And then the emails started to arrive from Iron Man telling me there were only a few weeks to go...and then the athlete pack arrived and before long, that final email telling me it was race week ! Well, that had come round soon enough.
Race day was Saturday 11th May and me and my mate Ian were due to travel out to Mallorca on the Wednesday before. The bikes were due to be collected on 2nd May.
The saturday before travelling on the Wednesday, I spent time getting my bike sorted. I had toyed with the idea of a service but instead just decided to prepare it myself. The bike got a thorough wash and de-grease. Training wheels off, I fitted new carbon rim specific brake blocks (freshly supplied from parcours) front and back, then put the 'race' wheels on. Next it was the Tri bars - at which point it dawned on me that I hadn't yet ridden the bike in 'race trim' this year. Finally the chain was cleaned again with wend 'wax off' and then 'wax on' (see Wend Wax Kit ) was applied by hand. Bike done and ready to be collected.
Then over the next couple of days, I just started collecting kit and creating a pile of gear that I knew I needed...before I got serious and got my list out and started to get into the detail. I packed and re-packed three times...convinced I had forgotten things ! It started to drive my wife mad....you've got a list she said....but what If I haven't got something on this list I said....but eventually, I was sure I had it all there, including my track pump ! I came in at 20kg, leaving 3kg spare for Iron Man goodies !!
Our flight outbound was via Southend. What a dream. Hardly anyone there, literally minutes between checking in and clearing security. Granted, there aren't the shopping and eating facilities of larger airports, but for convenience and ease of use, Southend would take some beating. It was an awful day weather wise, 10 degrees and torrential rain. I was hoping Mallorca would offer something better.
On arrival it didn't disappoint. It wasn't baking hot, but nicely warm and it wasn't raining. Out of reclaim we headed for our pre-booked 'Hoppa' coach, still somewhat dubious about what may await given it cost £27 both ways for two of us !! The signage was dreadful but eventually we tracked the place down, only to have just missed a bus, meaning a wait which lasted probably 45 mins for the next one to leave. Still, there was no rush really. For our 27 quid spend, we got a tour of most of Mallorca as we dropped others off, eventually arriving at our place with near on an empty bus. Checked in and to our room, we called for our bikes...which would be delivered the next morning.
So the days we had 'spare' before race day on Saturday were filled by mix of lazing about, taking care of race registration and related briefings and 'tapering' for the race itself. It was nice to arrive a few days early, crowds at registration were small, so that was a real breeze getting that done. I had my first disappointment at registration...no race number tattoos ! I was gutted, the only chance I get to look like an elite athlete. Oh well. Ian had dropped his bike to the mechanics to check a creaky headset, so registration complete we wandered back to them to see his bike somewhat more in bits than when we left it ! I heard the mechanic say 'big problem...' at which point he showed us what looked like a crack in the steerer tube. He said he could repair it. So off we went again and sat in a cafe drinking smoothies (we are athletes after all !!). When we returned, the guy had managed to make a repair with a part from a Cervelo. So at least Ian could start the race now.
The weather was do different to what we'd left behind in the UK, so it was good to be able to get used to that. When you've done the majority of your training in the cold and miserable winter weather, suddenly arriving in 20 plus degrees does take a bit of getting used to - especially if you are going to be racing for 6 odd hours.
Tapering wise, we did an hour on the bikes, a short 5k run and a couple of swims - which was handy as it was also a good test of the wet-suit, which I hadn't worn since my last race. Also it was good to select the best goggles for race day. Again, all my swimming up to the point I arrived in Mallorca, was done in the pool. Now swimming open water in the bright sun required some suitable goggles, so I'm glad I'd packed a selection and was able to test them and select what I thought would be the best pair for race day.
