Iron Man - Lanzarote
Stephen Hampshire describes what it takes to become an Iron Man.
Against the odds (with a £250 Halfords bike and 55 year old legs) I am now an Ironman.
With almost 1,500 setting off in the water together, I stayed at the back on the 3.8km swim. However, that did not stop on fellow trying to swim round the side of me and try to thump me for no real reason other than I had just kicked his teeth out! The first lap was 40 minutes but this slowed to 49 minutes on the second lap when the waters became choppy.
The ride was hot and very hilly (climbing to over 2,550 meters) but it was the constant side and tail winds that sucked the strength out of us. I took my time on the 112 mile ride taking in the scenery. However, about one kilometer from the end I hit a lump in the road or maybe a grease spot, the back wheel slid from under me and I went over the handlebars. I made the necessary repairs. With buckled wheel and burst tube I made it to the finish of the bike in 8 hours 55 minutes.
After the medical staff patched up my knee and elbow I commenced the 26.2 mile run along the beach front. The support from the crowds was amazing (mostly English). I ran the first 20 miles looked at my watch and decided I would take my time on the last 6 miles and just power walk. I stopped and talked to fellow runners and friends in the crowd. From the onset I made up my mind to complete the event in 16 hours. That way I can smash the time next time. However, after chatting with a fellow from Hull (he had cycled the last five Lanzarote Ironman's in trainers and across West Africa with metal BMX pedals and flip flops) I realized that I was 5 minutes away from target so sprinted the final one kilometer to finish the run in 5 hours 5 minutes, completing the event in 16 hours 16 seconds.
Could have improved on time by swimming straighter course, using tri-bars, more hill training plus not wasting time chatting and taking in scenery but not really bothered. Also was not sure how leg/back was going to behave so did not want to crash and burn by pushing too hard this time. Beyond doubt it was it was one of the best holidays ever.
Very glad to be back on English soil. Checking bike in and out of airport is no joy so might stay in UK for next event.
