Escape from the Rock - TriathlonOther

Mini crisis #1 - somehow I lost my goggles on the walk from Aquatic Park to the ferry (?!?). I thought "what the heck" and jumped in without eyewear. mistake! I was one of the first in the water and managed to swim to the start, eyes closed, without problem. I was yelled at by the kayakers to move back - I was too far forward, ahead of the start line. I yelled back "NO!" Words were excanged. A kayaker threatened disqualification. I said I didn't care. Without goggles, there was no way I was swimming away from the finish line! Fortunately, other kayakers moved forward such that I was no longer out front, and the race began.

I felt good physically but the lack of sight really derailed my mental being. None of the support kayakers or emergency crews had spare goggles. A really great kayaker stayed beside me and helped keep me headed in the right direction. She also gave me words of encouragement. This went on for 20 min or so, and I was way back. Then, another swimmer dropped out and the kayaker asked if he would lend his goggles, and he said yes! What a nice thing to do! The kayakers got the goggles to me and I swam strong the next 40 min. I was pulled out of the water about 100M away from the entrance of Aquatic Park to clear the shipping lane - i was dropped back right at the entrance to Aquatic Park and finished the last quarter mile or so strong. Thank you swimmer 697 for your goggles! at the swim finish, I gave them to a race official. I hope they made it back to the rightful owner! I finished earlier than expected (I was last out of the water a year ago), so my wife almost missed my exit from the water. It was great to have her waiting. Next year, I will not loose my goggles and I will not be repositioned by water safety folks.

Mini crisis #2 - I got a flat rear tire on the bike ride during a fast descent west-bound on Lincoln Blvd (by Baker Beach). That was really scary, as it happened on a curve and I was headed straight for a cluster of riders making the ascent in the opposite direction. I honestly don't know how I managed to keep the bike upright and not hit anyone. I road back to Crissy field on the flat, about 3 miles - I'm sure I'll have to replace my back rim :-(

The run was great – I felt good the whole time. I went slow and followed close behind other runners on the narrow up-hill trails, and then passed on the open parts. I walked the sand ladder, and brief bit on loose sand, but that’s about it. Linda was waiting at the finish line.

I knocked an hour off my time from last year!

This is a great race! The course is stunningly beautiful, and challenging with the Bay swim and hilly run & bike.