By the time Friday arrived and it was time to rack the bikes and sort out transition, I was feeling ready to race. I'd felt tired during previous days, but Ian's guidance on the taper sessions had seemed to have worked great and I felt energized. So off we went to rack the bikes - it all starts to feel a bit more real now and for me, the nerves start to make themselves known - but again, racing with a mate helps as you are always chatting and re-assuring each other rather than being left on your own with your own thoughts for too long.
Packing our transition bags before heading down, Ian realised he'd packed 'odd' shoes. He had one with an orthotic and one without !! After the bike saga, he was starting to think this wouldn't be his best race (did I mention the leg injury he was struggling with...?!!)
The transition was massive !! I'd not realised that IM 70.3 Mallorca was the worlds largest half iron man. It was the usual 'clean' transition for Iron Man events, so bikes racked, we headed to the pegs where we'd stash our bike and run bags. Job done, we then did the necessary recce of the swim start and exit, bike exit/bike in and run exit/finish...and most importantly for me, portaloo positions !! With all that crystal clear, it just left race morning final prep (bottles on bikes, nutrition etc.) to be done.
Pre-race meal (pizza of course) and a fairly early night ensued and the hope that a decent nights sleep would come....and a calm sea in the morning !
Race day dawned with the alarm ringing...but unlike other races I've done, this wasn't a silly-o'clock start - 05:40 am was quite sociable. Porridge made and eaten, the customary mug of tea downed and we were set to go. Race morning is always exciting. There were loads of other athletes at the hotel, buzzing around, getting breakfast and sorting last minute details. We headed to transition to check tyres, load up bottles to the bikes and put nutrition on the bikes or in the transition bags. With that done, we wandered onto the beach ready for the swim start. It was a perfect morning, warm, clear and the sea looked really calm (a massive relief for me !). Last toilet stops taken care of it was time to zip up the wet-suits and get in line, ready to start. I was fairly certain that I wouldn't be seeing Ian until the finish, so we wished each other a good and safe race.
Ian is a far better swimmer, so was off into a different pen. I was due off about 8:30 am. The start was buzzing....music was cranked up, a countdown for the first swimmers to go, then it was just the waiting. The swim start was a bit confusing for me...I had chosen a green hat (it was a self-seeding system based on your expected swim time) so this ranged from 45m to 1hr for the swim. When we got queued up, there was supposed to be a slow, medium and fast 'lane' within the 45m to 1hr pen...but it didn't seem to be working that way, there were different coloured hats everywhere ! I just moved forward with the group I was standing with and before I knew it, there I was at the front of the line, with just a few metres of sand between me and the water....an arm went up and that was my signal to start...my race was underway.
I'd never experienced a swim start like it, with supporters lining the water creating a sort of corridor for us to run into. It was quite shallow at the shore, so I had to wade out a fair bit, at my age and with my swim skills I tend to forgo the Baywatch style dives in favour of just walking and then falling into the water ! Soon enough I was swimming and soon realising why this is the biggest half iron man in the world ! It was quite hectic and I found myself stopping and starting as I tried to find some space and settle into a rhythm. I ended up taking a fairly wide line but found clear water and settled down to my swim......and what a glorious place to swim. After rounding the first marker I tried to keep a tighter line to course markers to try and make up for the extra distance I knew I'd taken with my wide start. The finish was a bit like the start in that it was getting shallow quite a way before the exit, so I found myself stopping further out than usual and wading up to the exit. All in all, I was pleased with the swim.
Our flight outbound was via Southend. What a dream. Hardly anyone there, literally minutes between checking in and clearing security. Granted, there aren't the shopping and eating facilities of larger airports, but for convenience and ease of use, Southend would take some beating. It was an awful day weather wise, 10 degrees and torrential rain. I was hoping Mallorca would offer something better.
