Ironman Arizona Course

So for the non-triathletes that have heard about the Ironman when they hear me say I'm doing an Ironman their first question is "Oh so you're going to Hawaii?!"  I chuckle to myself and think if only!  Most people don't realize that the one in Hawaii is the championship.  So it is so anticlimactic when I say "No I'm doing the one in Arizona."  They are also even more confused when I tell them I've done that course once before.  The thing is going to the IM is expensive and I have to pick one that is close enough to drive to and that I don't have to spend more time there than is absolutely required.  I know it may not seem as exciting of a location to some people but I figure hey if it gets me to the IM finish line I'll take it.  Do I wish I could do one in a more exotic location?  You bet!  But trust me that feeling of accomplishment when you cross the finish line is just as awesome there as anywhere else!  Besides, me and the Tempe course have become good friends :-)  I had done my 1st half iron distance there too!  I went and took pictures at last years IM also if you missed those pics you can see them here or here.

So then I found this article about the IM AZ course: 

http://www.active.com/triathlon/Articles/7-Tips-for-Racing-Ironman-Arizona.htm?page=2

I have to say I'm glad I didn't read this article before my 1st IM there in '08 because it would have scared me.  I've always gone into races not knowing what's coming other than the basics, I know the distance I have to make and I know if there are major elevation changes.  That's just so I train appropriately.  But I kind of like having the rest be a surprise.  I find this actually makes me over prepare.  So let me tell you the one big surprise I did have on the IM AZ course was the false flat on the bike.  I thought something was wrong with me because why else would I be going so slow on a flat course?  Then when I got to the top and started going slightly downhill I realized, ohhhhh it was a false flat!  Wooo Hooo!

I didn't have any problems with wind and I hope that stays the same for this year because that is one element that is hard to prepare for.


Ok last item I will be adding to my Shop is in!  Stickers are in!  Check them out!                                                                








How about you do you know every inch of the course before you go?  Do you ride or drive the course ahead of time?  Or do you prefer a surprise?