Ironman Arizona Moving to November
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kylie posted 33 weeks ago.
Part of me says too bad, since I liked the early season close to me race. I don't know if I'd want a race that late in the year. Then again, I like doing different IMs each time so it might not affect me at all :)
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Gary3 posted 33 weeks ago.
I agree with you Kylie that racing that late in the season is a pain. Training with the weather here in the North east like New York can be daunting with wind conditions and low temps. Now that IM Arizona will be held in November that will conflict with IM Florida that is also held in November.
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PrinceofClydes posted 33 weeks ago.
Maybe the whole point of moving IMAZ to November IS the Weather.
The winds abate in November and if BBBs experience is anything to go by, I would never consider doing a race under those conditions.
AZ winds in 2007 make Kona winds look like a picnic.
Besides, weather is a relative thing. I'm currently commuting in minus 2 degrees - AZ is very inviting right now.
and, to address Kylie's point, there are those athletes in the southern hemisphere who might view a November IM as an early season race!
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vanjames posted 33 weeks ago.
I wouldn't be surprised if this is "officially" announced and then a day or so later a new race is added in APril in a different location. If they are citing weather maybe they move FLA to April or bring back Californiaman as a fully sanctioned IM race.
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RV posted 33 weeks ago.
Awesome - that makes this a potential race for me now. As it is currently, it is just too early in the season, and I don't want to do all my long rides on the trainer.
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Anton posted 33 weeks ago.
vanjames;85408 wrote:
I wouldn't be surprised if this is "officially" announced and then a day or so later a new race is added in APril in a different location. If they are citing weather maybe they move FLA to April or bring back Californiaman as a fully sanctioned IM race.
I'm with Van here...I think WTC has somthing up it's sleeve. At
trijuice.com site thay say that this move will make Idaho the first IM of the season in North America...but my gut tells me that aren't doing this for the athletes' benefit...they have a reason.
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brittda posted 33 weeks ago.
I agree with POC. April is WAY too early for many. Here I CAN ride and run most of the winter, but it is unpredictable. Riding 100 + miles in March is certainly not the first thing I would want to do. Running in freezing rain is ok, but riding that far is certainly no fun. It is only now getting nippy here and certainly long rides in October are doable! YEAH!!!!!!!
PLUS driving to AZ for the weekend or flying to register is more enticing now that training wont be miserable
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azstinger11 posted 33 weeks ago.
Just for record, its 96 degrees out here currently. Perfect IM weather =p
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Triphile posted 33 weeks ago.
I chose CdA as my first IM because I KNOW Arizona is just not a great spot in the summertime. I will be a garunteed participant in the first November IMAZ race. Weather here at this time of year is magnificent! You will find crisp, cloudless mornings and warm, inviting afternoons. I don't think the organizers could have made better decision! I love it.
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Red5 posted 33 weeks ago.
PrinceofClydes;85407 wrote:
Maybe the whole point of moving IMAZ to November IS the Weather.The winds abate in November and if BBBs experience is anything to go by, I would never consider doing a race under those conditions.
AZ winds in 2007 make Kona winds look like a picnic.
Besides, weather is a relative thing. I'm currently commuting in minus 2 degrees - AZ is very inviting right now.
and, to address Kylie's point, there are those athletes in the southern hemisphere who might view a November IM as an early season race!
PoC
First of all the winds at IMAZ are NOTHING comapred to Kona, end of discussion.
Second, this completely precludes anyone in AZ from doing the race as it's so hard to train here in the summer due to the heat. I was planning on using an April IMAZ '09 as a Kona qualifier and now I have to find another race, like CDL.
Third, it may be less windy in Nov. BUT it can, and is right now, still warmer than it was in April this year.
Sorry to pick apart your post but I am pissed off about this.
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brittda posted 33 weeks ago.
Triphile;85421 wrote:
I chose CdA as my first IM because I KNOW Arizona is just not a great spot in the summertime. I will be a garunteed participant in the first November IMAZ race. Weather here at this time of year is magnificent! You will find crisp, cloudless mornings and warm, inviting afternoons. I don't think the organizers could have made better decision! I love it.
