Tempe

7 years! That's how long I've giving myself to complete an Ironman. 7 years before I the longest day of my life! OK! I picked the when now there where. I got on the Ironman website and started watching videos of each race and location. And then I saw it! COZUMEL, MEXICO- White sand beaches, bright blue water. It's not a race, It's Heaven! and then I read "three-lap bike course in Cozumel is pancake-flat, taking competitors along the spectacular coastline of beaches and resorts."

Did they just say the best words I've every heard? Pancake-flat?! That is the holy grail to my incline hating body! I can picture me now, cruising along the coast, sipping from my water bottle (could I sneak a Virgin Daiquiri in there?), enjoying the sun! Perfect! This is the race for me!  I watch me videos of the Cozumel Ironman. Apparently because the island is so flat, there are horrible cross winds is you are late on the bike but I'm awesome! I wont be late...Will I? White Sand beaches!! This is the race for me! Now I have the when and where, maybe I should start planning on raising the money for the race.

 I look it up. $675. WOW! Ok! Pricey but I've got time to earn it. No problem. If I'm doing the race, I'll want to go at least 3 day early to get a feel of the course, test out the water, etc. And I wouldn't want to leave the next day so I'd be there for 5-6 days. Hotels are from $70-150 a night ($350-750). WOW! Ok! Lots of time to earn it. Its fine! No problem! Plane tickets $800-1200 per person. My hubby (Big Man) has to come (He has no choice but he'd still pick to come cheer me on). Ok! Cheapest options $2,625. Pricey but I can raise the money! That's all I need. Oh wait! It's in Mexico! Do I need a passport? No Yes No Maybe! Ok! Maybe I should really check to see if someone has done actual research into which Ironman is the hardest.

I found some awesome charts on RunTri. Cozumel is 9th hardest Ironman. There is a race in St. George (just 3 hours away); #1 hardest Ironman! We'll that's not going to happen! I keep scrolling and there is a chart:




All of the North American locations are doable but far, except Arizona. IRONMAN TEMPE- "A flat, fast, spectator-friendly course with a mix of urban charm and desert scenery."  There's my favorite word again! FLAT! It's also a single loop run instead of a double like Cozumel (who wants to run past the same things?). Registration-$700. Hotel-FREE (I've got family there) Plane-FREE (11 hour drive with a stop in Vegas to pick up my Dad and Stepmom). Total $1,000 (includes gas money and road trip food!) This is much better! I can do without the white sand beaches and blue water!

Mark your calendars! November 2021 Tempe Arizona, Ironman Competition!