2281. Sounds like a lucky number to me!!

[Running Mommy]

Thats the number girls! Bib # 2281 at IMAZ.
I'm getting excited for next week. There is nothing like race week when it comes to Ironman! It almost seems like a week long party. I was thinking earlier how next week at this time I'll have my shiny little athlete bracelet on.
I can't wait, I'm ready. I just keep praying for no wind, and no mechanicals! If those prayers come true I should have a great day. So if I could ask for a collective prayer, I'd really appreciate it.

For those of you that want to follow along at home, here is how you do it.
The race is Sunday 4/15/07. It starts promptly at 7:00 am. AZ is now on pacific time.
You can go here to track me:
http://ironmanlive.com/events/ironman/arizona

Go to the athlete tracker and enter 2281 or my name Denise Amos

You can also watch streaming video, and those hearty souls may see me finish. Lets hope it works this time! It worked at the Cali lite last weekend, so it should work.

And now for my predicted times:
Swim- 1:50- 2:00. Anything slower than that and I may be toast.
T1 10 minutes
Bike 7-7.5 hours - should be closer to 7.25 (fingers crossed)
T2 10 minutes
Run: 6-6.5 hours. I'm hoping to be closer to 6, but after the bike all bets will be off.
Goal- to finish before 11:30. Super secret goal- to finish under 16 hours. I'm really going to try to push myself this year and get in under 16 hours. I hope I can do it. Like I said, my bike is rocking this year, and as long as I shave a big chunk of change off the bike I should be ok. If my bike splits are slow you will know something is wrong. I have my nutrition nailed, and I've been very consistent in training. So barring wind, a mechanical, or some other act of god my bike times should be much better than last year.

Ok girls (and mr. silver) wish me luck! I'll try to post more before the race, but I'll be pretty busy.
Thanks for all of your support! I really do feel that energy when I'm out on the course.
Stay safe!
Ciao
Denise

[rocknrollgirl]

I am sending a little silvery thread of good karma, and it will pull you along the whole way. You will not see it, but you will feel it, so when you are feeling tried, just know that I, like all of us here, will be with you every step of the way.

Ruth

[Trekhawk]

WOW it only seems like yesterday when you did your last IM and here you are at it again.

GOOD LUCK DENISE but Im sure you wont need it you sound like you are set and ready to go.
:) :)

[mountainchick]

Good luck! It sounds like you'll accomplish your goals! You're very inspiring :)

[colby]

Denise, you sound PUMPED! :D You're going to rock, we all know it. The countdown begins...

Sending you imaginary TE cheerleaders to put on your shoulder...

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g287/colby-digital/cheerleader3.jpghttp://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g287/colby-digital/cheerleader3.jpghttp://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g287/colby-digital/cheerleader3.jpg

[JenLeath]

You sound very ready. Happy IMAZ. Good Luck!

:)

[Wahine]

Thats the number girls! Bib # 2281 at IMAZ.
I'm getting excited for next week. There is nothing like race week when it comes to Ironman! It almost seems like a week long party. I was thinking earlier how next week at this time I'll have my shiny little athlete bracelet on.
I can't wait, I'm ready. I just keep praying for no wind, and no mechanicals! If those prayers come true I should have a great day. So if I could ask for a collective prayer, I'd really appreciate it.

Ok girls (and mr. silver) wish me luck! I'll try to post more before the race, but I'll be pretty busy.
Thanks for all of your support! I really do feel that energy when I'm out on the course.


Denise, I'm feeling the IM vibe and sending it back at ya 10 fold. I'll be keeping track of your progress. I hope to be able to see you finish.

There's nothing like IM. I have goosebumps as I type this. I love it!!

Can't wait!!

By the way, I have a very close relationship with the wind gods and I'll be putting in a word or two fer ya.

Yaaaaaayyyyyyy Denise!!

