Yesterday I completed Lanzarote Ironman. It has the reputation of the hardest in the world and has the strap line "where normal limits do not apply". I can concur this is the hardest challenge I have ever taken part in. The 2.8 mile sea swim was fine and I managed that in my fastest time ever, 1 hr 13min despite a kick in the ribs! The bike is such a hard course over 112 miles including 7,500 ft of ascending was brilliant as I completed it in 6 hrs 53 min. The hard work over the last year had really paid off as had coming out here 2 months ago. Physically when I came off the bike I felt good however a dodgy water bottle at a feed station left me without water for too long and I knew I was in trouble for the marathon.
The marathon in the heat of the day was horrendous. I had to concentrate on getting liquids in therefore had to walk through every feed station where I had two or three drinks of water, put ice under my cap and wet sponges in my top - I was in survival mode. I couldn't eat the energy gels at the planned times as I needed water and started drinking coke for the sugar rush earlier than planned. 13 miles in the pain started in my legs and every step was sore - your mind goes to a dark place and the thought of giving up wasn't far from my mind. However knowing you were supporting me and that so many people had sponsored me kept me going. I passed Gareth with about 12 km to go and he was suffering from back pain but still managed to finish. My marathon time was 4 hrs and 8 mins and although slower than expected, in that heat I was more than happy with a total time of 12 hrs 35 mins.
This event is awesome. There were disable athletes taking part. One one of the climbs I passed on who was cycling a standard road bike WITH ONLY ONE LEG! The oldest athlete was 76 and he made it in before the cut off of 17 hours - truly inspirational. The medical tent at the end was like a scene out of MASH with dehydration being the main issue. I feel very honoured to have completed this event and even more so to have raised so much money with your help. If you haven't already done so you can sponsor me at www.justgiving.com/Derek-Stewart0 .
12 months ago I came to Lanza and was destroyed by the cyclists I was with and the conditions on the island - I had a score to settle with the island and think I have now done that. My coach Gen put together an incredible training plan as the result above would not have been possible without her expertise. Coming out here with Gareth and completing the event together was also special so thank you.
Finally I can't finish without thanking my wife and kids for putting up with me and my training over the last 7 months. Training for Ironman take a lot of time and disrupts your family life. The good news is that life is going to get back to normal now, or at least till I start my MDS training!
I'll let you know when the next chapter in Mission Ironman starts but for now I thing I deserve a rest! Thank you for all the support you have given me, it kept me going.
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