Looks like WTC has sold the Ironman brand. Endurance sports have definitely taken a more center stage in our lifestyle and big races and big money is now going into making them more mainstream and marketable. More can be found on Dan's write up on Slowtwitch. http://www.slowtwitch.com/News/WTC_sold_to_private_equity_firm_514.html

So here it goes, it has been 2 full years since I started an Ironman and 4 years since my first and fastest at IM CDA in 2004. So I had a lot that I wanted to improve upon, and a bit of nerves since it had been so long since I had done the distance. These nerves where unnecessary due to the great training I had put into this race, so beneath my anxiousness was a new found confidence that would serve me well.

Race numbers are now up! Now we can get to the fun parts: obsessing about the weather, checking our packing list 6 times, and enjoying the other random bits of insanity that emerge during the taper (Example: OMG I'M UP 1.5 LBS ACCORDING TO MY CHEAP BATHROOM SCALE! I'M NEVER GOING TO BE ABLE TO MAKE IT UP THE HILLS OUTSIDE OF CROSS PLAINS!)

Yep, my season is quickly coming to a close. Its enough to make baby-jesus cry knowing that last year at this time (living in Las Vegas) I was just coming into my big race time of the year. Now back in MN, the sub 60-degree mornings are making it clear fall is on it's way. That and I start school again next week... booo! Weary is the path that does not challenge.

I bought a road bike about one year ago. I hadn't been on a bike in years. I was quickly hooked. A friend I made through cycling told me about a race he was doing. He described what was an Ironman, I was left amazed, thought for a minute and told him that I wanted in.

Just interested to hear what people think about this. Obviously he is a different breed than most but I still can't imagine doing that.

I BOUGHT THIS TRIATHLON BIKE TO TRAIN FOR AN IRONMAN NEXT YEAR. I'M GIVING UP BECAUSE AFTER SEVERAL SWIM LESSONS I STILL CAN'T SEEM TO SWIM MORE THAN 1 LAP. THIS BIKE HAS ABOUT 600 MILES ON IT AND I'VE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH IT. I'LL INCLUDE MY FIZIK TRI SADDLE WITH IT. NO PEDALS OR EXTRAS. IT'S A 61CM, I'M 6'4" AND IT FITS ME GREAT, I THINK WOULD FIT SOMEONE 6'1" TO 6"6" PROBABLY. IMFL 2009 www.ironmanadventure.blogspot.com www.TRImapper.com www.TRIjuice.com

So next year sometime i would like to do my first Iron-Distance Race. I could care less about branding as i am a college student and dont want to shell out that much for a race. Plus i live in Reno,NV and want to be able to drive there in about one day 10-12hrs is ok. So i am looking for any ideas or races you have done and liked. Thanks for the help. If your going to do something wrong enjoy it.

I broke down and bought some Infinit and want to make the super-concentrate for the bike (yes, I have trained with Infinit a few times in the past month). This is my third Ironman, and in the past I just ate and drank as much as possible. This time, though, I am shooting for a more calorically efficient bike. Facebook

For those interested, this will be a top notch training camp in Bend, Oregon, home to some of the countries best endurance athletes and coaches: http://www.reboundspl.com/camps/spl_ironman_triathlon_camps.html