Looks Like Ironman AZ is moving to November

[Running Mommy]

The rumors have been swirling around for years. Now it seems to be true.
I don't know how I feel about this, because it's going to put us AZ athletes at a HUGE disadvantage. I'll defintely be training through some major heat if I want to race this one again. I just hope they don't change the April date as it stands right now. It doesn't sound like they are tho..
Hmm...

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/101929

[spokewench]

I hate to say this - especially since I'm jumping in here and I don't do triathalons, but I'm always glad to see a race in the fall instead of the early spring - Remember not all Arizonans live in the warm winter weather!

spoke in the mountains

[KSH]

I will say that IMAZ was the first IM on my list... until I realized that I would have had to train outside through the coldest months of the year. Then I said, "NO WAY!"

It will suck for you gals living in AZ... but for the rest of the US... it's going to be good... and now the race will probably sell out quicker.

[Running Mommy]

Oh I'm sure that is what they are thinking..
And today notwithstanding, the weather is usually much calmer wind wise. We have actually had some high pollution days latey because of the lack of wind. We need a bit of wind here to kick the dirty air out of our soup bowl.

BUT an old timer over on TNO who lives here brought up some interesting points. We don't do daylight savings time here, so the swim will be right at, if not before sunrise. Also, sunset is 5:30 this time of year, so the bike cut off may need to be shortened.
It will be interesting to see what they end up doing. Running hubby is still rehabing the knee, so if he could defer to November that would be ideal.
BUt as for me, I'd like to stay with April. I have April in my mindset, so I don't want to put it off.

[Tri Girl]

Oh if it changes to November- I'm signing up for it right away!!! I really wanted to do IMAZ '08, but the April date just makes it too tough to train for in the dead of winter. I'd have to be doing my longest stuff in February/early March and that is our coldest/iciest time of year.
I know it's not good for you, RM, but it would make me happy (and it's all about me, right? ).
Either way, I hope that the change will be good for the race, and the city!

[Running Mommy]

And hey- you could all ship your bikes to the shop and not have to worry about bike transport!!
I'd LOVE to host your girls if ya wanna come race in November! I'll set you up!!!

BTW- I'm going to be carrying Quintana Roo. Well it's like 90%, but I don't see anything thats going to get in the way.
The rep is really cool. He's going to train us in the FIST method of fitting.
We may also carry Bianchi, but that one is still up in the air...

[tprevost]

And hey- you could all ship your bikes to the shop and not have to worry about bike transport!!
I'd LOVE to host your girls if ya wanna come race in November! I'll set you up!!!

BTW- I'm going to be carrying Quintana Roo. Well it's like 90%, but I don't see anything thats going to get in the way.
The rep is really cool. He's going to train us in the FIST method of fitting.
We may also carry Bianchi, but that one is still up in the air...

Okay, I clearly missed something... you opening a shop denise?

[Tri Girl]

And hey- you could all ship your bikes to the shop and not have to worry about bike transport!!
I'd LOVE to host your girls if ya wanna come race in November! I'll set you up!!!

BTW- I'm going to be carrying Quintana Roo. Well it's like 90%, but I don't see anything thats going to get in the way.
The rep is really cool. He's going to train us in the FIST method of fitting.
We may also carry Bianchi, but that one is still up in the air...

Don't offer if you don't really mean it, cuz you KNOW I'll take you up on it.
Awesome that you'll most likely be carrying QR and Bianchi. What's the status on the shop??? Grand opening date set yet?

[Running Mommy]

Umm yep T- you HAVE missed A LOT!
Estrella Mountain Cyclery will be open by the end of the year. TRYING like H. E. Double hockey sticks to get it open BEFORE Christmas, but I don't think it's gonna happen.
So far I'm on board for Felt, Kona, Quintana Roo, and Bianchi.
I need a general "family brand". Giant doesn't seem to want to respond to me, so I may go with Jamis or GT.
Will bring on more brands later, those are just for starters..

[Kathyrides]

IMAZ is one my family especially my husband would like me to do. But with the April date really tough to train here in MA for that race. I do ride outside all winter but doing 100+ mile rides when it is 30 isn't very appealing.

This year before I signed up for IMLP I had heard the rumors about IMAZ moving to November but nothing could be confirmed. For me training all summer would be better for a November race, but it conflicts big time with my girls soccer schedule end of August-mid-November. 3 daughters on 3 teams with 3 games all over MA on every Sunday and 6 practices a week and my husband travels? When could I train.

Maybe in '09 if I like doing IM training and racing.

[tprevost]

Umm yep T- you HAVE missed A LOT!
Estrella Mountain Cyclery will be open by the end of the year. TRYING like H. E. Double hockey sticks to get it open BEFORE Christmas, but I don't think it's gonna happen.
So far I'm on board for Felt, Kona, Quintana Roo, and Bianchi.
I need a general "family brand". Giant doesn't seem to want to respond to me, so I may go with Jamis or GT.
Will bring on more brands later, those are just for starters..

That is WAY awesome Denise! Congratulations! I'll keep my fingers crossed for your opening to be before Christmas How close is the shop to your house?

[TriMom217]

so I may go with Jamis or GT.
Will bring on more brands later, those are just for starters..

Jamis has some really nice bikes to choose from. I don't know about where you are, but the rep that my friend deals with is really good (in MA).

good luck with your endeavor!

[Running Mommy]

TEMPE, AZ - North America Sports is pleased to announce the addition of a second Ford Ironman Arizona Race to their 2008 event schedule. The city of Tempe and the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community will again partner with NA Sports to host a Ford Ironman Arizona event on November 23, 2008.

The fall event will become the permanent date for this event going forward to 2009 and beyond. This change has been in the planning stages for some time, some of the reasons for the change include avoiding the gusty winds and hot weather that have challenged athletes in the first three years of the race and scheduling issues with all parties involved.

“Tempe is excited to partner with North America Sports, and the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community to make Ironman Triathlon History. Two Ironman Arizona races in one year - 2008 will be an amazing year for our events!” said Travis Dray, Dept. Director of Parks and Rec, for the City of Tempe, and Ford Ironman Arizona finisher.

North America Sports will be holding events on both dates in 2008 to get the fall fixture into the race and community calendars. The event will also allow them to offer the 2009 Ford Ironman World Championship qualifying slots, which without this second event would be lost to the athletes on the racing schedule for the 2009 qualifying year. This date will also allow northern athletes, who have found the early date a training challenge, a chance to compete in this great event.

Race Director for both Tempe events, Paul Huddle stated, “The transition of the Ford Ironman Arizona to November is a testament to the commitment of all parties involved to the long term success of the event, in finding it a permanent ‘home’ in the calendar of all involved. Hosting two Ironman events in a year, is a big undertaking, and the enthusiasm of the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community and the City of Tempe is huge vote of confidence.”

The April 2008 Ford Ironman Arizona event is sold out and general entry for the November 2008 will open, through the race site, www.ironmanarizona.com on Monday November 26th at 9 am PST/ 12 noon ET. It is expected that there will be strong demand for the entry spots to the race and that it will fill quickly. To obtain further information about the event or to volunteer, please go to the race website.

[Tri Girl]

I'll be at work, and don't think I'll be able to get in online. Our district strictly monitors or web usage. If I can access it, I'm going to sign up. I imagine it'll fill up before I get home, tho. Cross your fingers for me that I get in...

[crazycanuck]

RM..does this mean you won't be doing IMWA?

C