Preparing to compete in Lanzarote: what to wear and how to avoid mistakes on race day

🌋 Lanzarote is not just any island

Competing in Lanzarote isn't just about running or pedaling in a beautiful place. Lanzarote requires. There is constant wind, direct sun, unexpected slopes and volcanic terrain that can punish more than add. But if you're prepared, it's an unforgettable experience.

It doesn't matter if you come to run the IRONMAN, to do the Wine Run or to debut in a trail race: if you don't wear what you play, You don't arrive at the finish line comfortably, or you don't even arrive.

🎯 The problem of improvising

Many arrive with good training... and fail because they didn't bring the right thing:

• Glasses that fog up
• Sneakers that don't grip on volcanic soil
• Not wearing enough sun protection or hydration
• Overconfidence that “the time will be fine”

This article is to avoid all of that. You don't have a generic list here: Do you have condensed experience, designed by and for those who come to do their best in Lanzarote.

🧭 First things first: study your test

Before thinking about the material, make sure you know three key things:

1. Distance and slope: Running 10 km through Arrecife is not the same as 25 km in Famara Total with 900 m of climb.
2. Type of terrain: Asphalt, loose soil, volcanic rock? This completely changes the type of shoe or the pressure of the wheels.
3. Rules and requirements of the organization: Some tests call for a front, a thermal blanket or even a cell phone with a battery.

If you have that clear, you can now start preparing the equipment.

🏝️ The specifics of competing in Lanzarote

1. The Sun: There is no shade. None. And it can be 25°C even in December. Wear sunscreen before going out, a cap, and quality goggles. The skin burns and the eyes dry out.

2. The wind: There are tests where the wind can completely change your strategy, especially on a bike. If you come with high-profile wheels and you don't know how to drive them in a side wind, you're sold.

3. Low humidity: You sweat a lot, but you dry quickly. That's deceiving. Dehydrating is very easy. Start drinking before you are thirsty. Bring your own gels or salts if you don't know the supplies.

4. Volcanic terrain: Loose dirt, sharp stone, black sand. It's not technical like mountains, but it's very punishing. If you don't wear the right footwear, you'll slip or blister.

🧰 What to really wear: no frills

You don't have to buy all of Decathlon. But there are things that do or do have to come with you:

For triathlon (any distance)

• Clear or mirrored swimming goggles (depending on departure time)
• Short neoprene (depending on water temperature, may be allowed)
• Dorsal portal brace
• Revised and approved helmet
• Bike and running shoes
• Triathlon jumpsuit or three-piece kit that doesn't bother transitions
• Gels that you have already tried
• Electrolyte bottle, especially if the bike is over 40 km
• Small towel in transition zone

For trail or running

• Shoes with soles designed for grip on loose ground
• Vest with soft flasks or belt with bottle
• Thermal blanket if required by the regulations
• Gels, salts or bars that you have already used
• Lightweight glasses that fit well with movement
• Front if there are night sections
• Buff or cap
• Windproof jacket if there are exposed sections

For cycling or bicycle touring

• Large bottle (or two small ones if you don't have a backpack)
• Basic multi-tool and spare camera
• Pressure adapted to the conditions: there are many areas with potholes or dirt
• Helmet, goggles and gloves
• Jersey with large pockets
• Windbreaker if you take long routes with changes in altitude

⛔ What you don't need (and many bring)

• Asphalt hydration backpacks: unnecessary and heavy
• New sneakers: guaranteed blisters
• New race gift gel: never try anything new on test day
• “Just in case” accessories that you never use: they only carry weight

🎯 Before the race: review ritual

Do this the day before:

1. Check your number, chip and schedule (some events change the output depending on the wind).
2. Review your checklist by discipline.
3. Prepare the material in blocks: swimming, cycling, running.
4. Charge devices (watch, front, mobile).
5. Early dinner and something you already know.
6. He sleeps, even if it's only 6 hours, but he sleeps.

📌 Conclusion

You won't win the race for what you wear... but you can lose it if you don't prepare. Lanzarote is spectacular, but it's also tough. If you want to compete here and really enjoy it, Get ready how it plays.

Remember: there's no glory in barely surviving a test. The real victory is Arrive strong, enjoy the ride and cross the finish line wanting to return.