On arrival it didn't disappoint. It wasn't baking hot, but nicely warm and it wasn't raining. Out of reclaim we headed for our pre-booked 'Hoppa' coach, still somewhat dubious about what may await given it cost £27 both ways for two of us !! The signage was dreadful but eventually we tracked the place down, only to have just missed a bus, meaning a wait which lasted probably 45 mins for the next one to leave. Still, there was no rush really. For our 27 quid spend, we got a tour of most of Mallorca as we dropped others off, eventually arriving at our place with near on an empty bus. Checked in and to our room, we called for our bikes...which would be delivered the next morning.
So the days we had 'spare' before race day on Saturday were filled by mix of lazing about, taking care of race registration and related briefings and 'tapering' for the race itself. It was nice to arrive a few days early, crowds at registration were small, so that was a real breeze getting that done. I had my first disappointment at registration...no race number tattoos ! I was gutted, the only chance I get to look like an elite athlete. Oh well. Ian had dropped his bike to the mechanics to check a creaky headset, so registration complete we wandered back to them to see his bike somewhat more in bits than when we left it ! I heard the mechanic say 'big problem...' at which point he showed us what looked like a crack in the steerer tube. He said he could repair it. So off we went again and sat in a cafe drinking smoothies (we are athletes after all !!). When we returned, the guy had managed to make a repair with a part from a Cervelo. So at least Ian could start the race now.
The weather was do different to what we'd left behind in the UK, so it was good to be able to get used to that. When you've done the majority of your training in the cold and miserable winter weather, suddenly arriving in 20 plus degrees does take a bit of getting used to - especially if you are going to be racing for 6 odd hours.
Tapering wise, we did an hour on the bikes, a short 5k run and a couple of swims - which was handy as it was also a good test of the wet-suit, which I hadn't worn since my last race. Also it was good to select the best goggles for race day. Again, all my swimming up to the point I arrived in Mallorca, was done in the pool. Now swimming open water in the bright sun required some suitable goggles, so I'm glad I'd packed a selection and was able to test them and select what I thought would be the best pair for race day.
By the time Friday arrived and it was time to rack the bikes and sort out transition, I was feeling ready to race. I'd felt tired during previous days, but Ian's guidance on the taper sessions had seemed to have worked great and I felt energized. So off we went to rack the bikes - it all starts to feel a bit more real now and for me, the nerves start to make themselves known - but again, racing with a mate helps as you are always chatting and re-assuring each other rather than being left on your own with your own thoughts for too long.
Packing our transition bags before heading down, Ian realised he'd packed 'odd' shoes. He had one with an orthotic and one without !! After the bike saga, he was starting to think this wouldn't be his best race (did I mention the leg injury he was struggling with...?!!)
The transition was massive !! I'd not realised that IM 70.3 Mallorca was the worlds largest half iron man. It was the usual 'clean' transition for Iron Man events, so bikes racked, we headed to the pegs where we'd stash our bike and run bags. Job done, we then did the necessary recce of the swim start and exit, bike exit/bike in and run exit/finish...and most importantly for me, portaloo positions !! With all that crystal clear, it just left race morning final prep (bottles on bikes, nutrition etc.) to be done.
Pre-race meal (pizza of course) and a fairly early night ensued and the hope that a decent nights sleep would come....and a calm sea in the morning !
Race day dawned with the alarm ringing...but unlike other races I've done, this wasn't a silly-o'clock start - 05:40 am was quite sociable. Porridge made and eaten, the customary mug of tea downed and we were set to go. Race morning is always exciting. There were loads of other athletes at the hotel, buzzing around, getting breakfast and sorting last minute details. We headed to transition to check tyres, load up bottles to the bikes and put nutrition on the bikes or in the transition bags. With that done, we wandered onto the beach ready for the swim start. It was a perfect morning, warm, clear and the sea looked really calm (a massive relief for me !). Last toilet stops taken care of it was time to zip up the wet-suits and get in line, ready to start. I was fairly certain that I wouldn't be seeing Ian until the finish, so we wished each other a good and safe race.
