Check-out IMAZ Check-In

Prized Ironman Race Day Bracelet.

Prized Ironman Race Day Bracelet.

Hola Nimble fans! With all of the road tripping now behind us, it’s time for Nimble to start aiming his Buzz Lightyear-like laser focus toward the start of Iroman Arizona race day. With 2 days, 10 hour and 3 minutes to go before they fire the cannon on Sunday to start our race, Thursday was an action packed day for Nimble. We set up our temporary pre-race headquarters in a rented home in the Arizona suburb of Chandler. Mrs. Nimble did a great job scouting the area, because there our some great running paths nearby and bike lanes are everywhere. My biggest concern was having a place big enough that could hold the large extended Nimble Entourage. You see half of the Nimble family, complements of Mrs. Nimble, are the Navajo Nimbles and will be represented in full force, likely 10 to 12 deep. I’ll especially be looking forward to seeing my Navajo aunties who will be doing everything from cheering out their native hearts out to burning cedar for me. The Mexican Nimbles will equally be looking forward to raising the roof and having a great time. With so much energy and people in one place, the Nimble Crib will definitely be hopping. I doubt that Nimble will get his deposit back on the rental! Although all the energy is awesome, focus becomes more difficult for the big day, so Mrs. Nimble and I will check into a hotel closer to the race sight on Friday along with members of Team Go Mitch Go Oklahoma City.

Camp Nimble Headquarter in Chandler, AZ.

Camp Nimble Headquarter in Chandler, AZ.

 

Thursday morning started out with an easy run through the streets of Chandler. My readers in OKC feeling the subfreezing temps would be jeally seeing me run in shorts and short sleeves at 7AM. No complaints about southern Arizona weather in November from me. After finishing up the morning workout it was off to Tempe Town Lake Park in downtown Tempe to check-in for the race. This was my first view of the race venue and where the finish line would be since last year when I was here to register. My first lump in the throat occurred, just knowing how the Nimble Army and myself where going to conquer this course in just 3 short days. I quickly got in line for check in, which consists of several stations. First, you are handed a form to fill out saying that if you die on the course you can’t blame Ironman. That’s good to know. “Positive thoughts, positive thoughts” I think to myself as I sign on the line. Next I’m sent to a station where I receive the coveted Ironman race day bracelet, my race number “2120”, swim cap and additional encouragement from a volunteer since she knows that Nimble is an Ironman virgin by looking at my registration information (or maybe it what the confused, slightly scared look on my face). Next stop was to pick up my timing chip. This is the little coin sized transmitter attached to a velco strap gets attached to me from race start to finish line crossing. Finally, I head to another tent to pick up an Ironman backpack that has special plastic bags for equipment and other items I will be needing during the race. Finished with check-in!

IMAZ Check In

IMAZ Check In

 

So just when I thought I had completed my check-in morning, I catch the frozen stare of Mrs. Nimble from across the park. Utterly intimidated by her, I struggle to match her in a stare-down and glance to the right. Mrs. Nimble is standing right next to the registration table for Ironman Arizona 2015. You see, participants of the present year Ironman Arizona are given early access to preregister since this race typically sells out its 3,000 slots online within 5 minutes every year. Ahhhh, so now Ms. Nimble’s 1000 yard stare becomes quite obvious. She’s challenging me by saying, “Are you really gonna do this…again?!” all said without words, but merely a look. My response with the subtlest head nod and my slickest wink tells her “Why yes I AM!”. And with that I have committed to IMAZ 2015. Afterward, Ms. Nimble makes it very clear that she was staring at me because she was not one bit amused about even the possibility of “us” going through this again. I guess this is going to cost Nimble a very nice Christmas gift for Mrs. Nimble.

Unusually Long Legged Nimble!

Unusually Long Legged Nimble!

 

A Nimble extra observation. Mrs. Nimble was gracious enough to take my picture next to the oversized Ironman Jersey blowup after I register for IMAZ 2015. Looking at the photo, something just doesn’t look quite right. I look unusually “long” don’t you think? I kept trying to figure out what was up, and here is my conclusion. I’m wearing probably the shortest shorts that I own, just look how high above my knee they go (I probably shouldn’t wear these anymore). When you couple my Daisy Dukes with my full length compression sock (1980’s style) and my “Moon Shoes” (Hoka brand), you get this very strange picture of Nimble. Just an observation 🙂

Until tomorrow! -Nimble

Categories: Race Reports

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