Lanzarote multi terrain 3 stage marathon

[JP the Dream Chaser]

Well, I've had a great weekend - Saturday, Sunday & Monday hacking across rocky, amazing wilderness on Lanzarote. The whole marathon distance split into 3 races, run over 3 days.

Day one, 13.51km, mainly uphill, over rock, dirt track, sandy sections and finishing on road at a pretty church just outside Club La Santa (the organisers). Felt strong and finished like a train. Already thinking "what a great event!". Fellow competitors were really friendly and there was a general feelgood factor. The winner came in 51 mins after the gun and I came in just under 65 mins.

Day two, 14.03km, in the mountains through lava fields and vine growing regions, up hill, downhill, rock, dirt track and road. Scenery even better than day one and again, I felt good, surprisingly good. Finished like a train again 30 secs faster than on day one, despite being further. The winner comes home in 52 mins. Afterwards, the local mayor treats the whole contingent to a tapas lunch next to the church. What a great way to round off a race!

Day three, 14.66km mainly downhill over some very tricky terrain, rock, loose stones etc. Legs feeling seriously tired before I even started, but somehow I blot out the pain and just go for it. This time I change my tactics and start near the front with the intention of hanging on. I lose very few places, go hard on the downhill sections and just 'cope' on the uphill parts. Coming into the stadium at Club La Santa, once again, I finish with a serious burst of speed in 63 mins.

My combined times for the 3 races total 3hrs 12mins 26secs and I came 17th out of 49 finishers (other people did one or two races for various reasons). I was chuffed to bits and hope to be fit and healthy next year, as this experience is a 'must do' for me now.

Anyone want to join me next year? It is just brill!

Cheers

JP
PS My legs ache...