Just an FYI CDA CAN be HOT. This year was cooler than usual but it can be in the 90's just like Canada. Not in the 100's but certainly as warm as Az in April (Yes I have lived in Phoenix, so I sort of know what it is like:) )
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brittda posted 33 weeks ago.
Red5;85429 wrote:
First of all the winds at IMAZ are NOTHING comapred to Kona, end of discussion.
Second, this completely precludes anyone in AZ from doing the race as it's so hard to train here in the summer due to the heat. I was planning on using an April IMAZ '09 as a Kona qualifier and now I have to find another race, like CDL.
Third, it may be less windy in Nov. BUT it can, and is right now, still warmer than it was in April this year.
Sorry to pick apart your post but I am pissed off about this.
But you CAN train early in the mornig or later in the evening. You can get long rides in on the weekends. Those people in the northern states have a hard time training at ANY time. Yes you can bike on a trainer and run on a treadmill, but as you know strictly doing that would not work for you either :) I think its not a bad idea. While there may be people like you in AZ who want to do the race, there are far more people who cannot through out the rest of the country and even the world if you count international competitors. Its a business decision, probably a good one.
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Red5 posted 33 weeks ago.
brittda;85431 wrote:
But you CAN train early in the mornig or later in the evening. You can get long rides in on the weekends. Those people in the northern states have a hard time training at ANY time. Yes you can bike on a trainer and run on a treadmill, but as you know strictly doing that would not work for you either :) I think its not a bad idea. While there may be people like you in AZ who want to do the race, there are far more people who cannot through out the rest of the country and even the world if you count international competitors. Its a business decision, probably a good one.
No. You can not train effectively here during the summer. It's often 90 degrees at 5:00am, so long rides on the weekend suffer from jacked heart rates, bad pacing, hydration issues....I live here I know, you don't. You have no concept of how prohibitive the conditions are so don't say that you do. I can assure you that people here are not happy about this.
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brittda posted 33 weeks ago.
Red5;85432 wrote:
No. You can not train effectively here during the summer. It's often 90 degrees at 5:00am, so long rides on the weekend suffer from jacked heart rates, bad pacing, hydration issues....I live here I know, you don't. You have no concept of how prohibitive the conditions are so don't say that you do. I can assure you that people here are not happy about this.
But I HAVE lived there 2x for a total of 10 years out in Paradise Valley. I know what its like, so yes I do have a concept.
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Red5 posted 33 weeks ago.
brittda;85433 wrote:
But I HAVE lived there 2x for a total of 10 years out in Paradise Valley. I know what its like, so yes I do have a concept.
Then you would know that effectrive IM training here between end of May and mid Sept. is next to impossible. There is now way to get in enough bike and run mileage and time to be properly prepared for an IM unless struggling over the line in 15 hours is your idea of fun.
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brittda posted 33 weeks ago.
Red5;85434 wrote:
Then you would know that effectrive IM training here between end of May and mid Sept. is next to impossible. There is now way to get in enough bike and run mileage and time to be properly prepared for an IM unless struggling over the line in 15 hours is your idea of fun.
ok, it is clear how you feel. I would disagree that you cannot train, and thats fine. It's not worth argueing over. My original point was that it would be a good BUSINESS decision because it opens the door for more people. They are not concerned about the people there that are not happy about it. The reality is fewer people can train over the winter than over the summer.
PS. on another note your comment about 15 hours is rather rude and eletist. There are plenty of people out here on this site who would be elated at a 15 hour finish. It would hav sufficed to say that you do not wish to struggle to finish.
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Kiwi posted 33 weeks ago.
I bet the RedRockCo guys will be annoyed. They had a sweet Oct/Nov Half IM. I would bet there are a lot of people that would prefer to do the IM instead.
ps. Training through an AZ summer is crap. Thats why I moved to CO!
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kylie posted 33 weeks ago.
