I enjoyed the last loop despite the fact that I was getting colder, the wind had picked up and I was tired. At least my toe had stopped hurting. As I headed up to the far aid station, I met T, a young triathlete from…..Idaho? This was his first Ironman and he laughed (at me) when I told him I’d done 16.

I don’t know if I’ll get through one and you’ve done what? he asked.

We chatted until we got to the aid station near the rabbit……I mean, dog park. [Seriously, there were jack rabbits everywhere.] He stopped for a bit and I kept going. At the top of the hill a man with a poster was checking his phone. His sign read something like: LET’S GO, MASTER T!!!

I know T! I said. He’s right behind me. He’s going to be an IRONMAN! A little later, he passed me one last time and beat me to the finish.

Speaking of rabbits, just after the lost section, I turned from a bridge and onto a well-lit path that took me into the last mile. All along the path, there were rabbits crossing the sidewalk or hopping just to the side of the runners. All I could think about was the 1979 summer classic MEATBALLS. Every one of those rabbits sounded like Bill Murray’s character, Tripper, yelling to his best camper: Run, Rudy, Run! You Wascally Wabbit, Wun! My mantra for the last mile was I’m Wudy the Wabbit. I’m Wudy the Wabbit.

Not long after that, I could hear the announcer calling in all the runners as they crossed the line. YOU ARE AN IRONMAN! There is nothing like that phrase to pull you to the finish. I couldn’t wait to get my medal and get warm. I loved the finish chute and the crowd was such a welcome sight to see.

One of the funniest things about a night time finish at an Ironman is that the lights are SO BRIGHT. All day long you’re thinking, it’s so cold I might die or I’m dying in this wind or my feet/legs/everything are killing me. And here you are running down the red carpet and the brightest stadium lights are shining right at you. Is this the finish or did I die? Should I run to the light or……….? Are these the pearly gates of heaven or the finish arches?

I often joke that when I arrive at the pearly gates I want God to announce me in as BETH ANDREW. YOU. ARE. AN IRONMAN.

This finish was a little slice of heaven. The announcer called me in. I did a bow and raised my hands over my head. I was so happy to finish and to be greeted by Neal as I came through the arch and down the ramp. He was there to give me my medal and a warm hug. It was such a sweet moment.

TOTAL RUN TIME: 6:11:61

OVERALL FINISH TIME: 14:56:55

The VIP host took our picture and then escorted us through the obstacle course where they take your timing chip, give you your hat and finisher shirt and send you off to athlete food. We stuck around for a bit but all I could think about was a hot shower and potato chips that I had back at the room. As we walked a mile back to the hotel, I felt a little nostalgic for Kona - that experience was such a life-changer. But, I also started to dream about my next IM in Ottawa in August 2025.

AFTERWARD: A few post-race notes:

When I changed from my tri kit into my post-race pants, two long sleeve shirts and down coat - I finally found my lip balm.

The next day, Ace and I headed to the Grand Canyon - a first-time experience for both of us. It was amazing.

My toenail fell off nine days later.

IRONMAN ARIZONA - PART 4

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