Ironman Arizona : Official Thread (Page 2)

Right now I'm just doing 40 minutes a day on the trainer, and some swimming.  I've had off and on achilles injuries and I'm really babying my run this time.

My only real goal right now is to get a decent base and drop about 10 pounds.  I've learned not to go too hard too early.  Its too easy to get burn out or injury.

I'm still recovering from the marathon I ran on the Dec 5th but my plan is to work on my cycling during the offseason since it is my weakness, while also trying to lose some weight and do strength training. Running and swimming will be in maintenance mode until I start training for my early season HIM (Wildflower). I'm planning to focus on training for Wildflower, take a bit of time easy in May as an "offseason" and start IMAZ training in June.

This is THE race I have circled and plan on training two years for.  My brother lives in Peoria Arizona so I can stay with him, and from what I have read and seen this is a great first IM if there is such a thing!  One question, after doing some research, the only two ways to register is the day of the race in person and online the same day?  Does this sound correct?

@thecatch83 Online registration opens at noon local time the day after the race. It has sold out within about 30 mins the last 2 years. On-site registration is also available, but I'm unsure of the specific parameters. Good luck.

Thank you!  I might (as some have done) volunteer a year out and sign up in person....kill two birds with one stone so to speak.  Scout the course and scene and guarantee registration! 

Mostly doing running and trainer rides, have a Marathon in March so I'm focused on that right now. Need to get in the pool so tho' maybe after the first of the year. Trying to pace myself have a long season and a lot of races planned!

Did that this year -it was soooo worth it. Learned a lot about the race course and hotel logistics I wouldn't have known if I wasn't there. I also was in line by 6:30AM for registration and only had to wait about 45 minutes to get registered. Plus volunteering is the BEST. Highly recommend going the year before if you can.

Getting around on race day was not bad at all so if you don't mind renting a car there are MANY options to stay at.  We stayed at the Scotsdale Camelback Resort and it was about 15 minutes away.  The drive was easy and went smoothly.  Parking at the US Airwaysx lot across the street from the race site was plentiful and had no problems.  We had to check out of the Camelback resort on race day so that night we stayed at the Airport Marriott which is about 10 minutes away and once again travel to the hotel was very easy.  Don't limit yourself to hotels right at the race area as you will pay more and it does not make it all that much easier.

The race is well run but 1 issue to be aware of is the swim start.  the pros go off before the age groupers so there is a mad rush to get into the water once the pros go.  There was a major backup of people and a lot did not make it into the water before the gun went off for the age groupers.  Be sure to get into the line early and enter the water quickly so you don't hold others up.  The water was cold so people hesitated and messed around at the entrance which is very small and held a lot of people up.

Have a great race everyone!!

I'm registered!  It will be my first IM!  I am so excited!!  

Hi everyone!  I'm in for IMAZ 2011.   This will be my 9th IM, my 2nd IM of 2011, my 4th time at IMAZ, but my first time racing IMAZ in November. 

My first IM was IMAZ 2006 and my PR IM was 11:53 at IMAZ 2007.  So I have a great fondess for that course and for the area. 

First year I stayed at the Buttes, second year rented a house that was way too far away out past the GM Proving Grounds (yeah, they said "Mesa" and technically it is), and the third year rented a great house in Chandler.  This year I want to rent a house or condo a lot closer in.

My IMAZ race reports:
http://brucemorgan.blogs.com/afc/2006/04/ironman_arizona.html
http://brucemorgan.blogs.com/afc/2007/09/ironman-arizona.html
http://brucemorgan.blogs.com/afc/2008/04/ironman-arizona.html

I'll also be in Tempe for the Marquee Triathlon in April, racing the HIM distance.

Good luck everyone!

Hi All.  I'm in for 2011.  This will be my second IM.  It will also be my Dad's first, racing at age 69.

He's been running for the last couple of years, but just recently started building mileage.  Did his first 20 mile run a few weeks ago and is already doing 90 mile bike rides after picking up a biking 5  months ago.

Your dad is going to beat me!  I better get out training.

Has anyone had any success booking condos in the Tempe area for IMAZ using VRBO.com? I've sent out a bunch of inquiries for places that show the weekend of IMAZ as being open and haven't heard anything back. Now I'm starting to worry that we might have to rethink the condo idea and get a few hotel rooms instead.

When you say tri-specific weight training, what do  you mean....like core?  Thanks and good luck

www.rentalquest.com was very helpful to our group.  We got a great five bedroom house for our crew.

Yes, core of most definitely part of it. The others include working the muscles you are going to use on the bike (leg press, standing lunges, step-ups), and working your shoulders for the swim (seated row, standing lat/shoulder pulldowns). Happy training!

I'm staying at the "a-Loft" hotel.  It's a very contemporary place about 3/4 mile from transition area on Rural road right across the bridge.  I booked on expedia and got a pretty good deal. 

As far as training goes, I have a sprint, 2 olys and 2 HIMs building up to IMAZ this year so I am focusing on shorter speed/intensity sessions right now and won't be adding serious volume until probably June/July.

Edited by TRICLOPICUS 2011-01-17 11:28 AM

I just booked my hotel for the race! I actually have family that live in Phx, but we wanted a place close to the race that my family could use as a meeting place/resting space during the race because we all know that it's going to be a long day! Anyways, I got a great deal at Country Inn and Suites on Scottsdale road. They had rooms for $96 or suites for $104 a night and it's super close to the race, especially the run course.

I'm wondering if there will be an unofficial gathering of BT'ers before or after the race? It would be cool to meet some of you guys face to face and share race day stories over a drink. When the date gets closer, we should try to organize something, yeah?

OK less than 300 days to go

Haven't checked in on the topic for a bit because it's a while away and don't want to get too wrapped up yet.  I am very excited about it, will be my first IM and in my home state.  Lots of family to cheer me on.

I am using vrbo.com to secure a place and have made contact with a few options. Will be finalizing hopefully this week. Also there are a ton of hotels in the area and getting to the race site is very easy.  Tempe/Scottsdale will keep you within 10/30 minutes drive time just depends how far out you put yourself in Scottsdale.  I have used a Courtyard before for other races at the location that is a 5 minute walk away, not sure if it's still available at all.  Also Tempe Mission Palms is very nice and close, a little pricey.

Definetly think as time gets closer we should set a meeting prior to the race so we can look for familiar faces on race day.

Will also be doing the Marquee 1/2 in April.

Train smart and see all in November

Did anyone else utilize the lodging finder on the IMAZ website the day of registration to book their hotel?  I havent heard back from them regarding a confirmation yet and I am starting to get worried.  Thanks!

Hi all,

Wanted to get on the thread as IMAZ will be my first Full Ironman.  I did lake stevens 70.3 last year and I have Oceanside 70.3 in April filled in with some sprints and Olys along with 70.3 Rev 3 in Oregon in July.  I am a little anxious for a full and any advice would be greatly appreciated as this will be the first time with transition bags, and not everything sitting with my bike.

Look forward to a great race.

J 

Hi all,

Thread was starting to move down the page so I thought I'd bump it up. Just curious what people are up to. This will be my 1st (and prob only) IM so I gave myself 15 months to train...also I was out of shape when I decided to do this. I'm almost 6 monts in and still loving it. LOTS of base training but the miles are starting to add up. Lost about 30 lbs so far so that's good (now 6'2", 199!!). Hope all is well with ur training. Good luck.