Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon (Page 2)

I've done Alcatraz twice and it is one of the classic races in the history of the sport along with Ironman Hawaii, The Nice Triathlon in Nice, France, Chicago Triathlon, St Croix 70.3 and the Laguna Phuket Triathlon in Thailand. There used to be the Hilton Head USTS National Championship on that list but it is extinct. Those are the classics, the icons.

I've done each of those events and I can tell you that Alcatraz is right up there with them. You will have a lot of fun on a beautiful and challenging course.

Here are some thoughts from my individual expereinces at Alcatraz:

-The swim was surprisingly easy both times I did the event. The race organizers and boat captains put you in the water up-current from the swim finish, current sweeping powerfully from your left (roughly south-ish) to your right. You will hear before the race in pre-race meetings (attend those) that there is one large pair of buildings to sight on during the swim if the current is running as it was the two times I did it. It works perfectly. If you sight on those buildings, and you have the typical prevailing moring tidal currents you will beach at exactly the right location.

Water is cold. There are no sharks, or at least, it is such a minimal real concern you ought be more worried about one of the jet skis instead. There are a good amount of experienced life guards.

The bike course is technical. If you can pre-ride the course or even do a reconnaissance in a car prior to the event it will be very valuable. The is one place where you make a left turn and immediately begin a steep climb. It's common for people to drop a chain there. Have your bike checked out beforehand.

The talk of the run is the "Sand Ladder". It's tough. I walked it. It's at the end of the beach section. Everyone will tell you about it.

When you run back under the bridge and see the Island it is a big feeling of accomplishment to think, "Hey, I started there..."

Also, San Francisco is a beautiful town with many, many things to do.

Congratulatons and good luck. You will experience a true classic in our sport.

I will add the following.

Jdicarlo, Kido, Catwoman and I stayed in a B&B in the Marina district. I found this to be much more pleasant than Fisherman's Wharf. It has a neighborhood feel and the food prices are more reasonable. We rode our bikes straight down the street to Marina Green.

Stop in the middle of your swim for a moment or two to take in the scenary. This is breathtaking.

If you have solid bike skills take the TT, if not the roadie. There is not much time for aero.

Everyone talks about the sand ladder. There is another set of stairs and a tunnel by the GG Bridge.

Get a wall position on the ferry, which means getting on early. It was nice to relax prior to the race.

Take a bottle of water to dump into your wetsuit just prior to jumping in. For me it reduced the shock of the cold water. It was 58 during my race. I also swam over two huge jellyfish.

Have fun