Ironman Arizona : Official Thread

haha!  We are a ways out...

I'm in.  I'll contribute more in about 11 months.

I'm in.

OK, first two topics for discussion:

What is everyone using for a training plan?  Are you going through BT (which plan?), another online coaching service, an in-person coaching service or making it up as you go along?

Second, I could go through this past year's thread, or it's going to come up soon enough anyways.  Where is everyone staying?  What's close or within reasonable walking distance of the race start/finish?

I'm in.  It will be my third full Iron, and second time at Arizona. IMAZ was my first Ironman and I finished in 10:37:23 using the free BT beginner plan.  I love that plan and highly recommend it.

For this year I'll be using a plan from a training book by Matt Fitzgerald but I haven't selected the specific one yet. 

My goal is to get a Kona spot by finishing somewhere around 9:30.  Lots of time between now and then for that goal to change though. 

I am in as well. Looking forward to my 2nd Ironman, after IMFL this year. IMAZ 2012 I will be "participating" with the IronHeart Racing team. It looks like we will have 10-12 cardiac survivors rocking through this. SO I can explain it this way -- if you come upon a plodding elephant wearing an orange and black kit with the flying pig on the jersey, it will be one of us...me.

I will be using the Be Iron Fit plan, with a BUNCH of tweaking by my running coach -- no, I will not call myself a runner!

I'm in.  This will be my first full.

I'm planning on building off of Oceanside and Vineman to get ready for Arizona.

I will be back for more in 2012.  IM AZ 2011 was such an awesome race, I could not have been happier with my effort, endurance and results.

For those coming in from out of town, Tempe Mission Palms is a great hotel, and right across the street from Tempe Beach Park.  Rates run about $250 per night, though, and it fills up rather fast, so if you want to splurge, act quickly.  For those on a tighter budget, there are a number of other hotels like Courtyard, etc in the surrounding area, all a pretty easy and short walk to IM Village.

Oh, and the new Tri-sports retail store will be open by next year, and it is also right across the street from Tempe Mission Palms and Tempe Beach Park, so the place should be jumpin' and will be available for any last minute impulse needs.

I'm in!  Training in the great suburbs of Detroit, MI for my first IM.  So far in a prep period of my own one year plan.  Now that I'm in for sure, I'll be booking a swim coach next week.  Just spending the winter getting used to the bike and very slowly building my run mileage.  Once I feel competent-ish in the water, I'm springing for a tri-coach.  Plans are for my first Oly in May, and 70.3 in June.

I plan to get down there two weeks early to help acclimate to the relatively warmer weather..and it'll give me a chance to run/bike the courses a couple times.  Going to look for an extended stay hotel nearby.

Im in too....this will be my 2nd 140.6 race but my first WTC race, so im super excited, i used BT beginner program last year, this year im gonna use one of the Ironfit progams.  Does anyone know how far the airport is from the race, I got a buddy who gets a crazy deal at a hotel at the airport but need to know how far it is from the race.  i dont want be to far.   

as of know working on my running and preparing for the Ocean drive marathon in march, cant wait to shoot for a sub 11 at arizona

On the map, it looks like just a few miles.  Any closer and we'd be drafting 747's.

The airport is pretty close to TTL and Ironman Village.  Probably a 5-10 minute drive tops, depending on which side of the airport the hotel is on.

Nice...thats perfect. Thanks

We're staying at the Four Points Sheraton in a junior suite - I don't know that it's walking distance, but I believe it's only about a 5-10 minute drive to the IM parking area.  

I'm in.  It will be my 4th Ironman.  I have done IMKY, IMFL and will be doing IMCDA in June.  Not sure where i'm staying, but for every ironman i have booked a house through VRBO.com and it's been awesome.

Oh I am hiring a coach for the year.

I am in and it will be my 7th Ironman (WI, FL, CDA) and look forward to adding AZ to my list. Safe training everyone enjoy and have fun.

For all onsite registrants, don't forget to actually register. You have until 12/3 to get it done!  Just did mine.

I'm in for #1.  Just completed my on-site registration and my arms are tingling. 

Woooo Hooooooo!!!