This is from a post I wrote the day after the race. It's kinda self-explanatory.

I don’t know where to start really, but I really should try and do some sort of analysis of yesterday to try and explain where things went wrong and what positives I can draw from it. Maybe it will provide some sort of catharsis.

Things hadn’t started well. I’d not slept well, I couldn’t eat anything when I got up at 4am, I think I had one slice of toast and half a bowl of porridge. My stomach was in knots and I felt like I wanted to be sick. After a while I felt a bit better and me, Christine and Kelsey had a gentle stroll down to transition. Got my bike ready, filled bottles, lubed stuff that moved, span wheels, changed gears. About 0615 and after two more poo trips (those toilets were awful!) I put my wetsuit on. Halfway through doing that I glance at my bike and realised I hadn’t put my Bento box on. Massive panic and digging through rucksacks occurred. Found it, put it on. Disaster averted, that would’ve been a schoolboy error.

So off we trots down to the start, finds the rest of my family who had since arrived, had a bit of a chat with them before they had to walk round the Fariones to get on the beach and I wandered down to the ocean to have a wee in my wetsuit and sort my goggles. Back into the start chute, right at the back, the hooter goes, a big cheer goes up and were off.

The swim nearly killed me.

Here’s the thing. First loop. Felt great. Was passing other swimmers. Got to the far turn, got pulled a bit right, but that’s ok, I’m doing ok here, turns for home and suddenly I’m engulfed by the leaders. I was really confused as to why I was being lapped so soon, I thought I was flying. I did the same loop in 42 minutes last week, there was no way I should’ve been being lapped. Then I realised I was seeming to take forever to get back to the last buoy. Then I got swam over by two more big groups of AWA caps. It was like being surrounded by a pod of killer whales and I got beaten up really badly, kicked, punched, I even think one of them bit me. It really threw me when I got out of the water and my watch read 58 minutes. I couldn’t fathom how I’d been so slow. Ok, I thought, hard at it, time to make up, so I absolutely smashed it on the second loop. I got to the far buoy in about 15 minutes. I thought I’d got it nailed on, but that’s when it all went wrong. As I was sighting the 3rd buoy, I couldn’t understand why it wasn’t getting any closer. Then I realised that the ocean floor wasn't passing underneath me, it was moving sideways. As I looked across the water as I was breathing, the water was boiling and I realised I’d ben caught in a riptide that was just pulling me far, far off course. As I was turning trying to get back to the next buoy, the floor was going away from me. As hard as I was swimming, I was actually going backwards, and nothing I could do would stop it. At one point I was stood on the rocks at that far point shouting to the kayakers (who were pointing at the buoy – seriously? I know which way I should be fucking going) what was I supposed to do? One young lad just said “stay strong”, so I decided to go for it. It took forever to get any momentum at all, the current was horrendous, but I wasn’t prepared to give up. Ever.

So I made it back. I’ve never swam as hard in my life, all I wanted the race clock to say was 2:19, please let it say 2:19. I was devastated when I got out of the water on locked up legs and it said 2:24. My watch said 2:21:35, and that I'd actually swam 4500m. Ninety five bastard seconds. Even at that pace, if I'd just done the 3800m, I would've been well inside. So that was that. I was beaten at the first hurdle by something that I had absolutely no control over. I was fucking distraught. I walked off the beach to be met by my mum and dad, my sister and my nephew’s. Cue first lot of tears and lots of hugs. As I walked though the desolate changing tent, the girl who finished after me ( yes, I wasn’t last) was disconsolately getting changed, as was the girl in the tent upstairs who also missed the swim cut. But there was a guy in there with his bike kit on and no chip. I asked him how he was and he said he was going to ride the course anyway, even if he didn’t get a time, he’d still get a medal and shirt if he finished. At that point I was furious that no-one had told me that I could do that. In hindsight, I’m glad I didn’t know, as I would’ve buried myself on that bike to make my time up and get to La Santa to beat the cut off there.

