Anyone doing (or have done) Ironman Arizona?

[knapplaura]

Hi!

Noticed a few of you are from AZ; so am I (sierra vista). Has anyone out there done Ironman AZ or planning to in 2006?

I have already signed up and wanted to get a little info on the course as I start preparing my training plan.

Also, do you know if any running races during the year use the IM marathon route? I'd like to get a feel for the route prior as well.

thanks,
Laura

[ironchick]

I have done the IMAZ race. The course is not yet set in stone as there will most likely be changes to the bike portion. If it IS the same as last year...there will be either a head or tail wind (last one was a headwind onthe downhill!!!) It was not an easy bike.

There are no races on the IMAZ run course. Part of it is around Tempe lake (ie the SOMA course) but the rest extends north up the canal that parallels Papago park. There are some long uphill portions.

The swim is of course in Tempe Town lake which was cold last year!

[Running Mommy]

Hi There-
Yes, I'm in for IMAZ 06. I have the feeling that the bike is going to change since they changed the date to a Sunday. Last year they had a last minute bike course change because the Indian community that owns the trash dump on the beeline hwy did not want their business to be adversly affected by a race closure. My source mentioned that they would change the race in 06 to Sunday so that they had a better chance of being able to go back to a 2 loop bike course. It's all about permits and keeping all the powers that be happy. That being said, expect a long haul up the beeline to fountain hills, then a few miles in ftn hills and back down the beeline to the turnaround. Personally I'd rather do the three loops, as the wind on the beeline can be brutal, but I have this feeling...
As for the run course, I believe it has some dirt sections, so do I'd do a little off road running to get used to it. I know it doesn't sound like a big deal, but if you always run on pavement the first time you run on dirt it can feel a little "loose" if ya know what I mean! Also could be interesting on tired legs as you can't really shuffle in the dirt. UGh!
So I guess that's my long winded way of saying, train for the wind, train for some hills- like long gradual grades, and run in the dirt. Or at least that's what I'm doing... But this is my first attempt at the IM distance, so take what I say FWIW! lol
Oh also- I'm new on this board so I don't know if there are any other Phoenix area girls out there, but if so, I ride the sun valley parkway on the weekends (usually sunday am) and would LOVE some company on my long rides! The SVP is alot like the Beeline but without the traffic. If anyone wants to join me, send me a PM or email me. I'd love the company. Though I must warn.. I'm slow! 15-17 mph average, but working on it!!

[knapplaura]

Thanks for the info! I have a few local routes that are brutally windy, so I guess I better start training on those more often!

Does the run course have significant hills? Did you hear if that will be changing for this year?

thanks,
Laura