IRONMAN LANZAROTE 2006
20 MAY 2006
Considered by many to be the world's toughest Ironman, the race motto, "The Normal Limits Do Not Apply," says it all. After a 3.8 km (2.4 miles) two-lap ocean swim the fun really starts. The bike course takes you all over the island of Lanzarote which is one large lava field. There is a total of 2,600 meters (over 8,500 feet) of climbing. On top of that, it is HOT and there are A LOT of rough roads. And if that isn't enough, on this day the winds averaged 40 km/hr with gusts up to 60 km/hr. Can you say suffer??? After that bike you run a marathon (42.2 km or 26.2 miles) through Puerto Carmen. The run course is a "fun" four loops and has some small rolling hills, and, by the way, it is HOT.
The bike course and the treacherous climbing profile of IM Lanzarote - "The Normal Limits Do Not Apply"
Michael, Donald, and Klaus at the bike check-in
The bike inspection
At the last minute, my cyclecomputer broke off. Trying unsuccessfully to repair it...
My bike, without cyclecomputer, ready for action
Pre-race dinner in the Old Town
Klaus, Michael, and Donald contemplating what is about to occur...
Thinking about having 12 hours and 48 minutes to go...
Waiting for the start gun. Can you say butterflies?
The Swim
Can't wait to get out of this thing and onto the bike with 2,600 m of climbing and 40 km/hr winds
Starting on the bike getting ready to SUFFER
The suffer-fest finally ends!
Klaus, looking good, starting to attack the run course
Starting the run - so happy to be off the bike
Run, Donald, Run
Donald looking strong in the Lanzarote HEAT
At last, the finish chute!
What a smile.
After 1 hr 8 min swimming, 7 hrs 14 min on the bike, and 4 hrs 14 min running, how could you be smiling??? That is Ironman.
The well-deserved finishers massage
Donald, Michael, Mark, and Klaus at the awards banquet. Incredible Spanish food!