Then I found Christine. She passed me a beer. It was 0945. It tasted wonderful! There I was, standing in transition, wetsuit down to my waist, crying into my beer. She told me that she was proud of me. That’s all that mattered at that point. She was telling me that people were getting pulled out of the water left, right and centre right from minute one, unconscious, half drowned, broken bones and more, and despite missing the cut-off, I’d finished the swim. In those conditions, I had to take some consolation from that.

So we walked back up to the hotel, me barefoot, wetsuit still on. I got some funny looks but I was past caring. Christine said i was never, ever putting her through that again. I could do any 70.3, anywhere in the world I wanted (I have a witness), but I was never attempting Lanzarote again. It’s hurt her that much.

When we got back to the hotel, my daughter and grand-kids were there, so more hugs, more tears, more beer. In fact, lots more tears all afternoon, until I got in the pool and played with the kids. Made me realise there’s more important things to worry about, and despite everything, I’d made it to the start line of the hardest Ironman in the world.

When I went back down later to collect my bags, there were people all over who’d missed the bike cut. There were more sitting around who’d started the run only to drop out. Checking the results today, the DNF rate is almost 20%. Yesterday was brutal. The swim was harsh, people were saying the wind on the bike was the worse they’d ever known it and the run? Well, here’s thing. If I’d made the cut off, I would’ve pushed hard to make the bike cut off. It’s likely that I would’ve had little left for the run. When I walked back down to collect my bike at 1845, the pharmacy was reading 35°. At a quarter to seven it was still 35°. It made me think that maybe things had gone the way they had for the right reasons. I saw Lucy Charles win. I’d wished her luck in transition in the morning. She'd looked lovely. She was smiling as she finished. She looked haggard.

So, positives.

1. I never gave up on the swim. It would’ve been easier to quit. I didn’t.
2. I’ve never swam so hard. Ever.
3. I finished the swim. Many didn’t.
4. I wasn’t last.
5. I wasn’t the only non-finisher. There were 300+ others.
6. Enjoyed the experience. Taught me a lot about myself.
7. My wife loves me enough to put her foot down.
8. My family are pretty special, and I’m grateful that they’ve been here to share it with me.

There was a point yesterday where I never wanted to see Lanzarote ever again. I was so disappointed. Christine felt the same. We’ve a week booked here in November and we were talking about cancelling. This morning I felt differently. If it hadn’t been for Lanzarote, the Ironman and the whole process of this journey, I’d still be a big fat lump. Lanzarote Ironman gave me the impetus to be a triathlete and follow a dream that’s made me a better person, a fitter person and a more focused and driven person than a lot of other people. I’ve got to be grateful to the island for that. I may not have a finisher’s shirt or the tattoo, but I will wear my Lanzarote Ironman shirt and hat with pride. I stood on that start line with the best of them. And I DNFd with some pretty good ones too.

Loser? Not me.

Next...

Lanzarote is windy even on a 'non-windy' day compared to most places. So this ironman is never a fast fast one, but its a great one to test your limits and push yourself hard! The swim is a mass start. People are torn if this is the best way to do it or not. I felt that it should be in waves now as on the day it was two strokes hit smack, two strokes, hit smack! it really is just a fight all the way round so its hard to get a good time no matter what the sea is doing. 

the bike is fantastic! it takes you all over the island and you get a taste for the lanzarote wind all the way round. Its hilly and tough but so so worth it. 

the Run was changed this year to one long loop and one shorter loop. This is hard if you have supporters who are staying in Puerto Del Carmen as its really hard for them to get to other parts of the course becasue of closed roads etc. but you get supporters in arrecife this way from different parts of the island who wouldnt usually be able to make it in to Puerto Del Carmen. So the route change in regards to spectators has its good points and not so good points. I personally think it was a better way to run the distance this year. Last year with the lots of smaller loops, the 2nd half of the run got really crowded and we were constantly bumping off each other. So this year there was more space to move. 

