Tempe Time!

I signed up for Ironman Arizona a year ago. The training has been a blast, and I can scarcely believe I've been here in Tempe for a couple of days now. The first time I did an ironman (2000, IM Canada) I didn't really know what to expect. Ten years later I did another (2010, IM arizona), and had kind of forgotten. But it's ringing clearly in my memory right now how much that last third of the marathon is going to hurt!

Swimming at ASU in the sun.

I'm trying to think of fun mind tricks for when I'm in that place where each step of the run is like daggers in my quads. I think Stuart Smalley was on to something with his daily affirmations: "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and dog-gone it, people like me!". If I keep saying that to myself, it will keep me smiling. And when you're smiling it means all is good!

Pre-riding on the Beeline.

That brings me to my goals for the race. My number one goal is to enjoy the day and appreciate everything it brings me. I am so lucky to have a life that allows me such indulgences like ironmans. I can't control the weather, I can't control my competitors, I've tried to manage mechanical issues with my bike... so at this point all I can control is my reaction to everything around me. I have no reason to react with anything but positivity - what's not to love about a life that lets me have some serious "no fun fun" in the Arizona sunshine?!

Of course I'd like to go faster than two years ago, but if I don't.. as long as I've enjoyed the day and haven't gotten all sucky it will still be a success. Lucky for me, I have some great peeps in my corner who won't hesitate to remind me of that!

In the meantime, we've been enjoying Tempe and I'm all checked in and ready to go. Sunday can't come quickly enough!

Heading in to registration.

Emerging with my timing chip and wristband - I'm officially committed!

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