There has been some speculation about this coming about because of other successfull races that time of year and area (Silverman, Soma). I hope this isn't the case: while I realize IM is a business, I think businesses should be rewarded for doing a great job, not by pushing others out of business by using their size.
I still feel it's too bad that they are making it non-ideal for all of us that live around the race (and yes, I'm a farther drive, but it's still the closest).
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bgreinke posted 33 weeks ago.
I was actually talking about this move with the owner of one of the local bike shops in Houston. He heard a RUMOR (yes, only a rumor) that Ironman may be looking at trying to get the Lonestar Triathlon that had it's first race (up through half-IM distance) this past April to do a full Ironman in Galveston. The race this year and next year is the end of March/first weekend in April so that would seem to be the right time. The race director is the same guy who does Timberman 70.3 and my experience this past year was that it was a well run race. I could definitely see it being an Ironman event. Those of us in Houston are hoping.
Again, this is a big rumor so I wouldn't put a ton of stock in it. But what fun are message boards if you can't spread rumors.
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RV posted 33 weeks ago.
Red5;85434 wrote:
Then you would know that effectrive IM training here between end of May and mid Sept. is next to impossible. There is now way to get in enough bike and run mileage and time to be properly prepared for an IM unless struggling over the line in 15 hours is your idea of fun.
It appears that you were able to get suitable training in for Kona during that time... "Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!"
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azstinger11 posted 33 weeks ago.
I had no trouble training over the summer here in AZ, but I've been born and raised here so maybe it has already just cooked my brains out. During most of the summer I was putting in anywhere from 15-18 training hours per week, for my Half IM so I think it is possible, just not terribly fun.
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Red5 posted 33 weeks ago.
Oh , you can go out there, and I did as best I could. The heat doesn't "bother" me per se, but what you are not realizing is that the "quality" of the training you are doing is extremely compromised. My coach pretty much banned me from any biking or running outdoors in the afternoon during the week. Even runs at 6:00am resulted in higher hear rates with less pace. For me at that time, it was ok as I already had developed IM base fitness during the Winter and Spring leading into IMAZ. My summer Kona training was more speed and intensity work which required less actual time, so I was spared the worst of the conditions.
For someone looking to make aNov. IMAZ their A race or worst, their first race, and they live here, they are presented with a myriad of problems. Trying to develop a sufficient aerobic base during the summer months will be very difficult as that is ALL about time. Just because you and I can go out and due a 2 hour ride when it's 100+ doesn't mean we are accomplishing the goals of the training. My coach and I have been discussing this and he is VERY concerned with how to properly prepare his clients given this change of date.
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PrinceofClydes posted 33 weeks ago.
Red5;85429 wrote:
First of all the winds at IMAZ are NOTHING comapred to Kona, end of discussion.
Second, this completely precludes anyone in AZ from doing the race as it's so hard to train here in the summer due to the heat. I was planning on using an April IMAZ '09 as a Kona qualifier and now I have to find another race, like CDL.
Third, it may be less windy in Nov. BUT it can, and is right now, still warmer than it was in April this year.
Sorry to pick apart your post but I am pissed off about this.
No worries, I'm sure I would be pissed off too, if they messed with my local race - IMC.
About the winds, BBB told me about his race this year and I was impressed by his account of how strong they were during the race. I was hoping he would post on this thread regarding that point.
Many of my neighbours are "snowbirds" that's what we call Canadians who go south in the winter and they say AZ is lovely from Nov-Apr. I envy them.
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Iron Dan posted 33 weeks ago.
I don't really get why they made the switch. I agree with whomever said they did it as a business decision, but what I don't understand is that the race was filled to it's capacity last year was it not? What do they hope to gain a business by moving the date? The only two things I can think of are:
1) More people from the state of Arizona are not going to want to do the race because it would require training through the hot summer months. This would theoretically leave more slots open for people who are going to be coming in from out-of-state and will lead to more income for the local economy (Hotels, Dining out).
2) They are trying to compete with other races that occur in the area around this time. I don't know of any other IM races that occur in the area during the spring, but as Kylie pointed out, there are races that occur in the area around the end of summer and into the fall.
