Ironman Arizona - TriathlonFull Ironman

I wore a full wetsuit and neoprene hoodie for the swim. Saw others with as little as a sleeveless on. I was not cold and not hot. Just right.

Swam out under the first bridge to seed for the start. Found a not so crowded spot and just floated around for 15 minutes. Saw lots of people moving around, treading water, etc. I floated on my back looking up at the bridge spectators.

Started off with the cannon and just tried to keep the contact to a minimum. Never swam hard, just a constant steady pace. No issues with sunlight or spotting.

Nothing. Goal of making it comfortably through the swim accomplished.

This took a while since I was changing full clothes and making sure all my stuff was organized. Spent some extra time getting the mud and crap off my feet from the tent area.

Could have saved lots of time wearing the bike shorts on the swim and not having to wait for space in the tent. I was worried about being cold on the bike start so did the complete change as well as double checking my list.

Weather was perfect for the bike course. Some wind on the first loop, but then almost completely calm on the second and third.

As with the swim, my goal was just a comfortable cruise pace all day. My goal was a 7:00 bike time. Beat that pace even including around 45 minutes of total stop time for porta-potty stops. There were some long lines and I had to go every hour it seemed. Not sure why as I wasn't taking in any more water than the usual training rides. Maybe getting old and time for some beta-prostate. I was in no hurry so stopped every time instead of peeing on my shiny bike that was getting me through the day. Calculating my moving pace I was -way- ahead of what I thought I was ride the course.

When I'm ready to work on faster times I'll start peeing on the bike. Other than that I rode above the training pace I had set while doing my best to estimate my effort level for a comfortable finish.

Again took my time in the T2 tent changing into normal tri-shorts and run gear. Checked to make sure I wasn't forgetting anything and headed out.

Nothing. This could easily be under a 5 minute transition pace if needed.

Headed out feeling great for the run. Spent the first few minutes getting my Garmin watch going as the memory had filled up and would not start.

Followed my planned pace through 21 miles walking the aid stations and running the rest. At mile 21 my left knee was hurting enough that I knew it was time to alternate walk/run the remainder.

Took chicken broth and water at most aid stations.

Even cruising at a 10:00 pace and stopping at aid stations I passed a lot of people walking the run segment based on the results.

My only comment on the run course would be for them to add a set of lights under the dark bridge area or advise runners that a light would be good. It was dark there and could be possible for someone to make a bad step and fall.

Nothing. Same knee type issues that I encountered at Oceanside half at mile 6. This time I was good for over 20 miles so I'm getting better.

Saw the family at the finish line. Grabbed a few pizza slices then headed out to meet them and pick up gear. Back to the hotel room to relax and sleep.


Only problem was my left knee during the final 5 miles of the run. My entire goal of the race was to get through and enjoy it. This could have easily been a sub 12 hour race if I pushed the pace. But, being my first IM I had no idea what to expect from the combined distance and day so went through each event slow and steady. Now I have somewhat of an idea of the experience and better feel of how to challenge myself the next time!


Excellent race, very well organized. Absolutely perfect weather day. Definitely a great venue for anyone wanting to do an IM branded race.