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Ironman Arizona - TriathlonFull Ironman


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Tempe, Arizona
United States
Ironman North America
76F / 24C
Sunny
Total Time = 12h 15m 47s
Overall Rank = 604/2066
Age Group = 30-34
Age Group Rank = 99/264
Pre-race routine:

I was pretty calm about Ironman the past few days. Casually completing registration and picking up my packet on Thursday at lunch. Stopped by the athlete dinner on Friday and ate with Pilgrim, ABQkid, and Lobo. Also saw the BT croud including Tritakemeaway, Q, and Cavu who I had dinner with on Wednesday. Also went for a beer after the dinner with MikeB.

On Saturday I dropped my bike off after stopping at Tribe where Kevin gave a loaner Xlab tri-spoke front wheel. Something was bothering me so I went back and checked my bike and my rear tire was flat. I took it off and there was a metal spike inside the tire. Fixed it and then went back to feeling good!

Then went to lunch with my AZ Tri Club friends at Olive Garden and later stopped in for a little at the BT house. It was neat to meet more BTers including the infamous JeepFleeb.

Then race morning after decent sleep, about 7 hours only waking up 2 times, it hit me... YOU ARE DOING IRONMAN TODAY. I got excited and my heart was pounding like a double bass drum in a rock band.

So I grabbed my wetsuit bag, bike pump, and special needs bags through them and threw them in my truck.

During the drive over to the race (5 miles) I calmed down and got back to feeling good and ready for the race.

Pilgrim and I went to the transition area. I filled my aero bottle, checked my tire pressure, etc.
Event warmup:

Put my wetsuit on and got ready. We had to walk over the timing chip mat and then jump into the lake.

Then you had to swim about 300 meters to the start line. I just practiced my stroke and then hung out by a canoe that was at the center area. Saw a few people I know hanging onto the canoe.

Swim
  • 1h 27m 35s
  • 3862 meters
  • 02m 16s / 100 meters
Comments:

I had 2 main goals for the swim.

1. Keep my cool - at the HIM I did I let people whacking me, etc. bother me and I felt that was a angry swim. This swim was great. I was calm and cool stroking the whole way through. Also I started on the side of the swim. see fig 1


fig 1 - swim start

2. Wanted to go easy with a steady pace using little energy and not kicking much to avoid any swim cramps. Success!

I also did not sight on the way out. I just made sure I had others to my left/breathing side and then I knew I was not off course. I let others do my sighting. Plus it was into the sun so what would I see anyway?

On the way back I hugged the buoy line and swam very straight.
What would you do differently?:

swim faster, but only if it is because my stroke is more efficient.
Transition 1
  • 06m 10s
Comments:

When I got out of the water, my friend Steve was there. He volunteered to pull people onto the stairs out of the water. Then Tanya (standswithfist) was there with 2 others like a speedy team of strippers helping me get my suit off.

I did leave my goggles behind and didn't realize it until I put my suit in the t1 bag.

Put everything on quickly and was off to get my bike.
What would you do differently?:

Pretty good transition. Maybe I'll keep my goggles next time... but hey this is Ironman!
Bike
  • 5h 48m 33s
  • 112 miles
  • 19.28 mile/hr
Comments:

Well first off... I passed 1036 people on the bike so either my swim was not that great or I had a real good bike. I'll go with decent swim and real good bike.

The first lap was good averaging 20.22. Decent speed on the way out without going too hard and then of course the speed was slowed by the headwind that was kicking up on the beeline.


The second lap I really started moving and at the 56 mile mark I was averaging about 22.5 mph and had a top speed of 32.5. Then I turned into the wind again and it was like a fog that got thicker the longer you rode into it. That knocked my average down to 21.01 at the 83.6 mark.

Then came the dreaded torturous 3rd lap that knocked my speed average down to 19.28 for the 112 mile ride. The thing about the 3rd lap is it was much slower than the first and second laps were but I had to work so much harder because of the nasty headwinds that were 40+ mph they also swirled in spots. I also started to need to pee during this lap while trying to keep cramps from coming on that were caused by the hard work the wind was making me do. I was in my climbing gears and it was still so tough!