The problem is, I don’t really think they care about what people think of the date change because regardless of when it is, it will sell out.
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mdittfurth posted 33 weeks ago.
Then you would know that effectrive IM training here between end of May and mid Sept. is next to impossible. There is now way to get in enough bike and run mileage and time to be properly prepared for an IM unless struggling over the line in 15 hours is your idea of fun.
No offense taken here at all but "struggling over the line in 15 hours IS my idea of fun" "Struggling over the line" is all I have ever done..as I have never been blessed with any real speed and started this wonderful sport much too late in life to really have any. For folks like me it is all a "gut check" and I accomplish my own goals and get my own sense fulfillment from it. Even us plodders I think, derive some sense of elitism from this stuff.. The other day I had to apologize for calling someone a "dog walking jogger." My doctor says me and other runners are "arrogant." Imagine how bad I would be if I were any good!
So, the moving of IM Ariz is OK with me...At my age, training is always a dogfight no matter where or what time of the year and finishing while still remembering my name afterwards is the main goal.
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Red5 posted 33 weeks ago.
PrinceofClydes;85513 wrote:
No worries, I'm sure I would be pissed off too, if they messed with my local race - IMC.
About the winds, BBB told me about his race this year and I was impressed by his account of how strong they were during the race. I was hoping he would post on this thread regarding that point.
Many of my neighbours are "snowbirds" that's what we call Canadians who go south in the winter and they say AZ is lovely from Nov-Apr. I envy them.PoC
I love Libor, he's an awesome guy. I rode in those same winds he did but I think his description was a bit of hyperbole ;). They were gusty and strong towards the last half to quarter of the ride depending on where you were on the course. It was a headwind as you came "down" the Beeline. They were certainly a challenge, but if you look at the bike splits on the day, they weren't that slow and the clock don't lie.
The weather here is lovely in the winter and Nov. can be very touch and go. Yesterday it was hot and dry and sunny in the high 80's on my ride, today it's low 70's overcast with some rain and windy. So it's a crap shot.
My biggest upset over the change of date personally was that I was going to use an April '09 IMAZ to qualify for Kona 2009. Now I have to find another race to do and I don't feel like traveling to 2 Ironmans un one year. It was so cheap and easy just to do AZ.
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Red5 posted 33 weeks ago.
[QUOTE=mdittfurth;85546
No offense taken here at all but "struggling over the line in 15 hours IS my idea of fun" "Struggling over the line" is all I have ever done..as I have never been blessed with any real speed and started this wonderful sport much too late in life to really have any.
My comment was directed at a person looking to try and race IMAZ in with a goal of time, or placing or qualifying, ect. The summer heat makes it hard for those folks, the folks I train and race with locally, to be able to get in sufficient quality training. That's all I was referring to, no offense meant. :)
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axiom_87 posted 33 weeks ago.
any idea when they will post this up on the actual ironman arizona website, i am currently training for this ironman.
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stewarba posted 33 weeks ago.
I'm a big fan of local racers in local events. This stuff is pricey enough without adding travel expences to the overall cost. It occurs to me that Ironman could consider setting up their IM races based on seasonal timing for local athletes. I.e., open registration for locals (maybe something like 250 square miles from the race location) for the first month. After that time frame, you can open the available slots to the general populace. This would seem to accomodate the local racers and force the non-locals to train accordingly instead of the other way around.
Just a thought
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PrinceofClydes posted 33 weeks ago.
Red5;85565 wrote:
I love Libor, he's an awesome guy. I rode in those same winds he did but I think his description was a bit of hyperbole ;)...
I don't feel like traveling to 2 Ironmans un one year. It was so ..cheap and easy just to do AZ.
haha, I heard that last - I have entered only IMC - 4x, since I live at the other end of the lake from T1.
Cost is the largest factor for me in choosing a race.
and I know what you mean about the BBB :rolleyes:
(just kidding, Libor)
(no, really.)
