Ironman Arizona : Official Thread (Page 53)

Run Aid Station #1 - The Pirate stop along TTL just east of TCA?  Great folks out there last year - very loud and motivating!

My multisport team (ONE Multisport) will be manning the run aid station on the north side of the lake at the marina.  Great group, growing insanely larger every year, but awesome supporters.  When y'all go by there, tell 'em "P40" will be by soon!  

Can you do it in three hours? I'd probably do it if it wasn't too stressful, but that's me. If it was my wife asking, I'd do it. If it was a friend or colleague, I'd say no.

I would evaluate this based upon how "fast" they want me to ride at a charity event, and what I was truly expecting out of my 3-hour training session.  If you can ride the 85 and take your time, then it likely will not negatively affect your strength and would be ok.  But if you were going to ride your 3 hours at race pace, then the additional miles of the 85 would likely wear you down a little (even if you slowed up), and personally I would not risk it.  But you have to determine if it would affect you or not.

I personally wouldn't risk it. With an Ironman the following week, you have more important and fun things to worry about. If the charity is important to you, you can always make a donation. You have plenty of time to ride the following Sunday

You're not helping!!!   

Co-incidentally, a good friend of mine from Vancouver is going to be at run aid #1 this year to be able to sign up for next year, so say hi to Bubba (aka Derek) Porter if you happen to stop!   

I'm having a hard time picturing where each of these hotels are at, but TTL (where the finish line is) is right on Rio Salado. Scottsdale rd is about a mile East and starts about a mile North of TTL.

Country Inn is just north of the 202 Fwy on Scottsdale Rd.  That puts you about 1.25-1.5 miles from IM Village, but the walk (or run) there is scenic along the lake.

Hyatt and Springhill Suites are right next to each other on Rio, just west of Priest (which is the west boundary of the run course).  This puts you about 1.25 miles from IM Village, again walking along the lake.  Either of these will logistically be easier to get back and forth from, as if you want to drive you can get to the US Airways parking lot without touching the course, whereas the Country Inn will force you to cross the bike course on Scottsdale Rd (at Rio).

you made me laugh - i did the same thing.  ...got several locations to cover my bases and who was coming.  my perspective from an out of towner who did it last year, seeing the traffic mess, and talking with people who were there last year at the various hotels and in town friends that came down to visit during the week leading up -- unless you are within walking distance, don't stay at a hotel on the east side of the venue as traffic is horrible trying to get to the parking ramp as a lot of lanes and blocked off around the venue.  stay at a hotel on the west side -- which means something like the Hampton Inn on 1429 North Scottsdale Road -- it's a straight shot down Scottsdale to E. Rio Salado -- which is where the parking ramp is, and best part, no traffic because the clogged intersection is after the parking garage. 

not sure which country inn you are at, but looks like the one on Pima?  you should check if the hampton inn has rooms that opened up (i cancelled my reservation there after i got in at a walking distance hotel), or try the country inn and suites on 808 N. Scottsdale - good side of town but closer.

also, the Hampton was great because they had several swimming pools so i could try out my wet suit again with no problem and morning off race, they have a race day shuttle to take you to the race start if you decide to not drive over. 

What does everyone have lined up from this coming weekend to the race? 

The Fink plan calls for 2hr bike to 30 min run on Saturday and then a 1hr bike and 1hr run on Sunday.

Going into next week I don't arrive in AZ until Friday morning, so my plan will be to get atleast 1 masters swim in and a few short run and rides to keep the body loose.

3:15 ride on Sat

3k swim and 1:40 run on Sunday... 

Following the Fink plan as well, but I think we are going to throw one last OWS in on Saturday before we bike/run.  We'll swim in Barton Springs, which is a spring fed pool here that stays around 68 degrees.  Then head out for the bike and run.  I head out to Tempe Tuesday evening, driving with a friend, so a couple of short runs each day on the road.  Will bike on Friday in Tempe to make sure the bike made the trip ok and no mechanical problems.  Practice swim Saturday morning.  Race on Sunday.  Here we go folks.

I think taper madness has hit.  I seem to be in a bad mood today and biting people's heads off.  It doesn't help that my daughter woke up sick today.  Said her throat hurt, so we had her checked fro strep.  That's negative, but she has a virus.  I think I'd rather it be strep so she could be on antibiotics.  There is nothing you can do for a virus but let it run it's course.  I'm tempted to go stay with my parents for a few days until I leave.  Geeze.

3K swim/5K run at the Splash n Dash at Tempe Town Lake on Saturday (hi temps for the day will be 62 - cool!), followed up by a planned 25 mile ride along the IM AZ course to keep the legs loose.  Next week is a breeze.....1 swim (2K), 1 bike (25mi) and 1 run (4mi) on different days, and that is it!

Question about carbon wheels: I have never trained or used zipp firecrest wheels, should i rent a pair for race day? I will probably have a 1 day to test them out. Does it take long to get used to?

Also do i need to get carbon brakes or can use my stock brakes?

Sorry but im new to race wheels

you should use the carbon brake pads -- but the wheel rental place will surely give them to you.  if not, you can live without them.  they are very easy to adjust to, however, you do need to be aware that braking will be different.  a hard brake on aluminum rims you will stop, carbon you will fishtail.  course is not one where you do a lot of braking, so that should not be an issue unless something weird happens, like a kid or dog jutting out on the course.  ...but why rent at the last minute if you haven't ever tried them?  most important thing is to have confidence in your ride on race day, not wondering.....

It seems like everyone around me is sick.  My wife, oldest, and youngest are all sick right now.  Trying to stay away from them as much as possible.  "I want a hug dad"..."see me in 11 days son."  Haven't considered crashing at my mom's place yet, lol!