Ironman Arizona

While we avoided any flight delays, unlike many of the other major airlines, we had some issues with the Days Inn.  Once the hotel shuttle finally arrived at the airport, only 45 minutes late, and we checked into the room, we discovered cockroaches.  We quickly U-turned back to the front desk and checked out.  Luckily I noticed a Best Western on the way from the airport to the hotel.  The BW quickly picked us up from the Roach-Hotel, I mean, the Days Inn, and we finally able to relax in the hotel room for the remainder of the day. 

I'm glad that the Days Inn did not work out, as the Best Western is within walking distance of the Ironman village.  If we had stayed at the Days Inn, we would have needed a shuttle or bus to get back and forth between the hotel and the village.  Given the need for multiple trips back & forth, the BW offers a much more conviencent location. 

I was up early, trying to maintain East Coast time, to get a quick run and swim in at the hotel.  After having the hotel's free breakfast, which was good, we went to the IM village to check-in and and check out the happenings.  It was crazy and intimidating to see so many intense athletes. 

After the village we relaxed in the hotel for the remainder of the day...trying to lay low and conserve energy.

Started the day at 7:00AM in the Tempe Town Lake with the 2.4 mile swim.  Sweat through the heat and wind of the 112 mile bike.  Ran through the exhaustion to finish the 26.2 mile run and Ironman in 14 hours 42 minutes!  While a long day, it was an incredible day.  Not only did I enjoy competing, but watching all of the other finishers was simply amazing.  Even if I wasn't competing, watching the event alone is just inspiring. 

Monday was my birthday.  We spent the morning at the post-race gathering and getting race merchandise for our families.  We spent the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel, with pizza delivery.  While not the most exciting brithday, it was nice to spend it with my fiancee and enjoy having survived the previous day.

The trip was filled with excitement and issues, but we enjoyed our stay. Other than the initial hotel (Days Inn ASU) being filled with cockroaches, we were able to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. The Ironman was a once-in-a-lifetime event. Not only was completing the event a memorable moment, but watching other individuals compete and complete the day provided a sense of motivation and respect for the challenges an IM present. The Tempe Town Lake was nice to visit, but really offered little value outside of the IM. The ASU campus really engolfs the town of Tempe, and offers numerous shops and restaurants; many within walking distance. The heat in April was very comfortable, although the 95 degrees during the IM was a little warm. It was also nice biking towards a mountain range during the IM and biking through what I would call a desert. Being from the East Coast, both were first time experiences. The trip to Arizona was unique and a success, and certainly worth the experience, but I think I prefer the Northeast landscape over that of the Southwest.