Ian is a far better swimmer, so was off into a different pen. I was due off about 8:30 am. The start was buzzing....music was cranked up, a countdown for the first swimmers to go, then it was just the waiting. The swim start was a bit confusing for me...I had chosen a green hat (it was a self-seeding system based on your expected swim time) so this ranged from 45m to 1hr for the swim. When we got queued up, there was supposed to be a slow, medium and fast 'lane' within the 45m to 1hr pen...but it didn't seem to be working that way, there were different coloured hats everywhere ! I just moved forward with the group I was standing with and before I knew it, there I was at the front of the line, with just a few metres of sand between me and the water....an arm went up and that was my signal to start...my race was underway.
I'd never experienced a swim start like it, with supporters lining the water creating a sort of corridor for us to run into. It was quite shallow at the shore, so I had to wade out a fair bit, at my age and with my swim skills I tend to forgo the Baywatch style dives in favour of just walking and then falling into the water ! Soon enough I was swimming and soon realising why this is the biggest half iron man in the world ! It was quite hectic and I found myself stopping and starting as I tried to find some space and settle into a rhythm. I ended up taking a fairly wide line but found clear water and settled down to my swim......and what a glorious place to swim. After rounding the first marker I tried to keep a tighter line to course markers to try and make up for the extra distance I knew I'd taken with my wide start. The finish was a bit like the start in that it was getting shallow quite a way before the exit, so I found myself stopping further out than usual and wading up to the exit. All in all, I was pleased with the swim.
Running into transition I couldn't resist the pull of a portaloo and took a comfort break...with a wetsuit and tri suit to negotiate they are never quick stops. Into transition and my pegs were close to the entry. I couldn't tell you how, but I spent 11 minutes in T1...mostly trying to get sand off my feet, putting sun cream on, getting my gels in my tri suit...and then taking on the long run to my bike. Bike spotted and un-racked and across the mount line I was off and looking forward to the bike leg.
Road surfaces were lovely and it was fairly easy to pick up speed and settle into position for the ride ahead. I did find myself struggling to get a nice position on the saddle and kept shuffling around trying to get comfy. Maybe this was my fault for not riding my race set up beforehand.
First thing to notice was that there were a lot of bikes on the road, so trying to keep the regulation 12m drafting gap was quite tricky at times. So I did what I usually do and just try to ride outside of people so if I'm inside that 12m then I'm not sitting directly on someone's wheel. I'm sure it makes no difference...but it makes me feel better !
First big challenge of the bike course would be the climb. I don't mind climbing at all, so it wasn't bothering me, but the heat was starting to build and that was the bit that worried me. But I needn't have worried. The climb was nicely shaded in parts and the profile was just a steady climb over I think 5 or 6 miles in total. I took the chance to eat some solid food on the climb and top up on drinks before the descent. I love a descent even more than I love a climb !!! I couldn't wait, but was being reserved and heeding the advice we were given at the race brief. There are a wide mix of abilities so you really have to allow for this...and so it was that there were at least three crashes that I saw on the way down. I really do hope those people are ok. Having safely navigated what I found to be a great descent, it was a matter of sitting in for the rest of the ride. There was one section of really awful road surface (again we had been briefed) and some points where as we rode through villages we all bunched up again and got some warnings from the course bike for 'drafting'.
At 80km I felt there were a couple of riders behind me and when I heard someone free-wheeling I knew I was being drafted. But I didn't want to slow down or sit up as I was riding my own race....struggling by now with some headwind I was down to 18 mph and I didn't want to give that up.....but in the end, I got frustrated at the free-riders and sat up, took a drink and made them ride past. To my surprise, not a few moments later there was the course bike, dishing out a blue card to at least one of the two that had been behind me. That was a lesson....the threat of drafting penalties isn't just a threat. Its the first time I've seen a penalty issued in all the races I've taken part in. So, that was at 80km and I kept the best pace I could in the last 10k as I approached T2....and the half marathon.