What would you do differently?:

Swim faster so I could get through more of the bike as the wind built up!
Transition 2
  • 04m 44s
Comments:

I handed my bike off and told the guy he could keep it.

Then I ran over, grabbed my t2 bag, and headed for the portapotty.

After business was taken care of I headed for the changing tent. My training partner Jeff got into the tent at the same time. We sat down in chairs with one in between us.

I reached in my bag, grabbed my change of socks and started putting them on. A volunteer then came over and dumped my back and lined my shoes up, asked me if I wanted all of my powergel (there were 8... Jeff told everybody there was a huge pile of 15 or more) I put them in my jersey, tied my shoes, sprayed my spray on sun block, handed my sun block to Jeff and we both started off on the run.
What would you do differently?:

It was a Ironman change... due to getting help I really couldn't have done it much faster... wasn't worried about that either.
Run
  • 4h 48m 45s
  • 26.2 miles
  • 11m 01s  min/mile
Comments:

1st lap - Starting out on the run I had nothing to go on. I ran the first mile and half but then started to do a run/walk as I turned into the wind again! I felt a little disoriented and with a slight dizziness so I felt this was the way to go. A guy named John from Houston was in the same boat so we went along picking when we were going to run and what we would run to. We kept going along and I saw Jess (tritakemeaway) run by. She yelled to me and all I could muster was "hey!" Then as John and I kept going we saw Peter Reid and he encouraged us too so we started running again for a little. His jersey had polka dots on it and a lot of people commented on the polka dots. As we kept going another guy from his tri club joined us. We had all decided that our time goals no longer mattered and we were just going to do this thing. Jeff caught up to us to. Then as the 4 of us made it to the bridge I started feeling good and picked my pace up some. I had joked that if I heard another polka dot remark I was going to leave them. I actually left because I was feeling better.

2nd lap - this led into the second lap and the crowd yelling your name and cheering you on gave me a big charge. I saw some friends and the VP from my work, who gave me the high five! I kept running and my pace was good I took a little less from the stations. I came across Pilgrim and said "hey Brian!" then I looked at him and said "you are not Brian, you are Brian's friend" and he said "nope, I am Brian" and then he told me I was doing great. Then again at the same spot I saw Jess running by and again she yelled to me and I said "hey!" but this was a better "hey!" I kept running and ran through the beach park smiling the whole way as the crowd cheered me on. Lots of kids giving high fives. FUN STUFF. But then at the next aid station I decided to take in some calories. My fate was sealed by a banana. I had to start the run/walk again because it did not agree with my stomach. After a little I felt better again and started my run again and at a even faster pace.

3rd lap - I kept going at a even better pace. I got charged up by the crowd again and was feeling great. I think I was running around a 7:30 pace or so. I came across Mike (ABQkid) and then caught up with Madcow (who I had seen a few times on the bike) and just kept going. I ran through the crowd area smiling away again, but then as the wind kept blowing into me I filled with lactic acid with about 3 miles to go. I was back into the run/walk with not much running. At about 3/4 of a mile to go I was caught up to by Dennis (DGunthert) who was wearing a BT tri suit. I had talked to him when I passed him earlier. As I was walking when he caught me and he told me to keep it going and that we were almost there. His words encouraged me and I started running. I walked up the little hill to the bridge and then ran across the bridge picking my speed up as I went even though a few minutes earlier my legs did not want to move. I continued getting faster and faster and when I turned the corner and saw the finish the SPRINT was on! I then had a split second choice as their was a guy in front of me... do I go left... do I go right... I chose right... well so did he, but he went the high five the crowd route while I was trying to sprint by. As I went by he put his arm out and instead of me getting clotheslined he span like a turnstile. And my day was done! IRONMAN
What would you do differently?:

Well where should I start... no banana... no.... .... ... I could pick the run apart, but it was more of a adventure in running to get to the line and thus even though tiring and slightly painful at times I kept going and going!
Post race
Warm down:

My friend Steve was at the finish... he grabbed me as I crossed the line... congratulated me then I turned and there was Andy #1 from the AZ Tri Club who also volunteered. He had check on all of us before the race too. He also gave me a big bear hug! Steve then took me through got food for me, we collected my gear, and then went back to watch people finish.

