Ironman Arizona : Official Thread (Page 17)

I think I'm sort of in denial that we have less than 6 weeks till the race. I had friends in town last weekend so my focus was on them rather than training and I think it was a nice mental break, but I need to get my head back in the game.

Now I'm focused on the next 3 peak weeks and then taper time! I'm feeling good about my run, already have 2 18 milers, and a 20 miler under my belt, with a few more long runs to go. Tried out my run/walk plan last weekend and it worked great so that was encouraging. Cycling is also going well, I've been slacking on the swimming but it is my best of the three so I'm not too worried.

I think logistics is the thing that is most stressing me out now, I'm starting to wonder if it's too early to start making packing lists?

It's getting close everyone.  I have this week and next week with long w/o's then a recovery week and start to taper.  Workouts have been going great and body is feeling good.  I did a swim only event last weekend in Las Vegas. 2.4 mile swim in 1:17 full wetsuit, felt good about the time since  I was hoping for 1:30 for less.  Right now my brain is more worried about all the little stuff than the big stuff.  Will be hitting town on 11/15.  I live in AZ and this weekend temps are suppose to be in the high 90's possible 100.  Hoping for slightly cooler temps. on 11/20. 

Can't wait for the day I am getting excited.  Is anyone planning or thought of a get together so we all have some familiar faces to look for on race day?

Can't believe how quickly November is creeping up... Question for the veterans, is Tri Bike Transport the way to go if you are flying in for the race?  Just thought I would check before I signed up for the service.

It appears Tim O'Donnell will likely race IMAZ. (Article)

Last year, I watched Chrissie blaze through the course. This year, maybe Tim...

I did run SAG last year and spent many hours driving between run aid stations 1 through 3. On the opposite side of the lake from where you were it does get a bit dark, but nothing like the dark it is early in the am when I've been running lately. There is a enough light for me to not bring a headlamp. The aid stations are so bright that they help light the dark area just enough in my opinion. If you are used to running in the dark I'd venture to say you will not need a headlamp. If you are not used to running in the dark you might feel more comfortable with one, but I don't remember seeing anyone wearing one last year. 

Another milestone achieved this week - first time I have logged a 50 mile running week!  

Have I mentioned I am ready to start tapering lately?

So far I've done five 75 mile rides and two 109 mile rides.  I'm not getting faster, but 109 miles feels like 40 miles used to and I think that's probably just as important.  

I have so much admin time on the bike (getting more food, stretching, refilling bottles, adjusting bike, etc.) that kills my overall time my goal is not to stop unless I absolutely have to.  I know that seems fairly obvious all the little things really add up.

Whew....solid week of training. AZ won't know what hit it!    15 mile run today with my wife (after an hour on the bike) at an "easy" pace that I think is completely doable on race day.  If all goes to plan, I should be able to shave 45 minutes off my CdA run time.

Week totals:

Swim: 7000 yards

Bike: 190 miles

Run: 51.5 miles

Total of 20 hours.

We did the Tri Bike Transport (or something similiar) in 2009.  It was nice b/c when we got to AZ our bikes were already put together.  And after the race we just handed them back in and didn't have to worry about them.  However, this year we are going to fly our bikes.  Both my hubby and I are racing so it's cheaper ($300 cheaper) to fly our bikes than to transport them.

We did the Tri Bike Transport (or something similiar) in 2009.  It was nice b/c when we got to AZ our bikes were already put together.  And after the race we just handed them back in and didn't have to worry about them.  However, this year we are going to fly our bikes.  Both my hubby and I are racing so it's cheaper ($300 cheaper) to fly our bikes than to transport them.

We did the Tri Bike Transport (or something similiar) in 2009.  It was nice b/c when we got to AZ our bikes were already put together.  And after the race we just handed them back in and didn't have to worry about them.  However, this year we are going to fly our bikes.  Both my hubby and I are racing so it's cheaper ($300 cheaper) to fly our bikes than to transport them.

I found a couple of IM packing list online that were very helpful in the past. 

Water temp question.

Has anyone felt the need to wear a neoprene swim cap?  I have one and wore it during Escape from Alcatraz, but it really chewed up the back of my neck, even with body glide AND I'm not even sure I needed it?

I would rather not wear it unless it's highly suggested.