Escape from Alcatraz: An Amaizng Journey (Teresa's)

As an athlete there are races which when you see them or hear about them for the first time, you think, "I want to do that one."  The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon was one such race.  When we started racing triathlon Patrick told me, "I want to do the Escape from Alcatraz race."  There were a few things to overcome before being ready for this race: 1) Being more comfortable with triathlon; 2) I wanted to race an Ironman (sometimes I get first pick); 3) we had to be prepared for the lottery system.  

San Fransisco

At 4 years into our triathlon story we felt ready to take on this challenge.  On 01 September 2014, I entered us into the lottery.  We waiting till 06 October 2014 for the first lottery drawing.  We had decided that if one of our names was on that list we were going to San Francisco, if it was ONLY one of our names the other person would be there as a support-- HAPPILY.  The lottery list didn't come out till midday.  I quickly scrolled to the bottom of the list to find Patrick's name; I wanted to make sure he was on the list.  I scanned to the bottom with my eyes closed.  There was his name!!!  Holy cow he was in!!!  My heart was beating fast, the excitement was almost too much to bear.  A few deep breaths, time to scroll back up.  Slowly this time I moved towards the middle of the list.  Then I saw it, my name!!!  Holy cow number 2!!!  I was on the list!!!  WE WERE ON THE LIST!!!! 

Talked to the locals.

Toes in the Pacific

That was how it all started.  
We decided to travel to San Francisco and spend more time there prerace in order to adjust to the time change and weather.  It was an amazing trip- we saw the redwoods, saw the beach, stood in the Pacific Ocean, travels to Alcatraz, saw whales, talked to sea lions, watched harbor seals, gasped at windsurfers and hang gliders, and got to see every bit of what San Fransisco and the surrounding areas are famous for; well, most of it.  In addition to the touristing we did, we also got to spend some family time with my uncle and aunt.  That was one of the best parts of this trip. 

Alcatraz in the Back

While we got to see and do and experience so much in California we were out there for a reason- to Escape from Alcatraz.  
First let me say this race is like no other.  It is not a normal distance.  It is long, cold, and challenging swim.  It is a short and difficult bike.  It is a running course with varied terrain.

Practice Swim

Race Morning

To make matters more challanging the weather took a change from what it had been in the days prior to the race.  It was beautiful weather, sunny skies, no fog, mild temperatures, in the leading up to the race, so when to fog rolled in as we ferried out to anchor beside the island it was a little nerve racking.  Given that we could not see the siting points this adventure's adventurousness just got elevated. The goal of the swim was simple for me- don't pass the swim exit, don't reach the Golden Gate Bridge, don't find the Ocean.  Those were all deemed as bad things. Upon jumping into the water the cold was a quick rush; my body quickly went to doing what it does best- swim, arm over arm and breathe.  The land seemed to move without me moving; like an Infinity pool at an IMax.  It was strange and didn't compute in my beach swimming mind.  

What we should have seen!!

Swim exit

I watched the crowds of people shifting around me.  They would go left then right.  I stayed in my spot focused only on the land I could see.  From the water level it seemed I could see a little more of the land and was able to make out a few of the siting points.  I knew I was close as I started to make out the white tents of transition, of course it took me a few spotting efforts in order to realize what these white things were.  To me this meant it was time, time to push the final push towards shore.  I hit the beach as the fog horn from the bridge seem right on top of me.  The good news was I hit the beach dead on center!  Bad news I had very little fine motor skills in my hands. 

Out of the water!

It was a half mile run to the transition area. I had on my booties and decided to run it in without changing.  Turns out this was not a bad choice.  I felt good on the run.  My wetsuit and some taping kept my knee secured and running in the wetsuit warmed me up a little.  Transition was "interesting" given the lack of finger mobility.  I pulled on my arm warmers with balled up hands, tucked hand warmers under my tri suit, slipped into my biking shoes, and away I went. 

