Accenture Escape from Alcatraz - TriathlonOther

The water temp was 56 degrees. Cold but tolerable with a wetsuit and neoprene cap. I was a bit conservative to start because I was worried about my calf muscles cramping up like they did at the training clinic. The massage must have worked because I didn't have any problems. I felt strong through the whole swim. We hit some high swells after we got away from the boat but they were manageable. I settled into a steady pace and made my way across the Bay. I stopped about halfway across and turned back to look at Alcatraz. Wow!

You can't swim a straight line to the swim exit because of tides so you have to compensate by navigating slightly east (to the left). We had been given specific landmarks to follow. First sight off Fontana Towers over Aquatic Park. Then head toward the Fort Mason buildings. When you can see the dome of the Palace of Fine Arts, head straight toward it. Easy enough. Except I'm near sighted and I don't have prescription goggles so it was hard to sight off something I couldn't see. I decided to just follow the crowd and ended up overshooting the swim exit (me and about 50 others). This throws you into a current that's like a hamster on a treadmill going nowhere when you try to turn to shore. Ugh. I know this added a good 10 minutes to my swim time.

I finally made it to the water's edge and just as I was standing up I got hit by a strong tide which completely knocked me off my feet and pulled me back into the water. One more time, a few strokes, stand up, and another wave slaps me in the back and knocks me down. Begging the ocean to spit me out once and for all, I dug my hands into the ebbing sand and crawled out of the water. I had to back track to the real swim exit so I could cross the timing mat and climb up the slippery moss covered steps. Big smile. I survived the swim.

This event had an abundance of happy, helpful volunteers and they were waiting to lead me to my bag which contained my transition shoes. I think I set the record for taking the longest to wiggle out of a wetsuit. The last 10 minutes of the swim had beat me up and my limbs were jello. Finally, I got it off, put my shoes on, and ran the 1/2 mile to the real transition area. I sat down, put my bike cleats on, helmet, sunglasses (finally I can see) and then grabbed a towel and tried to blow all the sand and salt water out of my nose. Grabbed my bike and took off. This was a bit long but I didn't really care because all I could think of was how good it felt to be done with the swim.

I've been training on hills and I really don't mind them so this was fun in it's own grueling way. What made it difficult were the sharp turns at the top and bottom of each hill. The first climb starts at 1.5 miles. At mile 4.5 you hit a downhill (easily 35 without pedaling) but have to be ready to brake quickly because there's a 90 degree turn right at the bottom.

The steepest hill was at mile 12 on Seal Rock. I was told it's a 20% grade. It's immediately after two 90 degree turns and there's no way to build up any speed to help pull you up. I knew it was coming so I got in my granny ring. I hate admitting I had to use that but after all, I am a Grandma. Unfortunately, this wasn't even enough to get me up. I couldn't stop and unclip because it was too steep. I knew I was going down and my mind was going a mile a minute trying to figure out what to do. I spotted a large shrub just ahead on the right curb so I stood and pushed as hard as I could for two more pedal strokes until I was even with the bush and then as gently as I could, I just layed myself over into the lush green. My feet did a little dance but I came out no worse for the wear. I walked the rest of the way up the hill. There's a method to this madness because the few people who passed me had trashed their legs by the time they got to the top and I passed them on the way down.

This bike course is beautiful. It's challenging for sure. It's a kick and I loved it. Volunteers and police officers were at every turn. Aid stations every 2-3 miles along the route. I took in Gatorade and Clif Shot Bloks.

Nothing exciting about this transition. I moved a little faster than the first one. Once again, tried to blow the remaining sand and salt water out of my nose.

The first mile of the run is on a flat groomed trail, going into Crissy Field to Fort Point. Then up a set of wooden stairs and through a tunnel where we had to duck our heads or get a goose egg. Up a steep concrete slope and then onto a narrow trail to Baker Beach. This was my first time running in sand and I just had to laugh at how awkward it was. I hit wet areas where the tide had come in and this felt like quick sand. After the turn around we headed back where we encountered the dreaded Sand Ladder. I walked this and even though it was tiring, it was so much fun. I mean really, how many runs have sand steps. We also hit some terrain that was like mushy landscaping bark. I don't think there was anything left out of this run. Sand, bark, concrete, steps, pavement, crude trail, groomed trail, it was all there. Running under the Golden Gate Bridge was totally awesome. The run course held the same beauty as the bike and offered spectacular views of the bay and bridge.

The longer I ran the stronger I felt. The closer I got to the finish line the more excited I was. I took in two gels, some Clif Shot Bloks, and lots of water from the aid stations.

The T2 and Run results are not posted for several participants. I'm not sure why but I'll add them when I get the information.

This event is too big for words. There were several times on the course when I slipped into sightseeing mode and had to remind myself I was racing. I came in BOP but I'm thrilled knowing that I swam the same waves as Andy Potts and climbed the same hills as Leanda Cave. We shared a shuttle to the airport with Craig Alexander, the 3rd place pro, and I can't help but smile when I think that I crossed the same finish line as he did. It may have taken me twice as long but I swam, biked, and ran the very same miles as the pros.

The icing on the cake for the whole event was getting to share it with my daughter. Kelly calmed my fears, cheered me on, and totally kicked butt on race day. Jim is so proud of both of us and is still busting his buttons when he talks about our accomplishment. You just can't ask for more than that.