Marvelous Mallorca

Racing Ironman Mallorca 70.3 to get a shot at Worlds, and enjoying the solace of the pain cave

Ahhh, Mallorca.

Just saying the word, with it’s lazy-Spanish double L’s, relaxes the soul with visions of soft tropical winds, smooth island mountain roads, and fresh seafood delights. This popular destination was highly recommended from my European friends, often described to Americans as “the Hawaii of Europe, but with more cyclists”. I was here for the endurance party known as the Ironman 70.3 Alcúdia-Mallorca triathlon, to get my first taste of the Spanish islands, and if all goes well, earn a slot to the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in New Zealand.

Ironman 70.3 Alcúdia-Mallorca is the biggest 70.3 in the world, with 3,700+ participants from 100+ different countries. You could tell from the multi-lingual chatter and stacks of tri bikes in every hotel lobby, this was an island takeover. Athletes from Germany and the United Kingdom made up more than half of the competitors, reflecting the typical tourist mix of Mallorca, particular in these late Spring months when guaranteed sunshine is at a premium. As is the case with most 70.3’s, more than 70% of the athletes are first-time racers at this distance, so you could also sense that special rookie energy everywhere. I just loved it! No better way to start a lifetime addiction to the outdoors than this race, right here, right now.

(Quinn has no trouble settling into “island time”)

My wife, Christi, and my 13-year-old daughter, Quinn, joined me for this trip. They had enjoyed Marbella, Spain, last year (more like “the Mexico of Europe”), and as Hawaii regulars, were keen to compare the respective island retreats. They also knew this was an important race for me - after blowing up at IM Puerto Rico in March, this race was the last one on the calendar where I could earn a slot to Worlds. Normally, I would approach such a challenge with my laissez-faire attitude of “I’ll train hard, and if it’s the cards, so be it, but otherwise enjoy the day”. But once the family found out that Worlds would be in New Zealand (aka, “Middle Earth”), I sensed a lot more encouragement from the family, particularly from Quinn, who is eager to see that side of the world. She would do more than cheer on this trip - she was going to keep me on task! ;-)

(It’s a big race!)

As race day arrived, I was feeling ready. My training was “55-year-old-optimal”…fit and healthy, likely not any slower in any discipline, and clocking some good run times thanks to an April filled with marathons in Boston, London, and Vienna (well, 35k at the Run For Life). Work had been super stressful the last few months, so I was also looking forward to a focused retreat in the pain cave. I would “go in blind” on course knowledge, knowing that this would help set a more conservative pace on the ocean swim and mountainous bike, and then I could cut loose on the three-loop run.

I lined up at the start with my Ironman XC colleagues, all of us still chatting about our pre-race prep talk with pro champions Ruth Astle (full Ironman winner here) and Andi Dreitz (3-time 70.3 winner here). Their advice was sound - find some feet to follow on the swim, fuel heavy on the bike climb for the second half, and run like hell before it gets really hot. As the booming voice of Paul Kaye counted us down, we hit the crystal clear waters of the bay, and were off!

(And we’re off!!!)

The swim was delightful, right up until the expected wave of better swimmers overtook us like a pod of thrashing seals. I remain amazed at the agility of lifetime swimmers, gliding through the water with every stroke. How in God’s name are they doing that?!? It kept me smiling…perhaps in another 2 million strokes, I’ll have that magic myself. In the meantime, I was content with my 38:46 swim, about my usual open water pace.

There was a 1k jog to the bikes, which was helpful to get my land legs back, and I quickly got all my ridiculous aero gear on and headed out. (The amount of aero gear is getting slightly out of hand this year as I chase every available watt) The roads were AMAZING! So smooth, with lots of good visibility on upcoming corners. As we got into the long climb up the Coll de Femenia (25km), the packs of riders began to string out as we all found our pace.