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PrinceofClydes posted 33 weeks ago.
stewarba;85578 wrote:
I'm a big fan of local racers in local events. This stuff is pricey enough without adding travel expences to the overall cost. It occurs to me that Ironman could consider setting up their IM races based on seasonal timing for local athletes. I.e., open registration for locals (maybe something like 250 square miles from the race location) for the first month. After that time frame, you can open the available slots to the general populace. This would seem to accomodate the local racers and force the non-locals to train accordingly instead of the other way around.Just a thought
IMC definitely gives Penticton residents a fair shake for registration purposes. A local is considered anyone who lives on or within the bike course.
The seasonal aspect is moot though - because we have winter here. The lake has been known to freeze up. (Dog sleds anyone?)
You might want to change that 250 square miles to a "radius of 250 miles. The City of Calgary is more than 250 square miles, and Vancouver and well, most cities of a million or so. That's only 16 miles by 16 miles. :) - just had to point that out. The bike course is bigger than that.
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axiom_87 posted 33 weeks ago.
so to clarifly the arizona ironman is still being held on april 13 2008 or is it moving to november, i read the articles and am still quite confused, in one article it says the couerdalene (sp) ironman will be the first usa ironman (june) but in another article it says there will be two ironman's in arizona which info is right :confused: :confused:
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Iron Dan posted 33 weeks ago.
axiom_87;85673 wrote:
so to clarifly the arizona ironman is still being held on april 13 2008 or is it moving to november, i read the articles and am still quite confused, in one article it says the couerdalene (sp) ironman will be the first usa ironman (june) but in another article it says there will be two ironman's in arizona which info is right :confused: :confused:
As far as I understand it they are keeping this years event on April 13. However, what I am unclear on is if they are going to put on another IM Arizona in November of 2008 or if they are going to wait until 2009 before they move the event date to November.
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vanjames posted 33 weeks ago.
Has this been made official yet or is it still a rumour - neither the IM Arizona website has changed nor is there any updates on ironman.com?
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vanjames posted 32 weeks ago.
Confirmed - see attached link.
http://www.xtri.com/features_display.aspx?riIDReport=4367&CAT=25&xref=xx
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kylie posted 32 weeks ago.
vanjames;85921 wrote:
Confirmed - see attached link.http://www.xtri.com/features_display.aspx?riIDReport=4367&CAT=25&xref=xx
I'm not sure if that confirms it...
"The East Valley is likely to host two editions of the Ford Ironman Triathlon next year as race transitions from a springtime slot to the fall.
The first Arizona race is set for April 13, which is in the early portion of the 2007-08 Ironman season.
The second Arizona race is envisioned for sometime in November 2008, which potentially could make it the first race of the 2008-09 season."
Sounds like it is still in the works to me. And there is still nothing on the IMAZ or Ironman.com sites.
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Triphile posted 32 weeks ago.
I have just attempted to squash this rumor once and for all...and failed miserably.
NASports is not releasing any information regarding the validity of the rumors we have been hearing: they will neither confirm nor deny, because they "don't have that information." So, I was told to keep checking the website for updates. This leads me to conclude that:
- Someone on the inside has leaked a rumor, or
- someone with persuasive powers of journalism are not checking their facts
Either way, don't plan on it yet.
Update: I talked to the deputy directory for Tempe Parks and Recreation Department. They have approved the concept, but have gone no further than that.
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RV posted 32 weeks ago.
From Ironman Arizona website
Second Ford Ironman Race for Arizona in 2008
Author: H. Manning November 23, 2007
TEMPE, AZ - North America Sports is pleased to announce the addition of a second Ford Ironman Arizona Race to their 2008 event schedule. The city of Tempe and the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community will again partner with NA Sports to host a Ford Ironman Arizona event on November 23, 2008.
The fall event will become the permanent date for this event going forward to 2009 and beyond. This change has been in the planning stages for some time, some of the reasons for the change include avoiding the gusty winds and hot weather that have challenged athletes in the first three years of the race and scheduling issues with all parties involved. The event will be held the weekend before Thanksgiving in the future.
