PHOENIX — Obstacle course runners start on their feet, but eventually end up on their stomachs, sides, even backs at they clamber through mud, over shipping containers, across netting made of mangled ropes.

A lone, painted white bicycle sits at the side of Usery Park Road near Bush Highway.

Runners in the East Valley are a tight community. If any two enthusiasts don’t know each other, there’s a good chance they know someone who knows someone who they’ve crossed a finish line with.

"Marvel's "Iron Man 3" pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds (Mandarin). When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy's hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him." [courtesy IMDB.com]

Professional triathlete Kristi Johnson, 31, was unable to compete in Ironman Arizona this past month but will be heading into next year’s season with unwavering fortitude and a master’s degree in landscape architecture from Arizona State University.

With cacti and strip malls obstructing the views at times, visitors could easily write Phoenix off as a place where water and culture are scarce. But this metropolis — which includes upscale Scottsdale and college town Tempe — is a nature lover’s oasis with pristine peaks and the vast Sonoran desert.

PDF with race details, road restrictions and more info about the Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012 Ironman Arizona/Tempe event.

We’re not sure what’s going to be more dicey this weekend: a cold dip in Tempe Town Lake, or braving the roads on Sunday.

A look at key Tempe facts and figures

Whether you want to explore a classy art festival or cheer at the ostrich, or even Chihuahua races, the East Valley has it! Let’s take advantage of our Arizona paradise and dance outdoors to live music, indulge during a cook-off, put on our boots for the rodeo and Old West Days, or run foot races.

We’ve had athletes come to Arizona for the money when the Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks were free-spending franchises bent on building fantasy teams.

Denis Ryan thought he played his cards just right.

If you could run or bike across the United States would you want to try it?

Jason P. Lester is the winner of ESPN's 2009 ESPY Award for Best Male Athlete with a Disability. His memoir, Running On Faith: The Principles, Passion, and Pursuit of a Winning Life (HarperOne) co-written with Tim Vandehey with a foreword by Dean Karnazes (New York Times best-selling author of Ultramarathon Man) is his story of triumph as an Ironman with the use of one arm and his guide to overcoming adversity, reaching goals and recognizing God's guiding hand in one's life. In his Running on Faith talks, Lester shares the nine lessons that led him to achieve his dreams and find his calling. He lives these lessons every day, doing everything to the best of his ability, with intense drive and passion. Providing audiences with the tools to overcome the adversity they may face and pursue their passion, Lester gives people a practical and inspirational guide to never giving up so that they can win in the game of life. Read More: www.jasonplester.com

For Wendy Gesund, the best part about running in the Boston Marathon isn’t even going to be the race.

Fed up with his physical appearance, Jarrett Wyatt said a company weight-loss challenge in 2009 helped him take the first stride toward getting in shape. And after 33 marathons, he has never looked back.

Fed up with his physical appearance, Jarrett Wyatt said a company weight-loss challenge in 2009 helped him take the first stride toward getting in shape. And after 33 marathons, he has never looked back.

Fed up with his physical appearance, Jarrett Wyatt said a company weight-loss challenge in 2009 helped him take the first stride toward getting in shape. And after 33 marathons, he has never looked back.

The city of Tempe is another step closer to approving a plan that again will replace the dam for Tempe Town Lake, an attraction the city touts as one of the top tourist destinations in the Grand Canyon state.