(The first section of the bike cruises along the bay)

The views were incredible. I could see why this island is a cycling mecca, and popular training grounds for professionals. In fact, one of my favorite pro riders, 2x Ironman World Champion Patrick Lange, is a regular here, and was also out racing today just a few weeks off of finishing second at Ironman Texas. I had hoped to connect with him in person this weekend through adidas (I work for adidas, and he is sponsored by adidas), but got a hard German “NEIN!” response from my internal requests. Ruth Astle, the pro we had spoken to at lunch, couldn’t believe this when I told her, saying Patrick was one of the nicest guys on the circuit, and would be horrified to learn a fan wasn’t able to connect. No worries - I still enjoy the fact that all the pros are on the same course with us, the same day. Knowing they are suffering at Olympic levels makes me want to push a little harder, and go a little faster.

(Wheeeeeeeeee!!!!)

The descent was so fun, I couldn’t help hollaring out a few “WAHOOOO!”s. With so many skilled riders snaking through the turns, it was easy to keep a fast pace. In the last flat 20k, I went full pain cave, pegging my speed at 42kmph+ through the bike paths and country roads, and going heads down for as long as I could.

Man, I fucking love the pain cave. Everything about it. The metallic taste, legs burning with acid, deep breaths desperately reaching for every molecule of oxygen, the sweat pouring off my nose and elbows and sizzling on the hot pavement, the transcendent whir of the wheels slicing the air….it clears the mind and soul like nothing else. We are taught to avoid it, but for those who practice, we know the truth that lies within. Beyond its fiery gates lies a peaceful haven, a spiritual home beyond our bones, where self-love is the law, and limits exist only to be redefined. It is YOU-topia.

Getting off the bike in 2:49, my headspace was great, and I was ready to unleash the run in the peak heat of the day. Quinn cheered loudly, and also to let me know my primary competition was seven minutes up. Daddy, there was work to do!

(All smiles on the run! Looks like my salt intake was solid too)

With each lap, Quinn kept me updated (so helpful!). My splits were #1 in my M55-59 age group each time, but would it be enough? I couldn’t see my fellow competitors among the masses of looping runners, so I just kept increasing my pace a few seconds 1km at a time. I finished the run in 1:32:48 (#1 AG), with a total time of 5:12:33, and Quinn was at the finish line to give me a medal yelling “WE ARE GOING TO NEW ZEALAND!!!”. We soon found out she was right…it was just enough by a few minutes.

(Quinn presents the prize!)

As I rehydrated and congratulated other finishers, we made our way to watch the bike cut off. Para-athletes, first timers, 70+ year old age groupers, all chasing a 5hr30min deadline in the late afternoon heat, and somehow finding the tenacity to just make it. They know the pain cave well, and will always be my greatest inspiration on the course. I can only hope that when my day arrives to chase time cutoffs, I will be out here with them, and can tap the same courage.

As we gathered for a post-race dinner to share our stories, I could sense that Quinn was understanding the camaraderie that exists in the competitive spirit we share. No matter what life throws our way, on this day, if we gave our best, we all succeeded. And a few of us get to go to New Zealand and do it all again.

(Fanboying with Ruth Astle and Patrick Lange)

Quinn asked if it was a perfect day, and I said “pretty darn close”. And then, as if on cue, Ruth Astle came around the corner with Patrick Lange to introduce him to us. WHAAAATTT!!!!! Fanboy antics ensued to embarrassing levels. I mean, completely embarrassing. “So what’s next for you, Patrick?”, “Well, headed to Challenge Roth, hoping I can hit high 7:20’s with a sub-2:30 marathon”. Jaw. Hits. Ground. Speechless. Guuuuuhhhhh…so…crazy…fast!!!

And by the way, he truly is one of the nicest people I have ever met. ;-)

Thank you, Mallorca, and to all your great volunteers and hosts. And a big thanks to Quinn and Ruth! We will be visit again for sure. But first, some rest, and then ramp up again for New Zealand in December. Don’t worry, pain cave, we will have A LOT of time together this year. ;-)