In a years time I am looking forward to reflecting on this post. In my opinion setting goals is important if you want to get the best out of yourself and out of life. How do you know if you have achieved anything if you can't measure it and to be really worthwhile it needs to be challenging. So today the entries opened for the toughest Ironman competition in the world and I entered as I said I would.
Already I am being told I am mad. Lanzarote has heat, hills (9,400 feet of climbing) and wind which destroys you on the bike. Out of the three disciplines my cycling is my weakest and this was one of the main drivers for entering it. Now I have 1 year to improve.
In the western world we tend to work on our strengths but from my karate training I was always taught the eastern method of working on your weaknesses to make you stronger. As I sit down to my dinner the challenge seems extremely difficult but then again so did my first Ironman. Lanza is in a different league so bring it on.
Tomorrow will bring more big news but you'll have to wait till then. In the meantime, sent me your comments to support the cause. Mission Ironman has started in earnest!
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Lanzarote Ironman was dedicated to my friend Neil who lost his 3rd battle against cancer on 9 December 2011. On returning from his 2nd bout of cancer he rose to the challenge of taking part in a triathlon which he succeeded in doing despite, as it turns out, his cancer having returned. Neil's story is inspirational -you'll be missed my friend.
In 2008 I started this journey started in a boxing ring raising money for Maggie's Centres. 3 Ironmen later, Marathon des Sables, Grand 2 Grand and Tahoe 200. In 2021 I DNF'd in the Ultra Race Romania, a 250km multi-staged self supporting ultra due to stomach issues. I'm returning this year to complete it as it's unfinished business.
About Me
- Derek B Stewart
- United Kingdom
- My name is Derek Stewart and in 2008 I entered my first triathlon to raise money for Maggie's Cancer Centres and it give me a reason to get fit and learn to swim properly. In 2010 I completed my first Ironman (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile marathon) and proved to myself what was possible with a focused approach. Since then I have completed another 2 Ironman, numerous ultras, two staged races; the Marathon des Sables (5.5 marathons in 6 days across the Sahara Desert carrying your own equipment and food); Grand 2 Grand 6 marathons in 7 days (again carrying your own gear) and in September 2019, the Tahoe 200. A 205 mile non-stop race, with 40,200 ft of climbing and ascending, which I completed in 85 hours and 16 minutes including 7 hours sleep. It's been a journey of discovery and 2020 is shaping up for more adventures with 3 races in the calendar.
Conquering Lanza Ironman 2012
Neil Sutherland
Lanzarote Ironman was dedicated to my friend Neil who lost his 3rd battle against cancer on 9 December 2011. On returning from his 2nd bout of cancer he rose to the challenge of taking part in a triathlon which he succeeded in doing despite, as it turns out, his cancer having returned. Neil's story is inspirational -you'll be missed my friend.
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