Alcatraz

[MikePritch]

Hey all,

here’s a late report from Escape from Alcatraz, June 3rd. My third time doing it.

It’s easily my favorite race. Not entirely sure why since the swim is basically a fear factor experience for me.

It’s considered an olympic distance however the swim is usually a longer segment relative to the bike & run. The landscape is incredible. It has an Xterra feel due to a trail run that’s single track in places. It skirts the Presidio with incredible Bay and Ocean views. And then there’s the sand ladder which is pretty unique. My only complaint is the bike course should really be longer. It’s a choppy 18 miles – steep climbs, quick descents with corners at the bottom, and not nearly enough flats!

The race started at 7am. I left the hotel at 5am on the bike. It’s an eerie feeling riding through downtown & Marina districts in the early twilight. Pretty cool sight. It was also windy which did not help my swim anxiety. Flags along the streets were flapping. I feared white caps but as it turned out the water was fine.

After getting transition setup, buses are loaded between 4:45 and 5:45am taking you to pier 3 to catch the ferry boat. Boat leaves at 6:15.

The race started at 7am. Pro’s line the side of the boat and go at 6:55. The rest of us pile off at 7am. All 1,600 are off by 7:05. Surprisingly the swim fans out immediately. A key element of the swim is picking the correct line. The swim finish is near Marina Greens - southwest from Alcatraz towards the Golden Gate. There are no buoys and a swift current. Strong swimmers take a direct line, medium and slower swimmers go left of target to avoid over shooting but at the expense of adding distance. What a dilemma and bummer.

My swim went well other than ingesting to much SF Bay water. I started further left than needed but corrected early. I exited the water and was surprised by the time. Much faster this year, 34min vs. 47min last year. Everyone’s times were faster due to the stronger current but my swim rank also improved from last year. So I was pretty happy making the 1K run to T1.

I approached the bike a little different this year. I took it more conservative trying to avoid a blow up later in the run. As a result, stayed more consistent throughout the ride. This seemed to help. Also took more calories than prior races. Reading the other race reports has been helpful in seeing the importance of managing effort levels, nutrition, etc...

The run is mostly an out and back trail run (8 miles) that includes a segment on the beach and the infamous sand ladder. The two way traffic gets interesting in parts of the trail. Instructions are to yield to returning runners. In places you have to turn sideways to avoid contact. Seeing the pro’s come through is impressive. They are flying – men and women. It looks like they’re running an 800m race.

I accomplished my run goal – avoided the blow up and beat last year’s time by quite a bit.

Overall a good day. I hope others will consider this race next year. I hope to be there.

http://www.tricalifornia.com/alcatraz/2007/index.htm

Mike

[Cindybigglestone]

Sounds like a beautiful and challenging course! Very impressive PR for the swim. I'd love to add it to the race schedule for next year. We should make it our out of state team race

Thanks for the report!

What Mike failed to mention in his race report is that he placed 64th overall (51st male) out of 1571 competitors!!
Truly impressive (especially on such a swim-heavy course.)
Congrats Mike!
This race sounds like a blast....can't wait to try it next year.

[benbiggles]

Well done Mike, you continuw to impress me with your strength and great race performamces. I am really really looking forward to racing with you in Canada, I think you are going to have a special day there.

Yes, ALcatraz next year sounds great. I shall try and get an entry somehow. This is definitely in my top 5 races to do.

Ben

Actually, Mike was 51st overall individual. He was only 64th b/c the other 13 that beat him were relay teams. He beat all the age-group women and 3 of the women pros!!!