Leading up to and during Ironman Arizona (IMAZ) 2015, I kept telling myself to trust the training. IMAZ was my first full-distance triathlon and going that distance was a complete unknown to me. I didn’t know what to expect so I just had to trust that I had trained properly. I successfully finished IMAZ without any major struggles as I reported in my last post. The training plan was one of the keys to my success.
Tag Archives: IMAZ
My Ironman Arizona (IMAZ) Experience: Race Day
As I went into the T2 transition tent, my body was shaking uncontrollably from the wet and cold. I had just finished the 112 mile bike portion of Ironman Arizona (IMAZ). I sat in a chair shivering and desperately trying to change into my run gear. There was never a doubt in my mind that I would get up and head out to start the 26.2 mile run. There was some question as to whether I would finish it.
Pre Race
It was one year ago almost to the day that I had signed up for IMAZ, my first full distance triathlon. It was hard for me to believe that the big day had already arrived. I had followed my training plan, but going 140.6 miles was a complete unknown to me. And I had no idea how the day would go.
Practice Run – My IMAZ Travel Preparation
I always feel more comfortable doing a practice run when I have a big event at work or a big race. I have been known to pace around a hotel room reciting a presentation prior to speaking to clients or presenting at a conference. So when I signed up for Ironman Arizona (IMAZ), I was happy to pay the extra money and also get entry into Ironman 70.3 Silverman, which would allow me some IMAZ travel preparation.
Traveling to Las Vegas would be the perfect “dry run” for traveling to Arizona a few weeks later. All of my previous triathlon races have been local, so I have never had to ship a bike or pack all my gear for an out-of-town event. I don’t want anything to go wrong at IMAZ so practicing travel seemed like a good idea. And besides, it’s a long weekend in Vegas. Continue reading
The Adventure Begins-My Quest for Ironman
Me with the “Crew Chief”
For guys like me that have a family and a regular job, committing to 140.6 is a huge decision. First and foremost, we have to make sure we have the support of family and that they understand the commitment and are onboard. Training alone will require 10-18 hrs per week. Prior to signing up, I discussed with my wife, Beth, and she agreed to be my “Crew Chief,” which is a big job. Beth is amazing and she is always there to support me for most of my wacky ideas. (I will mention that she nixed the whole idea of me someday climbing Mt Everest; yeah, she read Jon Krakauer’s “Into Thin Air”). She also knows me well, and once I got this idea into my head, I think she knew that resistance would be futile (she has already been assimilated).