Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon - TriathlonOther

The course was quick as the tide was really pulling. The suggested sightings were perfect, and brought me in just to the left of the finish. The water temperature was not bad, and people were spread out enough that the swim conditions were pretty good. I only encountered any type of waves about halfway through, and they were short lasted.

Go to the bathroom before leaving the boat. I figured I would just go in my wetsuit during the swim. I forgot that the effects of the cold water and exersion make that difficult. Stopped a couple times to try and make it happen, lost some time, and still had to hold it through the bike until the start of the run.

This was slooooowwwwww! It took me some time to get out of my wetsuit, and into the first pair of shoes. It took some more time to get out of the first pair of shoes and into my socks and bike shoes.

Practice transitions before the race. Everyone told me to do it, but I didn't, and I have nobody to blame but myself. I also need to remind myself during the transition that it is part of the race. It was too easy to take time to decide what to wear, carry, etc.

This was a nice ride. Since it was my first tri, I think I took it too easy because I was worried about having something left in my legs for the run. Also, I tried to be really conscious of course rules to my detriment, and stayed to the right behind slower riders for too long. Because of this, I did not open it up enogh on the downhills, and did not crank the hills, enough.

Go a little stronger and let loose. Remind myself that it is a race!

I felt okay with my transition. This one seemed easy. Biking shoes and helmet off, running shoes and number belt on. My only problem was mental. I had to remind myself that just because I had completed the bike ride, and was taking off my shoes, the race was not over yet.

PRACTICE TRANSITIONS!

It was too easy to allow yourself to walk on the uphill trail through the presidio, because the line of people in front of you were walking, and it was hard to pass. I felt pretty weak in the sand, and definetely need to do more running in the sand. I finally got the chance to go to the bathroom at the start of the run, but had to go of the course to the bbq area bathroom at the start of Crissy Field since I didn't see any portopotties.

Push myself more on the uphills, although I was pretty beat. Go to the bathroom before the race, as I lost a few minutes finding the bathroom and going. Expand my distance in training. I told myself I would be up to 12 miles running prior to the race, but only made it up to 9.

muscle milk, water, Rubio's tacos, and a beer. Sprayed some of the sore muscle stuff the were handing out on my calves and thighs.


I definetely could have trained more, as I only losely finished a 16 week program (in my defense, I do have a now six month old at home). Otherwise, maybe push myself harder and practice the transitions.


I have nothing to compare it to, but I LOVED THIS RACE. I was really intimidated in the final weeks going in, but now I know I can do it. If I can get in, I will definetely be back next year. Plus, I have already started looking around for my next tri!