and he took a few pics as I got my bike.I was starving and all I could think was Yummmm breakfast n the bike. I had a handfull of jelly beans and some infinit within the first 15 mins...this was probably a mistake.There was a pretty good headwind on the first loop but I was not concerned. I knew this would likely change as the day progressed.I saw bryancd out at Shea blvd turnaround...always good to see familiar faces! The second loop I started to have some pretty good stomach cramps. Everytime I drank more than a sip or had some candy I would have cramps. Decided to stop the candy and sip the infinit every 2 miles. It seemed to help but I was still gassy and bloated..errrrr . It got hot as the day went on and I grabbed water at every aid station and doused myself to stay cool as my hydration was below par. I was hydrated enough as I had peed twice and knew I was OK. I continued to drink inifinit and water as I could tolerate it.Played cat and mouse with a guy named Mark for most of the bike. I decided on at the turnaround on the 3rd loop I would stop any drinking to see if I could stop the cramps.I did take one salt stick tab every hour on the bike. I knew the run would be a sufferfest if I couldnt get rid of the cramps.I tried not to think too much about the cramps...just kept repeating "you will be fine". At about mile 100 I developed a hot spot on the bottom of my left foot. It was burning.I had convinced myself that a screw from my cleat was digging into my foot. Silly mind games...chattering monkeys in my head!!!!. I stopped at mile 105 and rubbed my foot...it was fine and once I was back on the bike I was OK. Rode with Dave from the ironheart group for a few miles...nice to chat for a while. Glad to finally give my bike to the volunteers!!!!!

I should have waited to put anything in my stomach after the swim.Next time I will wait at least 15-20 minutes.I had many training rides that were faster than this but given the cramps I was having this was a good bike.

This went well...took my time but did not have my usual tea party in transition!

AHHHHHHHHHHH the run. It was really hot the first loop. My family and friends were right at the waterfall infront of the Arts Center. SO good to see them cheering and laughing! My dad was really worried that something bad was going to happen on the run...but he could see that I was smiling and I was fine. Kissed everyone and off I went! At the second aid station I stuffed my hat and sports bra with ice!!!! OMG that was great!!! I dont know how I could have done it without the ice. I was careful not to use too much as I did NOT want wet feet and risk blisters!I started to take GU every 45 minutes and water and soup at each aid station.I also popped a salt stick tab every hour. My strategy worked because I had no cramps! I was soooo happy!!!! I saw Tony and Monica. Monica was having cramping issues so I gave her some of my extra salt stick tabs. Also saw Tammi and Patrick and Kaitlyn on the first loop. Lots of friendly faces:)I ran most of the first loop but by the second loop I had to resort to a run walk. For the first half of the second loop I did 70+3 cement blocks of running and 13+1 blocks of walking. This kept my mind occupied and didnt allow the "chattering monkeys" to talk sh!t to me!!! Saw my family/ friends at the begining of each loop.Ditched the fuel belt on the second loop...useless. Saw Bryan and Deb at the start of my third loop. I was still feeling good but begining to tire. I aslo had some chaffing issues. THANK GOD for volunteers. Under my left arm was raw...but slathered it with vasaline and shoved a sponge in my tri suit and I was good to go!!! On the third loop my Dad asked me how I was, and I said "starting to get tired"...actually I was tired. I just kept the attitude that I was going to be an ironman again and to keep moving forward. On the third loop I was running26+2 cement blocks and walking 26+2...I counted outloud to keep myself occupied. I passed a ton of folks who were walking. It is very motivating for me to pass folks on the run as I basically suck at running!!!!

Once I got to the turnoff at the end of the third loop I knew I was coming close to the finish. I got pretty emotional. Al was volunteering in medical and I knew he would be in the chute. I tried to remember to go slow down the chute. I high fived people then I saw my parents Dan and Joe in the bleachers. They were screaming...I got excited and ran down the chute...didnt even hear Mike Rielly this time. I was thrilled. I beat my last time by 20 minutes. Found Al right away and gave him a great big sweaty hug!!!! What a great day to be an ironman!!!!

Not a freaking thing!!!!

I got my medal shirt and hat and told Al I just wanted to go home. I was disgusting! And all I wanted was a shower. He had to go to medical and get his backpack and I started to walk back to the condo ever so slowly. He caught up to me at the entrance. I was showered and dressed by the time Joe Dan and my parents got back. SO glad to see everyone. Took some pics and had a bite to eat. Al bought me the 110% compression and ice tights. THOSE THINGS ROCK!!!Highly advise using them. I felt great the next day.


This venue is FANTASTIC!!! So many terrific volunteers and spectators. My vote for the best sign was on loop 2 of the run, it said "Charlie Sheehan says you are winning" I was LMAO at this...just when I needed a laugh! Although the idea of biking and running in loops seems boring, its great to see so many people. You feel like a rockstar all day long. In fact I will be back to do it again in 2013!!!!