“Tempe is excited to partner with North America Sports, and the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community to make Ironman Triathlon History. Two Ironman Arizona races in one year - 2008 will be an amazing year for our events!” said Travis Dray, Dept. Director of Parks and Rec, for the City of Tempe, and Ford Ironman Arizona finisher.
North America Sports will be holding events on both dates in 2008 to get the fall fixture into the race and community calendars. The event will also allow them to offer the 2009 Ford Ironman World Championship qualifying slots, which without this second event would be lost to the athletes on the racing schedule for the 2009 qualifying year.
Race Director for both Tempe events, Paul Huddle stated, “The transition of the Ford Ironman Arizona to November is a testament to the commitment of all parties involved to the long term success of the event, in finding it a permanent ‘home’ in the calendar of all involved. Hosting two Ironman events in a year, is a big undertaking, and the enthusiasm of the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community and the City of Tempe is huge vote of confidence.”
The April 2008 Ford Ironman Arizona event is sold out and general entry for the November 2008 will open, through the race site, ironmanarizona.com on Monday November 26th at 9 am PST/ 12 noon ET. To obtain further information about the event or to volunteer, please go to the race website.
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sndrup posted 32 weeks ago.
I gotta agree with a lot of the posts here - moving this to November sucks for locals. I'll take a day of racing in 85 or 90 to a summer of training in 100+
Plus, this pretty much excludes us from doing Silverman and IMAZ in the same year. Which, is probably the whole point of this maneuver.
In terms of a pure business decision, it's probably better if the event caters to out of towners as opposed to locals. The more NASports can show that their events bring in out of town dollars to fuel the local economy, the more leverage they will have to continue having their event. How many times have you been asked as a participant, "where are you staying? How many friends/family did you bring with you? How long are you staying?" They get much less "credit" from local tourism boards for getting local racers involved.
It is a business and they have to make good business decisions to keep the events alive.
But, then, Silverman is starting to look more and more appealing ;-)
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ht001 posted 32 weeks ago.
sndrup;86086 wrote:
The more NASports can show that their events bring in out of town dollars to fuel the local economy, the more leverage they will have to continue having their event. How many times have you been asked as a participant, "where are you staying? How many friends/family did you bring with you? How long are you staying?" They get much less "credit" from local tourism boards for getting local racers involved.
This is a good point. One demonstrated so well in the price escalation and silly minimum stay requirements imposed by the entire lodging business in Couer d'Alene. Very annoying how much they have taken advantage of the folks who are going to CDA for the race, not necessarily for the destination/town.
Anyway, I can see how this change would be annoying for those of you for whom this is a local event. I would be PO'd as well. It would be great to have an IM event close by, but it sounds like this move for you AZ locals would be like putting an IM distance event in my neck of the woods (Denver/Boulder) in May.
It is kind of sad how much of a business this is turning into. But then again as long as so many of us are willing to line up, power up our computers, and fork over the ever rising entry fees for these events the more they will respond by making business driven decisions. I say all of this as an admittedly guilty participant. (..thank you sir, may I have another.)
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triNick posted 32 weeks ago.
Triphile;85930 wrote:
I have just attempted to squash this rumor once and for all...and failed miserably.NASports is not releasing any information regarding the validity of the rumors we have been hearing: they will neither confirm nor deny, because they "don't have that information." So, I was told to keep checking the website for updates. This leads me to conclude that:
- Someone on the inside has leaked a rumor, or
- someone with persuasive powers of journalism are not checking their facts
Either way, don't plan on it yet.
Update: I talked to the deputy directory for Tempe Parks and Recreation Department. They have approved the concept, but have gone no further than that.
It's a done deal now, see posted press release...
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Triphile posted 31 weeks ago.
Yeah, I see that. Looks like I was three days too early to get the word.
For the sake of uniformity, I've registered a new username. Sorry for any confusion. Follow my progress towards finishing Ironman Cd'A 2008 at http://www.triphile.com. Thanks!
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Anton posted 31 weeks ago.