What limited your ability to perform faster:

I went over that earlier in the report... LOL

Event comments:

Great race that has great volunteers. Getting to meet new people from BT and race with them was great. I also had the bonus of being a local and having friends that I train with racing and cheering me. And other friends there. Plus having your name on the race bib is neat... the crowd constantly cheers and instead of saying go guy or keep it going your name is thrown in there and on a long effort like this it was great!

I also watched the last 10 minutes of finishers. Pilgrim really wanted to see them and just to see his excitement to watch them finish was inspiring. It was great to yell and clap for the final finishers.

I also want to thank my friends on BT that have encouraged me, inspired me, and even a time or too told me to get out and get my training done (that happened when it was cold). And a special thanks go to Gina76 who was awesomely supportive for me and it was neat to know that she and other BTers were watching and tracking my progress online and saw me finish. The congratulations are also awesome! Thanks everybody!




Last updated: 2006-08-23 12:00 AM
Swimming
01:27:35 | 3862 meters | 02m 16s / 100meters
Age Group: 230/264
Overall: 1643/2066
Performance: Good
Suit: Zoot John Wetsuit w/promotion sleeve vest
Course: Tempe Town lake http://www.ironmanarizona.com/course.php
Start type: Wade Plus: Shot
Water temp: 66F / 19C Current: Medium
200M Perf. Good Remainder: Good
Breathing: Good Drafting: Average
Waves: Navigation: Good
Rounding: Good
T1
Time: 06:10
Performance: Good
Cap removal: Good Helmet on/
Suit off:
Wetsuit stuck? No Run with bike: Yes
Jump on bike: Yes
Getting up to speed: Good
Biking
05:48:33 | 112 miles | 19.28 mile/hr
Age Group: 69/264
Overall: 391/2066
Performance: Good
Wind:
Course: Tempe to the Beeline highway http://www.ironmanarizona.com/course.php
Road: Smooth Dry Cadence:
Turns: Good Cornering: Good
Gear changes: Good Hills: Good
Race pace: Hard Drinks: Too much
T2
Time: 04:44
Overall: Good
Riding w/ feet on shoes
Jumping off bike Good
Running with bike Good
Racking bike
Shoe and helmet removal Good
Running
04:48:45 | 26.2 miles | 11m 01s  min/mile
Age Group: 124/264
Overall: 778/2066
Performance: Below average
Course: around the tempe town lake area http://www.ironmanarizona.com/course.php
Keeping cool Good Drinking Too much
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Average
Mental exertion [1-5] 4
Physical exertion [1-5] 5
Good race? Yes
Evaluation
Course challenge
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities: Good
Race evaluation [1-5] 5

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2007-04-16 10:29 PM

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Mesa
Subject: Ironman Arizona


2007-04-16 11:08 PM
in reply to: #764197

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Veteran
230
10010025
Phoenix, AZ
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
Congratulations!! I was at the Bike Aid Station #4, but with all the bikes whizzing by I didn't think I'd see you.  I'm so proud, you had a wonderful day!
2007-04-16 11:21 PM
in reply to: #764197

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Master
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Tyler, TX
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona

Great job!! 

It was fun to actually see you finish (on the computer)!

2007-04-16 11:42 PM
in reply to: #764197

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Extreme Veteran
333
10010010025
Bend, OR
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
Andy, great IRONMAN debut!!  Great race report!  I hope to see some pictures soon and am looking forward to see what's next in the great Chile adventure.  Cheers!
2007-04-17 12:44 AM
in reply to: #764197

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Pro
4206
20002000100100
Los Angeles, CA
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
Great job man. I can't believe you biked that fast in those terrible winds. Looks like you had tons of fun before, during, and after the race. Way to take in the "whole" experience of IM. Again, great report and congrats on a fast race!!!
2007-04-17 2:12 AM
in reply to: #764197

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Elite
2553
20005002525
Tucson, AZ
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona

Congrats on a great race! You da man! I can only imagine how fast your bike time would've been without the wind. You're a flying habanero on the bike!

I'm sure I'll see ya at future races. Congrats again on an amazing first Ironman!!!



