Born Again Athlete:

Ironman Arizona November 21, 2010

In one week, I will be doing this race. It's my fourth Ironman! I can't believe it. Looking back on this blog, I see that my first sprint triathlon was July 15, 2007. People now ask ME for advice about racing. I hope I am still inspirational to people. I think people might look at me and think 'oh it's easy for you skinny bitch' - but I haven't always been skinny and I'll probably never be a bitch! Experience helps - very little anxiety about this race, but I hope relaxation hasn't turned into complacency.

It will be interesting to see how I do compared to the first time. In 2008, my swim was 1:37, Bike was 7:30 and run was 7:00. Total time 16:12.

I am excited to see lots of my teammates do their first race. When I dropped off my bike, I could see the anxiety in their faces. I understand that. I wish I could do/say something that could alleviate it, but I think one SHOULD be anxious about one's first Ironman. Still, I hope I can be a source of reassurance/comedy in Tempe. Boa is packed.  

Thank you David for fixing my bike. If I have a crappy bike split - it's no one's fault but mine!

See you in Arizona.

T minus 20

I have an Ironman race on November 21.

Eeeep. 

My fourth one and I hope it goes better than Vineman!

I am curious to see how I will do. Of course, my goal always to just to finish, but this was my first Ironman. I did it in 16:12. The run was a true test of just plowing through, but I was very happy the entire time. Two years later, I am 30 pounds lighter, more experienced on the bike, a better swimmer and runner and know the ins and out of the race. Still, you never know....

This off-season, I might try cyclocross, mountain biking, crits.

Oh, I suppose I should write my thoughts on the whole Ironman Access brew-haha that had everyone up in arms last week. Between opinions that the WTC are greedy, money-grubbing evil-doers and opinions that they are simply a company, following supply and demand and have the right to make more profit, the truth probably lies somewhere in the middle.