Got the e-mail this a.m. and checked the Ironman.com web site...
Ironman China 4-20-08.
I figured they had something up their sleeve when they wanted to move AZ.
"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?" - Vincent Van Gogh
My Blog: http://anton.trifuel.net
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jalyon posted 31 weeks ago.
It seems like people are universally disappointed by WTC's choice of date change, but also can't deny the positive business implications. Then don't enter! Writing letters or filling out bad evaluations are useless if it doesn't change a company's bottom line. So, the solution is simple- do an non-IM branded race. I can understand a few demographics where this won't really happen (first timers wanting that IM experience, those hoping to qualify and compete in the world champs) but for the rest of the long course triathlon community, look at those other options, the races are just as challenging and potentially even more committed to the athlete than WTC races.
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sndrup posted 31 weeks ago.
jalyon;86154 wrote:
It seems like people are universally disappointed by WTC's choice of date change, but also can't deny the positive business implications. Then don't enter! Writing letters or filling out bad evaluations are useless if it doesn't change a company's bottom line. So, the solution is simple- do an non-IM branded race. I can understand a few demographics where this won't really happen (first timers wanting that IM experience, those hoping to qualify and compete in the world champs) but for the rest of the long course triathlon community, look at those other options, the races are just as challenging and potentially even more committed to the athlete than WTC races.
k226.com
I don't like to get negative, but I was a bit grumpy about the change.
You're absolutely right! I will be looking for other options in '09 (already signed up for IMAZ April '08). Recommendations for non-M-Dot Iron-distance races in the West / Southwest? Silverman looks good, but we run into the same scheduling challenges there.
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1174 days
Tamara posted 31 weeks ago.
Interestingly, and something my coach pointed out, this is THANKSGIVING WEEKEND. That's right, if you want to do IMAZ in the future, you and your family will be eating turkey in Tempe.
I had no opinion on this move one way or the other, but now I'll be really curious to see how this goes. Will it make it easier for folks who take it as a long weekend, or will it be less popular for all those who don't want to miss a "family holiday"?
"It's very hard in the beginning to understand that the whole idea is not to beat the other runners. Eventually you learn that the competition is against the little voice inside you that wants you to quit." ~George Sheehan
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Gary3 posted 31 weeks ago.
"This is a good point. One demonstrated so well in the price escalation and silly minimum stay requirements imposed by the entire lodging business in Couer d'Alene. Very annoying how much they have taken advantage of the folks who are going to CDA for the race, not necessarily for the destination/town. "
The same can be said for IM Lake Placid, the minimum stays are 4 and 5 days with very high prices. Talk about taking advantage.
3283
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1263 days
RV posted 31 weeks ago.
jalyon;86154 wrote:
It seems like people are universally disappointed by WTC's choice of date change, but also can't deny the positive business implications...
Well, the date change makes this race doable for me, so I am certainly not disappointed. My wife loves that area and is looking forward to having me do this race in the future.
Certainly hotels take advantage with the 3-4 night stays, but that is the draw to bring $ into the community.
RV
It takes a long time to get good. - Scott Molina
Slow is smooth; smooth is fast. - Rich Strauss
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kylie posted 31 weeks ago.
jalyon;86154 wrote:
It seems like people are universally disappointed by WTC's choice of date change...
Just to clarify, IM AZ is NAS, not WTC (just licenses the name from them). So it is NAS doing the new date.
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kylie posted 31 weeks ago.
sndrup;86157 wrote:
Recommendations for non-M-Dot Iron-distance races in the West / Southwest? Silverman looks good, but we run into the same scheduling challenges there.
Vineman is a great non-Mdot full iron in Sonoma County, California. Beautiful course, good atmosphere, etc. It's at the beginning of August, so a bit better for scheduling.
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For the last couple of years, there has been a rumor going around that Ironman Arizona would move from April to November or that Arizona might host 2 Ironman races, one in April and one in November. Well, it seems that the rumor is TRUE, Ironman Arizona will now be held in November.
Ironman Arizona Moving to November Rumor is True
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