2007-04-17 6:03 AM
in reply to: #764197

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Expert
830
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Chesapeake, VA
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
Congrats on your Ironman finish.  Thanks for the race report and the wonderful visuals!
2007-04-17 6:20 AM
in reply to: #764197

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Champion
26509
500050005000500050001000500
Sydney
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
Congratulations Ironman!
2007-04-17 7:51 AM
in reply to: #764197

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Master
1668
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Cinnaminson, NJ
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
Great Job and great report!!!
2007-04-17 7:56 AM
in reply to: #764197

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Master
2411
2000100100100100
Goodyear, AZ
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
Amazing Andy!!!

That is an awesome race report! You did so great- but I knew you would!

I'm glad I got to see you on the bike course- you had your race face on!

WTG IRONMAN!
2007-04-17 8:09 AM
in reply to: #764197

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Expert
919
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Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
Awesome job and great report on the race.


2007-04-17 8:15 AM
in reply to: #764197

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Champion
9600
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Fountain Hills, AZ
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
Well done, brother, terrific report and outstanding effort out there. Dude, on the run heading west on Rio Salado, the wind, holly hell!
2007-04-17 8:33 AM
in reply to: #764197

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Pro
4675
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Wisconsin near the Twin Cities metro
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
Great race report.  Congratulations!!!!!!!
2007-04-17 9:02 AM
in reply to: #764197

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Master
1565
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SMIBville
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
great RR. Congrats Ironman!
2007-04-17 9:24 AM
in reply to: #764197

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Champion
10471
500050001001001001002525
Dallas, TX
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
Great race report! The pictures are a nice touch.

Looks like you had an amazing bike out there! Those winds didn't get you like they did others!

Great job and congratulations on becoming an Ironman.
2007-04-17 9:32 AM
in reply to: #764197

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Extreme Veteran
394
100100100252525
Madison,WI
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
What a great race report-graphics and all!  I'm going to think twice about taking Bananas when I'm out there at IMMOO!  Congrats!  We are all so proud.  -AJ


2007-04-17 10:00 AM
in reply to: #764602

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Extreme Veteran
426
10010010010025
Somewhere in your dreams
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
Andy, congratulations! Like I said before, you are an AMZAING athlete! You did all the necessary training to get you there and with the wind it took your mental game to get you through. Unless you really know what living in windy places is like you don't relly know what it can do to you out there! You did GREAT!

"Andrew Cope, you are an IRONMAN!"

2007-04-17 10:10 AM
in reply to: #764197

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Master
1728
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Pulaski TN
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
Congrats to you!! Love the pictures in your RR!! It was great meeting you as well!!
2007-04-17 12:09 PM
in reply to: #764197

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Expert
709
500100100
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
Great RR Andy! Nice job pushing yourself through that run. It certainly sounds like some crazy conditions! Awesome job and congratulations!
2007-04-17 12:45 PM
in reply to: #764197

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Elite
3088
20001000252525
Austin, TX
Gold member
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
When did you pass back by me with enough speed to beat me by a minute?!?!

You know, it's really bad manners to beat someone who provides you with the encouragement to pick it back up again.
2007-04-17 2:27 PM
in reply to: #764197

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Expert
675
500100252525
West Metro Atlanta, GA
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
Great job!


2007-04-17 2:43 PM
in reply to: #764197

Pro
3715
20001000500100100
AZ
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona

Great job Andy!!!  Now YOU can be the guy talking smack at the tri club meetings!! Heehee! I KNOW you have been chomping at the bit to do that!

Congrats IronMan!

2007-04-17 6:22 PM
in reply to: #764197

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Expert
902
500100100100100
Wylie, TX
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
That's a great time for your first IM. Congrats
2007-04-17 8:37 PM
in reply to: #764197

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Official BT Coach
2210
2000100100
Englewood, CO
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona
Great race my friend!   You are an Ironman!  That was a tough one to do!
2007-04-17 8:53 PM
in reply to: #764197

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Master
2381
2000100100100252525
Frisco, Texas
Subject: RE: Ironman Arizona

Great race.  Congratulations.....Ironman!

TJ

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