Ironman Lanzarote 2013 (3rd weekend in May?)

rain didn't last too long but wind was blowing and progress was steady. I wont tell you what an awesome bike course it was, if you want to know, do the race!

First 3 hours saw me do about 50 miles, next 2 hours I only managed 25 miles, but this contains climb at Haria and then quickly down then a nasty little climb at Guinate then onto to the Mirador, bugger I thought. it had taken me nearly 5 hours, surley I cant get back in under 2 hours. Well then the wind is in your back and long downhill, then a big wide road, here the aero wheels which I had dragged up the climbs now came into there own I really started to gain places and time. Then made an turn to Teguise, more headwind, then horrible bit of road from Nazareth which shakes the living daylights out of bike and rider for about 2 miles, drinks bottles all over the road, it was shite.

Then a bit more back wind, up to the top of last climb at around 100 miles, then down donkey track back into to town. I stopped the clock on the bike at around 6.53 ride time, I hadn't thrashed myself and felt ok. Overall my heart rate on bike averaged 136bpm. At the Outlaw last year I averaged 139bpm and recorded a  5.57 bike and was still able to run a 4.20 marathon, so I felt my effort was well paced.

On with the run gear, sunscreen etc and off I jogged. I think I managed about half a mile before a sudden jolt up my calf bought me to a stand still. Bugger and bollox.

I tried a little walk, sore but ok, tried jogging again, 1 stride told me all I needed to know. Game over. I still had nearly 9 hours left but did not fancy a 26 mile painful walk and my physio had told me not to force issue and risk a long term injury.

So, I went back to transition handed my chip and pulled out of race.

It was the right decision to make and not as hard as I thought it might be. Had a shower etc and went back to see the finishers in. Well done one and all.

Some great comedy moments on the trip, thanks for all the laughs.

I got drunk sunday night and felt seedy all day Monday.

Off to physio tonight to hopefully see way forward. Im putting no pressure on myself and wont enter another race until I can run again, although already down for Wensleydale in August. I need to go back to lanza to put record straight. Maybe next year. First dnf in 8 ironman distance starts, so its not the end of world, just feel a bit disappointed.

It was a great pirate trip and real nice to meet up again.

Sorry for going on a bit.