Ironman Arizona : Official Thread

Name: Slayer Real Name: Harvey

What is your Ironman resume? IMAZ 2009, IMFL 2010, IMCDA 2011, TTT 2012

Why did you choose Ironman Arizona? A dfew of my ironfriends locally decided to race it and talked me into it, away from IMCOZ. However, I, of course, was the only one to get in via online registration haha

What are you goals for IMAZ 2013? Best race on the day my training and the conditions allow.

Thinking 4 tier goals

Solid goal-Finish with a smile

Likely Goal-Beat IMAZ 2009 with sub 11:14

Reach Goals- PR Im distance sub 10:31

Super Reach Goal-Sub 10

What are you most looking forward to? The guilty pleasures of training and the chance to make amends for a sub par day at IMCDA in 2011.

Veterans, any advice you can give?  I will be glad to answer questions and contribute in the mentor type fashion as we go along. I got a lot out of the group for the 2009 IMAZ!

WOOOOOO WHOOOOOOO!!!  I'm in too!!!   and really excited about it!!!

Name:  Matt

What is your Ironman Resume?  First one for me.

Why did you choose Ironman Arizona?  Couple of reasons.  First, it was the book "You are an Ironman" that got me really thinking that I could pull this off.  Second, late season IM distance race seemed like the most sense.  I'm in Iowa so getting in shape for an early season IM seemed impossible to me.  Third, did I mention I'm in Iowa.  AZ in November will be a vacation regardless of the expected pain that I will put my body through.  Fourth, I have a sister that lives in Tempe and has already committed to a free place to stay for the week I will be there.  Last reason, I did not have the guts to pull the trigger on Wisconsin or Florida.

What are your goals for IMAZ 2013?  First and foremost, hear Mr Riley say "Matt Campbell, you are an IRONMAN!!!".  However, I'm ultra competitive with myself and my tri club.  I would like to see a sub 12 hour performance with a stretch goal of 11:30 and a super stretch goal of 10:59.59.  Obviously having fun, surviving, hugging my wife after I finish and enjoying the experience all work their way into the goal list somewhere.

What are you most looking forward to?  Goal #1 above.  I'm really looking forward to the atmosphere and the excitement.  I'm looking forward to the crowds, the fun, the desert, the challenge, and of course the successes.

Veterans, any advice you can give?  Nope, big old Ironman Virgin here.

I'm in again, Chad Stoulil.

Went 14:30 on little training this year for my first. Looking to go under 13:00 next year.

Name: Keri

What is your Ironman resume? This will be my first 140.6

Why did you choose Ironman Arizona?  Got a bit of a score to settle - www.mamatris.blogspot.com

What are you goals for IMAZ 2013?  1. Injury free  2. Train  3. Get to the start line  4. Take what the day gives me and make the most of it   5. Be thankful.

What are you most looking forward to? Finishing.

Name: Jim

What is your Ironman resume? After IM Mont-Tremblant in August 2013, Arizona will be my 11th Ironman race

Why did you choose Ironman Arizona? Gives me another shot at KQ next season (for 2014 obviously)

What are you goals for IMAZ 2013?  KQ

What are you most looking forward to? KQ

Veterans, any advice you can give?  Keep things in perspective, this is supposed to be fun.  Assess what your realistic available weekly training hours are, design a repeatable core weekly training schedule to fit those hours, and stick with it.

Name: Amy

What is your Ironman resume? This will be my third Ironman -  completed 2011 and 2012 IMTX

Why did you choose Ironman Arizona? Cooler temps and no humidity...  Train hot, race cool!

What are you goals for IMAZ 2013? To stay healthy/injury free. I'm always battling injuries, and I am hopeful I will be healthy when the cannon goes off on Nov 17th.  First Goal:  Finish;  Second Goal Sub 15 hrs; Stretch Goal - Sub 14 hrs

What are you most looking forward to? Looking forward to swimming in water <84 Degrees and running <95 Degrees!

I somehow registered online as well and am really looking forward to it!

Name: Kathy

What is your Ironman resume? This will be my 2nd IM.  Completed Louisville this summer!

Why did you choose Ironman Arizona?  Peer Pressure.  I knew at sometime I would do Arizona I just didn't think it would be next year.

What are you goals for IMAZ 2013?  To stay healthy, finish under the 17 hours with a smile on my face.

What are you most looking forward to? Been taking it easy due to a stress fracture and I am looking forward to training again.  Also I just moved to a new state so I look forward to learning new friends and routes.

Veterans, any advice you can give?  Since this is my 2nd IM I don't consider myself a vet.  I always love learning from others.

For 2012 the M50-54 AG was won with a 10:08 and 4th place was 10:32   In 2011 that range was 9:57 to 10:02.  Not sure how many slots were in that AG either year. 

Anybody know when the 2013 mentor groups open up? Anybody here plan on mentoring? That would be sweet!

With the group we have here, it doesn't look like a mentoring thread is really necessary. I usually do one though. Not sure if i will do it this year. However, you will certainly be welcome Keri!

Also great to see krazytallchick!

We have our own tour guide too now. This group is shaping up nicely.

And Birkie, that is just plain sickness. Crazyness to get a KQ at IMAZ, but this is your year!

My name is Roger. This will be my 2nd IM (CDA 2011), along with my wife. We drove to Tempe this year from SW Missouri,19+ hours, to volunteer so we could sign up for 2013. We kind of turned it into a vacation also, but had lots of fun volunteering. I highly recommend it. 2 other friends also volunteered with us this year and signed up, BUT, the amazing thing is 16 other friends from our tri club got in on line, which absolutely amazes me considering the quick sell out. So 20 of us will be showing up in Tempe next year!

We picked AZ because it's a relatively flat and fast course. It's also spectator friendly with the multiple loops on the bike and run, and your family/friends can walk along side of you during the first part of the swim if they want. Also the cooler weather with the low humidity will be a welcome treat after training in the hot and humid conditions here. My wife will be 40 for next year's race and I will be competing in the 45-49 age group.

Looks like a great group so far. We are really excited about this race as our "A" race for next year.

Looks like we have a great group for next year!  I am looking forward to completing my 2nd IM!

Phatknot is is great to see you here and actually racing with you.  Sorry we couldn't connect while I was in GA.

Let's start with the questions...........  Has everyone figured out their lodging yet or are you waiting?

I called the Courtyard Marriott two weeks ago and was told they couldn't reserve rooms yet. I e-mailed on Monday and was told they would open the block next Monday. The gal I talked to is named Katy and super nice. I do not recommend calling the 800 number just call the actual hotel.  You can also request a fridge - first come, first serve.  My plan is to stay there Friday, Saturday, Sunday. We plan to stay in the area through Thanksgiving and would love to find a condo in the Phoenix area to rent for Monday-Friday. We have family in the area but we will be traveling with 4 kids so it's nice to have our own space.