Ironman Lanzarote Age Group Advice

[swimslikeabike]

Hi Stephen,

you and Bella seem to be quite some experts when it comes to racing in Lanzarote.

I have stayed there for 2 weeks lately and got to know the winds and the course and I do hope we will have a tough day in may, because I think it will suit me, at least relative to the rest of the field.

On a tough day, I would expect to finish 11:00 to 11:30, but would be happy to lower the time. In the 2012 race video, I could see you cut a t-shirt to cover your shoulders during the run - I hope you don't mind I will copy that idea. Are there any other hints you can give an age grouper or general piece of advice for the race?

Many thanks in advance!

[StephenBayliss]

The T shirt on the run is very helpful.  It not only covers up your shoulders from the sun, but as it is a cotton T-Shirt it holds the water onto your body for longer and this helps cooling on hot days enormously.

Lanzarote is a very tough bike course especially when the wind blows.  Keeping positive in the head wind sections is important as it can be very hard work.

After Mirador del rio usually it is a tail wind and less hilly, but you still need some energy left for the climb up from Tahiche and then back up to above Puerto del Carmen,  I would recommend riding easy the last 15km, as it is mostly down hill and you won't lose too much time.  Make sure you are ready to start the run.  Hydrated is most important.

Take the the transition steady and the first part of the run steady.  Just work your way into the run and eat and drink little and often.

Enjoy the whole day and the massive challenge that IM Lanzarote is and you will have a great day.

See you in May.
Stephen

Bella may have some more helpful hints that I have forgot:)

[swimslikeabike]

Many thanks for your time. If we cross ways in may I'd be happy to buy you a beer after the race (or whatever you'd like). And I will make sure my support will cheer for you :-)

[StephenBayliss]

No problem.  All the best with your training:)

[swimslikeabike]

Stephan, thanks again for your tips. The race went well for me, I met most of my goals - though I got tossed around in the swim quite a bit and got my toe hurt (beautiful colours now ...). Came in with a 11:27, which is fine for the day.

I did not see you really, probably was to caught up with myself, but I saw Bella. Felt very sorry to see her walking - all the best for you two now in the preparation for better days!