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Killing time in Tempe

I can understand why folks from cold places enjoy spending winters here in Arizona. It's quite pleasant. But then again, the mercury has only reached 80 degrees since I got here. It will be warmer tomorrow, and warmer yet the next day, and I will be biking and (shudder) running in that 95-degree heat. It won't seem so pleasant anymore.

The water in Tempe Town Lake is... not at all pleasant. You can get an idea of the water color from the photo above or see an extreme close-up here. The flavor has subtle hints of pond scum and dirt. Also, the water was colder than I expected, cold enough to give me a little ice cream headache when I put my face in. The swim will be great, though; the water is completely flat, and I'll take cold over tepid any day.

I broke a cardinal rule of racing (don't try anything new right before a race) and got an ART treatment for my poor lower back, which didn't enjoy the 12 hours of driving it took to get here. The treatment was unusual, but the setting was even weirder, outside by the lake on a grassy knoll in the blinding sunlight. It was like having a chiropractic adjustment on a beach.

Can someone tell me why so many people at Ironman™© events train in the days leading up to the race wearing their snazzy race outfits? It is strange to see women running down the sidewalk in bras and boy shorts and men riding in traffic wearing skinsuits and aero helmets. I know I often look dorky when I work out, but not that dorky. What's wrong with wearing normal workout clothes? Did they all just pack really light?

Dave has arrived, and in a few minutes we'll be off to eat lukewarm pasta with 2,000 of our closest friends. Party!

April 11, 2008 5:00 PM