Bike racked and making my way to my bags, my legs didn't feel that bad. My T2 wasn't so long as T1 and after a few minutes I was out onto the run. The heat was a lot more noticeable now, once off the bike. The start of the run, as always, was hard work...I was relying on my now trusty cups of coke to give me those much needed boosts. I started to feel a lot better after a few miles and thought, if I can sustain this pace, I'll be happy...but that burst of pace was short lived. I soon began to slow...and slow....and slow...and struggle. But I kept moving forward, closer to the finish....I didn't come all this way and pay all that money to not get a finish ! For reasons unknown, my shoes were really feeling uncomfortable and my feet felt like they were on fire. The crowds of support were much better on the run, especially along the beach with the hotels alongside. Someone even shouted out my name...surely I don't know anyone here I thought. It shows how much you are struggling to think straight...it took a while to dawn on me that my name was on my race number !! But regardless, the support and encouragement were well received.
I really wanted the run to end....and soon it was approaching. I was on my last lap of the three. There's no better feeling than peeling off into that finish chute and onto that carpet...hearing your name and realising you are a few steps from the finish !! Of course, you always summon a bit of speed that wasn't available to you out on the course as you try to make a fast and fancy finish.
And that was it, I was done, I'd finished. Medal round my neck, I zig-zagged around the finishing chute trying to find the correct size finisher t-shirt. That done, I duly passed by all the free food (it's the only time I pass on free food) and headed for the coke dispenser. I grabbed two cups and tried to find a quiet corner where I could stretch and feel like total crap for 20 minutes or so. It seems to be a theme when I race half iron distance. After 10 mins or so I started to feel better and spotted Ian - he'd clearly had a great race and finished before me, even with his patched up bike, odd trainers and bad leg !! After a few more cokes I started to feel human again, as we swapped tales of the race. We'd met a few of Ian's mates from Havering Tri so we all had a good chat before we all made a move back to our hotels.
We all met again for some drinks later and them some lovely tapas, before retiring for a well earned sleep ! Sunday would consist of doing nothing other than lazing around on a sunbed and taking a beach stroll to keep the legs moving. Monday was time to head home.
And there you have it. Race done. After all the training, arranging, travelling and nerves I had completed in and finished my first overseas triathlon. Did I enjoy it, would I come back?....a massive YES !! I loved every minute of if and would certainly not hesitate to do the same race again. Ok, it cost a lot more than an equivalent race in the UK and there was a lot more to consider, in terms of getting bikes out there and packing kit to an airplane luggage limit. But having done it now, it wouldn't be so much of a chore to do it again. Mallorca itself and Alcudia where the race took place is a stunning location, surrounded by mountains there was always a stunning backdrop wherever you looked.
It was so much the better for travelling and racing with a mate...I couldn't imagine travelling on my own and racing on my own...but I guess many do. But for me the trip was all the better for having company.
There's a few pictures below, see what you think. Who wouldn't want to race in a location like this with such great weather, in May.
First thing to notice was that there were a lot of bikes on the road, so trying to keep the regulation 12m drafting gap was quite tricky at times. So I did what I usually do and just try to ride outside of people so if I'm inside that 12m then I'm not sitting directly on someone's wheel. I'm sure it makes no difference...but it makes me feel better !
First big challenge of the bike course would be the climb. I don't mind climbing at all, so it wasn't bothering me, but the heat was starting to build and that was the bit that worried me. But I needn't have worried. The climb was nicely shaded in parts and the profile was just a steady climb over I think 5 or 6 miles in total. I took the chance to eat some solid food on the climb and top up on drinks before the descent. I love a descent even more than I love a climb !!! I couldn't wait, but was being reserved and heeding the advice we were given at the race brief. There are a wide mix of abilities so you really have to allow for this...and so it was that there were at least three crashes that I saw on the way down. I really do hope those people are ok. Having safely navigated what I found to be a great descent, it was a matter of sitting in for the rest of the ride. There was one section of really awful road surface (again we had been briefed) and some points where as we rode through villages we all bunched up again and got some warnings from the course bike for 'drafting'.
