The Ironman triathlon features a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike and a complete marathon (26.2 miles) all in succession. Athletes have 17 hours to complete the event. 140.6 miles in all. Ford Ironman Arizona has been Arizona's triathlon since 2005.
Where does the Ford Ironman Arizona take place?
It all happens in Tempe. The triathlon starts with the swim in Tempe Town Lake. The bicycle portion of the triathlon starts on the west side of Tempe Beach Park and follows a course through Tempe city streets, ending up back at Tempe Beach Park. Then the competitors run through the streets of downtown Tempe to the finish at Mill Avenue and Rio Salado. No spectators are allowed at the finish line. But seating is available along the finishing stretch.
If you are a spectator, the bridges over Tempe Town Lake provide the best view of the swim. The bike course is 3 loops, allowing spectators to see their favorite athletes many times. The run course is also three loops offering many opportunities along the streets and through the Tempe Town Park to see the athletes.
About the Race
Entering its third year, Ford Ironman Arizona has quickly become a top-rated event as some of the world's best Ironman triathletes converge on Tempe. The transition area, swim course and expo are all very close together, and thanks to the three-loop bike and run courses, race day viewing is nothing short of spectacular.
Tempe Town Lake looks more like a river than a lake. It's relatively narrow, but is ready-made for a triathlon swim - spectators can follow the entire swim race by simply walking along the shore. While the water is very murky (you can barely see your hand in front of you), the cool water is very pleasant to swim in!
The three-loop - OK, three-loop-and-a-bit - bike course is surprisingly challenging thanks to the many on the course that goes through the city of Tempe and in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community located Northeast of the city.
The run course here at Ironman Arizona is the highlight of the day for the competitors. A lot of the marathon runs alongside Tempe Town Lake. This has more-than-a-few upsides: the course is very spectator friendly, is cooler because of the proximity to the water, and is also quite scenic.
On this day Michael was entered in his second Ford Ironman event. I just can't get my head wrapped around beating up my body over the course of between 8.5 & 17 hours. And paying for that privilege as well
Today there were 2,516 entered. All 50 states of the union were represented as well as 40 countries.
Michael runs in triathlons and he loves the pure adrenalin rush and enjoyment of these type of events. Today he is 1 of 237 in the M30-34 age group. This is the most competitive age group as well.
The weather today was perfect for the Ironman event.
At 7:00am the cannon boomed and about 2,400 swimmers took off on a 2.4 mile swim.
The pros start 10 minutes ahead of all the others. After 1:05:22 Michael was out of the water and running to the transition area to start the 112 mile bike ride.
After a great ride of 4:55:46 Michael was back in the transition area heading out on the final stage of the Ironman, a run of 26.2 miles, a marathon.
After a grueling 4:15:37 run, Michael crossed the finish line. Michael's final time, 10:23:09. He bettered his time from Wisconsin by 35 minutes.
Here is how he did in each stage....
Swim 1:05:22 - 48/237 - 325 overall
Bike 4:55:46 - 5/237 - 54 overall
Run 4:15:37 - 81/237 - 598 overall
With a final time of 10:23:09 Michael finished 29th in his age group & 230th overall. A time he was very proud of, as were we on this fine day.
2,399 finished the event with 117 never seeing the finish line.
The competitors today in the Arizona Ironman had their work cut out for them from the get go. For all of you, your Ironman is about to begin. The puzzle below will have you working from 8 - 17 hours trying to figure it out and maybe longer. Unlike those who competed in the Arizona Ironman, you can continue after 17 hours, they could not. You will not have to swim 100 yards, ride around the town or run to any great lengths to figure this out. But this might very well be, your Ironman. After all, I can't make this easy! The competitors in the Ironman didn't have it easy so why should you
Solve the puzzle below and you to might hear someone say...
You Are An Ironman!
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Swim Like A Fish, Ride Hard & Run Fast
Mountain Lovers
