Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon - TriathlonOther

The swim was what made this race for me and what I was looking forward to the most. How often do you get to swim in the bay from Alcatraz to shore in your lifetime? This could be my ONLY time.

It was so much fun and the swim went great! I sighted on the radio tower like they suggested and it brought me straight to shore. No problems with navigation at all.

I didn't get to draft anyone, everyone was pretty spread out to find some feet to follow. That's ok. I liked swimming by myself in this case.

I did what they suggested and took a bit of a rest/stop in the middle of the swim. Not to save energy, because I felt great, but to look around at where I was and what realize what I was doing. Just take in Alcatraz, San Fran, the Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate bridge. It was really spectacular and I just smiled and enjoyed the moment.

Ok, now to the BIG issue... The COLD... Maybe it was just me, but it was not NEARLY as bad as what I was led to believe. In reality, I jumped in and just started swimming. I never even noticed the cold. I was actually shocked I was not MORE surprised by the cold. I was expecting to have my breath stolen away and get a 'jolt'. But nothing. It was like any other swim.

The only part of the swim I did not enjoy was the several mouthfuls of sea water I drank when getting hit by the waves. YUCK!!!

I was happy with my swim time. I was basically BOFOP overall and for my division.

This was a different transition than you usually have. We exited the water and had to find our 'mini' transition bag to take off our wetsuit and put on running shoes. There was about half mile run (or more) to the bikes. So it took longer to get in the running shoes and get to my bike.

Nothing

Beautiful and techinical bike course. It was a real joy to ride. Lots of hills, tight corners, etc...

The only sucky part were the rough road conditions. Lots of potholes. Also, there were a LOT of people on the course. I would find myself 'boxed in' on several occasions. I would want to pass on some of the downhill sections, but decided just to sit up and feather the brakes a bit and just settle in behind someone. I was a bit worried about people's bike handling skills (or lack of, on the downhills) I didn't want to risk a high speed pass on a curvey downhill section filled with road hazards (potholes and other riders).

This bike course was a lot of fun, I had a hard time easing off. I just hammered! Probably to the detriment to my run and race. But so what! It was a blast.

I passed up SO many people early on the bike, but then got passed by quite a few better cyclists that I had bettered out of the water.

I probably didn't drink enough on the bike. The course felt a little too techinical to get time to drink. I was always on my toes due to the course conditions or the people around me. It was also pretty cool, so I didn't feel thirsty (again, probably a detriment to the run)

I was particularily put off by some people that would pass on the right. I would pass on the left (like you are SUPPOSED to) and start moving back over to the right to have some downhill fool racing by me on the right and yelling...

Nice solid transition. I took a couple second to stop and pose for a picture by the wife!

Here is where I sort of lost it. I was pretty tired and dehydrated off the bike. The run felt a little labored for me as my times can testify. I was getting passed a lot on the run.

This run course was amazing. Lots of hills, trails, road, beach, steps, a tunnel, and of course the Sand Ladder...

I was really hoping for about and 8:30/mile pace like I can normally run in on Oly, but I was more like 9:30.

I was slower than average both in my AG and overall. Sort of embarassing since I thought my swim and run were my strengths...

On a side note, I was 297 overall and 51 in my AG for the Sand Ladder! I guess sand ladders are my specialty????? A secret Sand Ladder talent maybe???

They had a medical tent with foam rollers, so I stretched out my ITB and calves a bit.


Fitness and hydration (lack there of)


I met several BTers in the morning to ride down to transition. I thought we were leaving at a good time to be 'on time'. Well, it seems like eveyone in San Fran runs a little slow! We were some of the FIRST people there and had our stuff set up quickly and were able to grab the first bus to the ferry boat. Me being FIRST to set up? That never happens. Usually I am trying to squeez my bike in somewhere.

We arrived at the boat to get body marked and wait for boarding. That probably took about 45 minutes or so. Once boarded, the 'old' people were sent upstairs to our designated holding pen. The three of us found a little section of wall and just hung out and talked. It was really nice.

Once everyone arrived, it was really packed full of athletes. It was a completely new experience. I sort of felt like cattle being led to our end!

The boat departed at 7:00 am for Alcatraz. We were there in about 15 minutes, so just sort of 'hung out' off shore of the island. They played the national anthem then we were off!!! The entire boat unloaded in about 5-6 minutes. WHAT A RUSH!!!!

We needed to leap to the water which was about 5-6 feel below is and start swimming. Like I mentioned in the swim section, the water was NOT as cold as expected and I felt fine.

The bike was lots of fun. I noticed that I can hold my own on the flats with most people. In fact, pass most people up. Same goes for the downhill sections. It's the climbs that hurt me (mostly due to my size)

The run was rough on me. Lots of climbs. But the course was so adventurous and unique, it kept my mind in it the entire time. I just wish I was in better condition and drank more on the bike.

I didn't realized how dehydrated I was untill the race was over. Water never tasted so good.

I have to admit, I lost several spots overall just so I could enjoy the moment. Even at the finish, I came to a complete walk to savor the last 30 yards. What a great feeling.

The crowds were amazing. I have never seen anything like it before at a race. So many people were lined up at the swim exit and the finish of the race. I just wanted to soak it all in.

Yes, I get a little dissapointed I didn't do as well as I hoped, but that was really not the intent of this race. It never was an 'A' race for me. My goal was to have FUN and take it all in. In that case, it was a success! It was a blast.

Then entire trip was a blast. From visiting Alcatraz island, to meeting fellow BTers, seeing Wicked and going to China town. Just a great long weekend from start to finish.

I will probably add more when I think of it and post some pictures I need to get off the camera.

For this race I brought my own bike. I may pass on that next time. It was nice having it, but was also a bit of a problem getting it on the plan, in the shuttle, etc...