Ironman Arizona : Official Thread (Page 13)

It should come.  I really wouldn't worry TOO much about it now.  Your big rides should be in October, more or less.

I personally get 2, maybe 3 100+ mile rides in.  There is an organized even here in Oct that has a 100+ option, so I like to do that as part of my training.  Solo centuries are a bit boring.  However, I will get a half dozen or more additional rides in at 80+.  If you can sign up for a couple organized events, do it!  It's good fun plus you knock out your workout.

As for recovery, if you build up to it, you really shouldn't need any, at least I don't.  I'm right back to the plan the next day.

AAnyone planning on using arm warmers on the bike? I f so which ones? I'm looking on getting some, but do not know which ones?  Do you think we will need them on the bike after the cold swim? Thoughts....

All depends on the kind of day we get, who knows what the weather will be like!  Probably a good idea to have a pair, but decide on wearing them the day of. 

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Arm warmers are useful for both the bike and during the run.  More flexible than pulling on a long sleeved t-shirt.

You can swim with arm warmers on under your wetsuit, no problem.  The wind will blow them dry on the bike in just a couple of minutes.  They can be worn all the way up to your armpits, folded over covering just your forearms, or bunched around you wrists.  Just make sure they are not too tight or they might pinch upper bisceps.

In addition to providing warmth, there is some discussion of a benefit from helping blood return from the skin to the muscles.  But thats foder for another thread.

Cheers.

This is the point where I cringe.  I'll need to book four tickets for the whole family to come, and I'm afraid it's going to get expensive.  Coming from MSP.

Edit:  Ouch, I just checked Southwest, $1600 for all four of us, although at least they're nonstop, middle of the day flights and my bike flies for free.  That is the bike deal for Southwest, right?

Relax...we're in about the same place, and I pay a guy to tell me what to do. 

SW bike fees are $50 each way.

I'm using Tri Bike Transport so I don't have to worry about schlepping my bike around since we're doing the Grand Canyon & Vegas vacation after the race.

I have lived in Phoenix for 37 years, and November is one of the nicer months, weather-wise.  At last year's race, it was cool in the morning, water was 61 degrees, and the sun really did not warm up the course until about 2:00p.  I wore arm warmers on the bike and was very, very comfortable.  On the run I  wore the arm warmers for awhile (more to avoid sunburn than for warmth) and took advantage of the cold, wet sponges to stay cool.  It was not hot, but body temps were up from all day of racing.  However, when the sun went down, so did the temps.  Sponges were eliminated and I even tried some chicken broth at a few aid stations.  It was not "cold", but definitely cool.

Phoenix/Tempe is a desert, but even on the Beeline and around the lake the weather was very nice (no extremes) all-day.  Wind can be a factor on the bike a bit, and a couple years ago there was rain and hail during part of the bike.  But storms are less frequent than other places, so it is purely luck of the draw.

Regardless, it is unlikely to be anywhere close to the summer heat the valley saw up through the third week in October.

The merchandise tent is an absolute MADHOUSE on Monday.  All the volunteers are there to sign up for next year's race, and many athletes are picking up transition bags, etc.  I saw super long lines, if I recall.  Go to the merch tent no later than Friday - lines are a bit shorter, and some of the stuff that sells out (athlete name shirts, etc) will still be in stock.

As a reminder.  Athlete check in is Thursday and Friday.   There in no check in on Saturday (unless it's an emergency, and you have to call).

Someone always get's caught out and thinks they can arive friday night or sat.  Too late.

Has anyone gone to the Merch Tent on Sunday after race.?.....I gotta a thing about not purchasing things before I complete the race....if you do go to mech on Monday what time should you get there

When I joined the volunteers line to register Monday morning after last years IMAZ, at 5am, there were 200 persons in line to register and around 50 waiting to buy, finishers special issue clothing, bags and bling. 

The selection on Sunday was slim with long lines.  Saturday had a much better selection.  The Merchandise Tent closed early Sunday afternoon as they restock with the finishers limited edition stuff.  I'm sorry I don't recall exactly what time, but it was well before the first of the pro's crossed the finishline.  Does anyone know if the store opened up in the evening.  I thought it stayed closed until Monday morning.