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Lanzarote is one of Spain’s Canary Islands, located on the West Coast of Africa. It is a place of both beauty and starkness that demands respect and provokes wonder. Just remembering my visit causes me to easily recall the unique landscape and topography of a land whose immigrants were the founders of San Antonio, Texas over 275 years ago. And there is still a cultural bridge between this small Island and the 8th largest city in the United States. The strong family ties and proud heritage is easily seen and felt in both places. The Island allows each visitor to have fun and relax; the Ironman race enables athletes to test themselves physically and mentally. Both tourist and competitor leave a different person from their arrival.

Simply stated, the Lanzarote Ironman (IM) race is a “class act” and totally caters to the athlete. From registration months before the race to getting the athlete to the hotel at midnight after the race, every organizational and support detail assures a quality race. From the Race Director, Kenneth Gasque, to weary volunteer encouraging a runner at the last water stop just before the 17 hour race termination time - each is encouraging, helpful, patient, and appears to truly appreciate the goals and efforts of every competitor. Without organization and volunteers, any race is doomed. Lanzarote organizers do everything possible for the athlete to have their best IM. But the obstacle standing between the competitor and the finish line is the Island itself.

I had coached an athlete who’d done the Lanzarote IM in 2003 and I’d read several articles about the island and its history. When I arrived in Lanzarote the week of the Ironman race, I thought I was familiar with what was in store for the upcoming 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run. Probably like every other first-time visitor or athlete, I was very wrong.

From the perspective of a tourist and athlete, the Islanders are gregarious and appeared very happy. This may seem a trite phrase, but the people seemed patient, honest, and content on an Island that can be hostile and demanding - ask any athlete who did (or attempted) the IM on May 21st. There is much to do and see on Lanzarote, whether its solitude on a secluded beach or the desire to meet and mix with others from all over the world. For those coming to do the IM, each brings their own uncertainties and concerns. And the Island will exaggerate and test those personal doubts.

Becoming acclimatized to Lanzarote is not easy for an athlete - the roads are rough, the wind is incessant, and the hills unending. The Island seems to continuously test the “intruder” who thinks s/he can tame the harshness of the race course. You can’t. All you are allowed to do by the land, water, and weather is define the challenges that test you personally as an athlete and cause each to show respect and patience - the mind of the competitor and the whim of the Island will dictate success or failure as the race proceeds.

For a vacationer, Lanzarote is more “tolerant”. The food is excellent, the weather is warm and clear, and great memories are there for the making. Life is good and it can be enjoyed with ease. Great memories begin to gather quickly and are hopefully long-lasting. There are no shortages of things to do, places to go, or excitements to experience. For IM competitors, the race is the focus of the trip

One outcome of this IM race is dictated by the time on the clock as you cross the finish line before midnight. But that’s only the “statistical” outcome of the event. What I, and I hope every athlete took away from IM Lanzarote, is a clearer, deeper understanding and appreciation of mental toughness that was untested before. At any IM, no competitor is ever positive they’ll finish; too many variables (illness, accidents, breakdowns, etc.) are possible and uncontrollable. Lanzarote’s race environment further complicates the athlete’s race strategy with its disregard for personal goals. The Island has no patience for the impatient competitor. The race course never loses.

Each IM race holds special memories and has different challenges. In that way, IM Lanzarote was like any other. What was special and different on May 21st was the severity of all the environmental variable that can’t be controlled (seas, heat, wind, hills, and roads). Couple that with the extreme mental toughness that had to be called upon to contend with, and tolerate, to earn a finisher’s medal. Portions of the race may be briefly easier than others, but in total, it is the toughest IM race course.

The history of Lanzarote as “the” place to vacation is long and proud and its IM reputation is just as well known. Both may draw an individual back for another visit, perhaps with the same excitement, but with a better focus and purpose than previously held. I knew something of the history of the Island’s people and their openness, the barrenness of the landscape and its beauty, and the difficulty of the IM race course before my arrival. Having now experienced it all, I more fully respect now what I didn’t fully appreciate before..

Each athlete or vacationer to Lanzarote takes home memories that will last a life time. And the Island chooses who will smile and who will be wiser as s/he leaves - ideally each person, particularly Ironman competitors, depart happy, content, and smarter. I did.