Ironman Arizona - Triathlon

In the year since I registered for the race, I have read many race reports talking about the "washing machine" effect of the IMAZ mass start. Everyone says it is crazy and survival of the fittest........they were 100% RIGHT! I have only done nine other triathlons and I have never been part of something so crazy. I was smacked around pretty good, but I did my share of the smacking as well. I may have also inappropriately touched someone of the female gender. For that, I'm sorry. It was mass chaos for the first 800 yards and then constant touching until the first turn buoy.

The water temp announced that morning was 63 but it did not seem too bad. I would definitely recommend a long sleeve suit to anyone doing the race in the future.

My warm-up swims coming into the race ranged from 1:30 - 1:40 so I was a tad disappointed with the 1:45, but I survived to the bike and felt good getting out of the water.


Swim in a lane with a dozen people

They pull you out of the water and the wet suit strippers do their business (these are the only strippers my wife allows me near). Pretty efficient process. You have to run about 1/4mi to your Swim-Bike bag and then to the changing tent. They changing tent is an interested experience. I saw some things that shouldn't be repeated (mostly people applying Body Glide in an X-rated form), but it's all good. Hey, I did the same thing.

There are some great ladies waiting with sunscreen to cover you up.

My wife Emily and daughter Alyssa were waiting for me was I road out of T1. It was great to see them.

Nothing - went well

This was the part of the race that had me most concerned. I had done a ton of biking leading up to IMAZ. The furthest ride was 91 miles which went well. I also did a ton of research on what to eat and drink on the bike. I nailed that part!

First, I had a GU pack at 15min into the bike with some water. At that point, I drank Gatorade and water every other 15 minutes. I ate something every 45 minutes. Started with the GU, 1/2 Snickers, Chomps, 1/2 turkey pita, GU, 1/2 Turkey pita, 1/2 Snickers, and Chomps. It was perfect. I felt hydrated and energized. I didn't push the bike too hard knowing what was ahead of me on the run.

Nothing - went great!

As you ride into T2, they have people waiting to grab your bike. They call out your bib number and someone gets your Bike-Run bag. Back to the changing tent. Went well.

Nothing

This is where it all went south. The first 8 miles went good - averaging a 12 min mile easy jog. Felt great - no issues. Right at the 8 mile aid station I felt some pain in my left ankle and bottom of my foot. I believe this occurred on the swim when I hit my foot on the water retaining wall after I jumped in - not 100% sure. Anyhow, it became a real issue.

I started a run/walk for the next 10 miles. It was ugly but it worked. I saw my wife at mile 13 and 17 and explained the situation. I just had to keep pressing on.

By mile 19, I was only walking and I could barely move at a rate better that 15 min mile. I caught up to another IMAZ finisher Bryan who was in the same boat as me. His knee was in pain and he couldn't run. This started two plus hours of conversation that saw us move from mile to mile and aid station to aid station. As we talked, time flew by and before we knew it - we were at mile 25. We decide to give the run another shot. We did about .5 mi and then walked. My buddy Jeremy was waiting. He explain we did not have far to go. We were off. Bryan entered the chute first and I slow jogged 1/4mi behind him. I wanted the chute to myself.

I entered the chute - an experience I will never forget. Hundreds of people cheering, I slapped as many hands as I could find. I saw Emily and Alyssa near the finish line and then crossed. I raised my hands in achievement. Incredible feeling!


Not sure here. I would say run more but I did a ton of that. I as unable to bear weight on my foot for three days after the race. I am currently in a walking boot. I figure the wall did the damage but I'm not 100% sure.

After you cross the finish line, you get your metal, shirt, and hat. You do some pictures and off to the food tent. I chowed some pizza and fries - yummy.


Foot injury


This was my first Ironman race and it was everything I thought it would be. The volunteers were absolutely amazing! Ironman throws a great event. Everything was organized and went together perfectly. The run course is about as spectator friendly as you can get - which is great.

Thank you so much to the city of Tempe, all of the volunteers, and to the Ironman foundation - you guys did a great job with IMAZ.