Overall the race is fantastic :D Loved the whole day and i am totally doing it next year....although i will have to save up a bit for my entry fee!

people say this is the toughest ironman race, and whilst I have nothing to compare it to being my first ironman, it certainly was fairly tough.

the swim still being mass start was pretty hectic, and it certainly felt quite rough in there. However you can see the bottom most of the way round, lots of pretty fish and a perfect temperature.

the bike I loved - I prefer hillier courses and I wanted a course where people were less likely to draft to suit my strength. Well it was certainly hilly, although nothing too step, just generally rolling. The wind had thankfully died down, but would definitely recommend you spend a week in Lanzarote if you are going to do the ironman so you know what to expect wind wise. There were still people drafting (cheating a lot in that wind!) and I shouted at a few people on my way past. The downhill bits more than make up for the uphills and if you like the bike section would thoroughly recommend this course!

onto the run - for me my tummy gave up and it was also very toasty by this point - about 34 degrees! They changed the course to one 30k out and back followed by a 12k - which made the support towards the back end quite sparse, but mentally quite nice getting 30k out of the way. 

Generally soeaking, tough race, great support out there and one to do if you like challenging courses, just don't expect a pb 

Fantastic race, really cant wait to do it next year. Dont expect a fast time in this one but it is an amazing course that you take in your stride :) Was so so easy to sign up for it and get all the race packs over in La Santa. The transitions were so well organised, even though the T2 tent was a little small. The people in T2 were the best and really made sure we were all covered in Suncream. The aid stations along the way were really realy good and the volunteers handing out water etc were really good and on it when we rode and ran through.....the only reason i took a few 'stars' off the quality of the aidstations because the bottles for the water given out on the bike were bottled water and they were really hard to put in bottle cages. Im sure there are reasons why they decided to do this but it made it quite difficult compared to most races. Other then that it was BRILLIANT :)

Ironman Lanzarote 2016 Arguably one of the most difficult Ironman races on the circuit. IM Lanzarote is a franchised event, giving a comforting family feel to it. This year was the 25th anniversary so with that amount of time they‘ve managed to get most of your race experience right. – Almost!

Swim: I’ve raced many triathlons over the years and I have to say that the swim start coordination could be much better, but more importantly safer for all swimmers, at all levels. We all know, and have experienced busy swim starts but I have to say this could be so much better.

1. Pro Start. The Pro’s just aren’t given enough lead-time or distance from the AG athletes. Specifically the female pro girls who were swam over pretty much straight away. Give then 5 mins head start or 200m its easy!

2.  Beach start - The format is a narrow rolling start from the beach, but without the rolling start time. This just creates a mass exodus of swimmers all trying to swim in water that is not available. The result is lots of swimmers being inadvertently kicked and punched during the first 400m. This is definitely not for the faint hearted. I had a number of athletes racing who came away with cut lips and bruised faces. Have a rolling start with a rolling clock.

3. Left turn - The gradual left turn at approximately 200m also creates a massive choke point. So again your finding yourself being dragged, kicked, punched and swam over; is pretty scary. Not a great experience at all.

4. Swim route - The swim route is however very well marked once you’ve found your own bit of water. It has a lane rope for 800m on the way out and the water quality is excellent, very clear so navigating is pretty simple. It’s also a 2 lap course which again means you have the chance to correct goggles, wetsuit and take splits if you so wish.

T 1 Amazing crowds on the beach as you exit the swim to the main marquee to collect bike bags. Your bike bags are very easy to find with lots of helpers always offering guidance and support. It was also nice to see buckets of fresh water so you could quickly wash the sand off your feet in preparation for the brutal bike route.

Bike The majority of the bike route was very well marked and supported but I found myself missing one turn due to a marshal being distracted (only as good as the weakest point). The route was well supported all around the Island with a massive police presence controlling traffic ensuring you were safe all the time. It was also reassuring to see lots of safety vehicles and ambulances constantly driving the route. The majority of the roads in Lanzarote are excellent now, but there is a short section of road (approximately 3 miles at the tail end of the course), which can only be described as terrible. It’s a matter of percentages when you puncture on roads like this and I was disappointed that so many athletes could lose so much (AG win/Kona slot) because of this section of road. I was one of the lucky ones who did not puncture on this section. There were a few mechanics to assist on this section of road, but some new tarmac would be the best solution.