[Velobambina]

Good luck, Denise. You'll do great, no worries. I'll be thinking of you and sending lots of good karma your way!!!

[Tri Girl]

Best of luck to you, sister!!!

Here is what my coach sent me the day before my IM- made me smile and feel relaxed, and I hope it does the same for you:
"Trust your training. You have prepared for this event. Know that you have it within you to do this. You will doubt yourself, but trust the preparation you have done.
Race the race you have trained for. Do your race at your pace, don't get caught up in what those around you are doing. Enjoy yourself. This is a monumental accomplishment.
I'll be looking for you at the finish line."

Ok- so I can't physically be there looking for you at the finish, but I will be on this computer just waiting anxiously for you to finish!!! You get out there and rock that course!

Sending you lots of vibes: good health, no wind or rain, great weather, no mechanical issues, and safe racing.

Best of luck to you- enjoy Iron week- you've rightfully earned every morsel of enthusiasm, happiness, excitement, and even nervousness!!!!! :D

[alpinerabbit]

http://www.lolcars.com/images/good-luck-road-sign.jpg

[spokewench]

You'll do great. I've been watching all of your training posts and you are ready!

Keep up that positive attitude and I'm sure you will make your goal. You've done the best you can now you just race and see what comes!

Good luck:)

[knapplaura]

Denise,
Good luck! Great mental attitude! My race number is 2185, so maybe we will be racked near each other!

I am so ready for this thing to be here (except I have to go to TRISPORTS on Saturday and buy a race outfit; that is the last thing left to do). My mom is flying in from Texas, and my boss is coming up to watch the race as well!

One mental thing I have been doing lately is reminding myself that this race is not about just the training of the last 4 months; it is the training of the last 18 monthst that will be brought to bear. Same holds true for you too!

Hope to see you at the expo!

Laura

[Running Mommy]

hey laura-
Wow we will be near each other. I'll try to remember your number and come hunt you down at the racks.
When are you coming up? I'll be at the race site a lot! I plan to swim every day and I have a bunch of social obligations. I think you remember what I look like. If you see me, please stop me and say hi.
If you need a refresher on what I look like go here:
http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a157/tony66denise69/?start=60

Anyway, hope to FINALLY get to meet you!
take care and happy tapering!
Denise

[teigyr]

You must be so excited! I can't wait to read about it and will check the website periodically on sunday.

Wishing you tailwinds --- have a great time!!!

[Wahine]

Good luck to you too Laura. I'll keep an eye out for you as well. Thanks for posting your bib number.

Have a great Iron week!!

[Offthegrid]

Good luck, Denise!!!

When it gets tough, picture all of us at the side of the road cheering for you.

We will all be sending you positive vibes for no mechanical problems and good weather.

[Tri Girl]

Yay Laura!!! Best of luck to you, too!!!! :D

We'll be keeping one eye out for each of you two studly women!!!!

[Running Mommy]

Just watched the weather report for the week. Looks like it's going to be windy mid week, but looks to be heating up for the weekend. Hopefully mother nature gets the wind "out of her system" mid week! :p
accuweather is saying 93 for race day! YES!! I LOVE the heat. Of course running in it is no fun, but I figure I'll only have one loop in before it gets dark anyway... I guess there are benefits to being slow! lol

Man this taper thing is HARD! I automatically woke up at 5:30 this morning because my body said "it's Saturday morning, time to ride long!"... The worst thing was I couldn't get back to sleep either! OY!!
And now the phantom pains are setting in. I've been trying to keep plantar fasciaitis at bay for a few weeks now, so my foot is bugging me. And today when I was running my right knee had a twinge. I swear this taper is gonna KILL me! :cool:
Ahh can we race yet?!

[Pika]

Good luck Denise and Laura!
You gals are awesome- I'll be sending you good vibes- cheering you on:)
It is soo exciting- !!!

[mcoleman]

Good luck Denise & Laura!!! You have done the training, now enjoy the race.