Belinda Dawson cracks Lanzarote 70.3

Ironman Lanzarote 70.3 conquered on the 3rd attempt by Belinda Dawson. If at first you don’t succeed, tri and tri again

My Lanzarote 70.3 Race Report

This year was my 3rd attempt at Ironman Lanzarote 70.3, the first year I just wasn’t strong enough on the bike, halfway up Tabayesco I had to get a lift back with the car, the second year I missed the Bike cut off by 6:29 after missing the cut off my initial reaction was I am never going to do this race again but I couldn’t let it go.

Race Day

Race morning the alarm went off and as I woke I felt race day nerves like I have never felt before, this was it all the hard work I had done over the year was ready to be tested, not finishing wasn’t a option.

As I walked down to the swim I looked at the Lagoon and it was so calm, but also I could feel the clock ticking away it was nearly time. Wetsuit, goggles and hat was on, I was standing on the waters edge just looking straight down the Lagoon focusing, I positioned myself further at the back, as last year I got kicked, and a few people try to swim over me, it wasn’t a very nice experience. My heart was beating quite fast with feeling the nerves and the adrenaline was pumping, the gun went off . With that I was in the water, after a few strokes I settled into my usual rhythm, just focusing on the swim didn’t have anything else in my mind. I had a good swim, had a couple of tangles with another swimmer along the way. Swim time 00:49:27.

As I came out of the water running up to T1, I felt good but knowing I still had a long journey ahead of me, I had a smooth T1 in a time of 00:3:33.

Coming out of transition, spectators were cheering it was a good send of, riding out of Club La Santa I saw my friend Charlie, and I remember shouting out to her I am going to beat Tabayesco gritting my teeth. I had a good ride down to the bottom of Tabayesco, I felt stronger on the bike compared to last year.

As I was going up Tabayesco, I went past a Triathlete, he was suffering a little but I tried to give him encouragement as I knew when you get to the top of Tabayesco, its downhill for a while, I know how hard the climb is. I knew what he was going through. As I was cycling I came across a couple of points of the climb where it was hurting, I talked my way through it, I also had my gym coach on one shoulder and my tri club coach on the other shoulder, I got through it and I didn’t miss the cut off on Tabayesco. This gave me a big boost.

Flying down the other side of Tabayesco, my favourite part, I still had to keep focused on the bike, as I new time was ticking along. I didn’t want to miss that cut off.

I was in last position on the bike. I had reached Famara, all I had left was the long stretch of road from Famara to the next village and it felt long today, I could feel the sun beating on my back, as I went along it was getting hotter. As I looked to my right, I could see the Volcanoes what a fantastic view. I knew I could make it back in time, if I just kept peddling.

I did overtake another triathlete on this long stretch of road, so I was now 2nd from last on the bike. I could see Club La Santa, I was ecstatic, I knew I was ok on time, what a fantastic feeling just riding in to T2, I had done it I felt like I had finished the race.

The 13.1 mile Run

Another Smooth Transition time of 00:2:35. As I came out of T2, I said to myself, this is the last leg just a 13.1 mile run to do.

I could see and hear my family cheering me on, as I went out on the first lap. The crew of Volunteers were fantastic with their support. I felt special.

It seemed to have got warmer, as I was running along, I could feel the sun even more and there wasn’t any shelter for shade. I had to dig deep.

My last lap, my predicted time to finish was 8hrs and 19mins it was going to be close, I had to give it everything. I had, I couldn’t let it slip away. I came onto the track of the Club La Santa Stadium, just had to go round the bend onto the straight then the finish line, I could feel the tears in my eyes. I knew I was going to do it, it was fantastic coming down the straight. I even had a little sprint left in me, I crossed the line, my Sister was there waiting I just hugged her and burst in to tears, I had done it.

I received my medal from Kenneth, if you are going to be given a medal that’s the man to get it from. Race day time 8:23:32

A day to remember it will always be in my memories.

Charity Work

Doing these races I also raise money for a Charity The Somervile Foundation which supports Children and Adults born with a Heart Condition, I have raised £505 so far.

Ironman Lanzarote 70.3 Race Report by Belinda Dawson