Bike aid stations The aid stations were all really well positioned – they chose natural non-technical points so you could grab what you needed at slow speed. My only criticism would be to supply bike water bottles that are coloured to indicate what the contents are. The fresh water bottles supplied were too small for conventional bike cages and you ended up loosing them whenever you hit a bump. The orange bike water bottles had different contents in so you had a pretty good chance of grabbing the wrong stuff you needed. The volunteers on the bike aid stations were clearly well briefed on how to hold refreshments for you – excellent job. All full of smiles and encouragement.

T2 Coming into T2 was easy and very well marked – you could find your bag easily and you always had a volunteer pointing you in the right direction. The girls were quick to put sun cream on you as you changed into your run gear. Lots of smiling and cracking a few jokes with some well needed encouragement. The run is pretty simple 1 x long out and back with 2 x smaller out and back loops. There was massive support on the run route with spectators pretty much everywhere. This is something all the athletes needed at such a tough time in the race.

Run aid stations The run aid station and volunteers did a great job being shouted all afternoon by 100’s of very demanding athletes (myself included). There was lots of coke, gels water and plenty of ice. I noticed some of the volunteers would recognise me and know what I was after. One girl got in the habit of placing ice in my run hat and throwing it down my race suit while I was busy drinking and eating. She did a great job and I think she enjoyed knowing how much she was helping me and others.

Security This year there was a significant increase in security into the transition area (athletes only) this was encouraging to see. The pervious year I was concerned at how many not athletes and officials were milling around in that area.

General points Lanzarote has a great atmosphere with some passionate people making the day a great experience for you and your family. This is the only IM race I know that still allows family to run down the carpet with athletes. The kids just love this and I personally think it’s a shame IM have banned this. Ironman isn’t about the athletes its about the family and watching athletes of all standards running, walking, crawling down to the finish is a very humbling experience. So when you get to see this being shared with family and friends can only be good for the sport. My solution to this would be to have 2 finish shoots – keeps everyone happy. The after party/prize giving is also very special – great food and a well earned beer, plus some entertainment.

Would I do this race again? Yes – but its bloody HARD!

This was my 4th Ironman distance race and what an epic day. The wind was brutal all day long, in summary the swim is at the mercy of the ocean gods, I swam the day before and it was rough but first thing in the morning it was calmer. The bike is brutal, just over 9000ft climbing plus the wind made it a long day, beautiful course though truly stunning. The run was hot and windy but very well supported. Glad I have the medal, should be on everyone's bucket list!!

Ironman Lanzarote is feared as one of the toughest Ironman's on the calender and it doesn't disappoint.

This year saw some of the strongest winds in years but this only added to the challenge. The swim is somewhat of a washing machine more than most IM's but is lovely in Puerto Del Carmen's crystal clear sea. The transition along the strip is great and awesome for supporters. The bike takes in the whole island which has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. This does somewhat take the edge off the 2500m of climbing which is topped off by the highest point of the island Mirador Del Rio at 120km (the view on the way up is amazing however).

The run is brilliant for support and relatively flat. One half marathon lap and then 2 x 10k loops. They take in the coast and the strip which gets you some awesome support from the locals, holidaymakers and your own support crew. A great place to spectate and enjoy. The finish on the strip is amazing and this is the only Ironman friends/family can share your finish chute experience thanks to the wonderful race director Kenneth Gasque.

Organistion is fantastic and I'll most likely be there for the third time in 2016. If you want a challenge and an amazing day pick Ironman Lanzarote!

Awesome course, Awesome Race... If you've not done this race yet, then it's definitely one for your race diary... You'll then understand why the same people do this race year in, year out.

Billed as one of the toughest courses on the Ironman circuit, it certainly lives up to it's reputation .. With a mass swim start (2300 athletes), and then a one 180km loop of the island with enough climbs, wind and heat to make you 'wonder why you signed up in the first place'! and then an epic (more or less flat - out and back 3 times) 42km run along the main Puerto del Carmen strip with plenty of support from locals and holiday-makers alike!

Brilliantly organised, by Kenneth Gasque and his team from Club La Santa since 1992, Ironman Lanzarote is an excellent mid-season long distance that just about takes every ounce of energy from you ... But, just like devouring a big Sunday dinner, this race leaves you hungry enough to come back for the '70.3 dessert' in September. :-)