At 80km I felt there were a couple of riders behind me and when I heard someone free-wheeling I knew I was being drafted. But I didn't want to slow down or sit up as I was riding my own race....struggling by now with some headwind I was down to 18 mph and I didn't want to give that up.....but in the end, I got frustrated at the free-riders and sat up, took a drink and made them ride past. To my surprise, not a few moments later there was the course bike, dishing out a blue card to at least one of the two that had been behind me. That was a lesson....the threat of drafting penalties isn't just a threat. Its the first time I've seen a penalty issued in all the races I've taken part in. So, that was at 80km and I kept the best pace I could in the last 10k as I approached T2....and the half marathon.
Bike racked and making my way to my bags, my legs didn't feel that bad. My T2 wasn't so long as T1 and after a few minutes I was out onto the run. The heat was a lot more noticeable now, once off the bike. The start of the run, as always, was hard work...I was relying on my now trusty cups of coke to give me those much needed boosts. I started to feel a lot better after a few miles and thought, if I can sustain this pace, I'll be happy...but that burst of pace was short lived. I soon began to slow...and slow....and slow...and struggle. But I kept moving forward, closer to the finish....I didn't come all this way and pay all that money to not get a finish ! For reasons unknown, my shoes were really feeling uncomfortable and my feet felt like they were on fire. The crowds of support were much better on the run, especially along the beach with the hotels alongside. Someone even shouted out my name...surely I don't know anyone here I thought. It shows how much you are struggling to think straight...it took a while to dawn on me that my name was on my race number !! But regardless, the support and encouragement were well received.
I really wanted the run to end....and soon it was approaching. I was on my last lap of the three. There's no better feeling than peeling off into that finish chute and onto that carpet...hearing your name and realising you are a few steps from the finish !! Of course, you always summon a bit of speed that wasn't available to you out on the course as you try to make a fast and fancy finish.
And that was it, I was done, I'd finished. Medal round my neck, I zig-zagged around the finishing chute trying to find the correct size finisher t-shirt. That done, I duly passed by all the free food (it's the only time I pass on free food) and headed for the coke dispenser. I grabbed two cups and tried to find a quiet corner where I could stretch and feel like total crap for 20 minutes or so. It seems to be a theme when I race half iron distance. After 10 mins or so I started to feel better and spotted Ian - he'd clearly had a great race and finished before me, even with his patched up bike, odd trainers and bad leg !! After a few more cokes I started to feel human again, as we swapped tales of the race. We'd met a few of Ian's mates from Havering Tri so we all had a good chat before we all made a move back to our hotels.
We all met again for some drinks later and them some lovely tapas, before retiring for a well earned sleep ! Sunday would consist of doing nothing other than lazing around on a sunbed and taking a beach stroll to keep the legs moving. Monday was time to head home.
And there you have it. Race done. After all the training, arranging, travelling and nerves I had completed in and finished my first overseas triathlon. Did I enjoy it, would I come back?....a massive YES !! I loved every minute of if and would certainly not hesitate to do the same race again. Ok, it cost a lot more than an equivalent race in the UK and there was a lot more to consider, in terms of getting bikes out there and packing kit to an airplane luggage limit. But having done it now, it wouldn't be so much of a chore to do it again. Mallorca itself and Alcudia where the race took place is a stunning location, surrounded by mountains there was always a stunning backdrop wherever you looked.
It was so much the better for travelling and racing with a mate...I couldn't imagine travelling on my own and racing on my own...but I guess many do. But for me the trip was all the better for having company.
There's a few pictures below, see what you think. Who wouldn't want to race in a location like this with such great weather, in May.
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| Alcudia Beach |
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| Harbour at sunset |
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| Transition - how big !! |
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| What a place to swim ! |
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| Great lunch spot |
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