Not on the course, but should have been

The bike was my biggest fear, the tall climbing and the fast down hills.  There were times it felt like we climbed just to climb more.  Reaching the top of the hill was a lot like making it to the top of the rollercoaster- your heart is pounding, you are shaking, and then whoosh you are dropped onto the other side. Going down hill it is hard to not to tap on your breaks.  You want to fly but you don't want to fly into the pavement.  This was not like riding at home, hills are different than wind.  It is a game on the hills, a push and pulling game.
It may no have been like home but then there was a moment when I knew I belonged on this course on this day- the moment was as I came down the Great Highway (mile 6.5), the road was fast and the left turn even faster but the road opened up to the Pacific Ocean.  The waves crashing against the sand and spraying a mist of salt into the air.  This was home, home was here, and I know how to ride at home.  Over the next 12 miles I pushed up hill and screamed "WoooHoooo" down hill.  It was still a rough ride with rough roads at times, but the views and the fire in my legs made my heart sing! 

Headed Out

From the climb up the last hill I got one more glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge, again she blew her horn.  This time I could see the tops of her towers above the fog and her legs set upon the water.
One more transition, slipping on knee braces and tennis shoes- this time things were easier as I could use my hands.  I was done with my arm warmers and my hand warmers.  

Sand Ladder

In the run my legs felt every mile of the bike course.  The terrain changed and changed often- gravel path, stairs, pavement, asphalt, trail, soft sand, hard sand, sandy hills, and repeat!  The run held amazing views and amazing people.  I had a guy come up behind me, "nice hardware".  He was pointing out my knee braces and went on to note that he had new hardware on the inside.  We talked a little about the course wear and tear on our joints; however, we love it.  I ran with a woman who I spoke with about the Gavel Girlz team and our mission with Favor House.  
I thought the Sand Ladder was going to be the hardest thing of the run; however, it was the soft sand leading out to the beach and up to the Sand Ladder which caused problems with my knee.  In this soft sand I simply focused on the water. I was glad to make it up the sand ladder and back onto the trail and stairs (even though down hill hurts).    

DONE!!!!  We ESCAPED!!!

My Uncle Loren- cheered all week.

Again the fog horn of the Golden Gate called out, it led us out on to the course and it called us back to the finish.
The finish line was a welcomed site.  It was a site less than 2000 athletes would see this day, but it was there in front of me.  In was mine.  This race will forever be a favorite.  It will forever be different.  And it will forever be imprinted in my soul.  One day I will come back here and the challenge will be accepted again!           

Escape from Alcatraz - Patrick's Perspective

I can thank my infatuation with Alcatraz island to my dad (and Jerry Bruckheimer and Michael Bay). Circa summer of 1998, we watched The Rock almost daily. It is easily the best Nick Cage movie ever, and a great extension of Sean Connery's Bond persona. I hoped one day to visit.

I'm lucky enough to participate in Triathlon events with my wife. Because of this, I pick some races and she picks some. Escape from Alcatraz was my choice from the beginning. I found out about it shortly after we learned about triathlon, and after four years of practice and training at varying distances, we decided it was time to hit the West Coast.
 

Wow, what a view over-looking the bay, bridge and city.

San Francisco was a great place to visit. With family in the area, we had an awesome place to stay, knowledgeable tour guide, and efficient chauffeur. Much of the usual stress of being in a new place melted away. The climate was a lot nicer with cooler temperatures and virtually no humidity. The only complications seemed to be STEEP HILLS and COLD WATER. We did a swim days before the event to get acclimated and honestly, the water was not as bad as I expected. Yes. It was cold, but it was comfortable in a wetsuit.

We were on the perfectly good boat.
The island was about all we could see,
and we were swimming away from it.

Swim: The morning of the race we climbed aboard the big boat and set out toward Alcatraz. As we were standing by the windows enjoying the view of the water and listening to the National Anthem, thick fog rolled in and covered most of our landmarks for sighting. The crazy current was still visible. We were in line to jump off the bow, but that line wasn't moving so we were directed toward the stern where there was literally NO LINE, NO WAITING. Teresa jumped first, narrowly avoiding an athlete who decided to NOT swim immediately. I jumped next and we were off.

Swim exit to a short 1/2 mile run to transition.

Coming into transition.

I'd argue that the swim could have been done without boots. I decided against a thermal cap and went with only the silicone swim cap. The first plunge was cold, but the wetsuit did it's job. This was the weirdest swim I've ever done. The entire time I would sight something on shore and swim my heart out toward that landmark while the current pushed me parallel to the shore. It was like being in an infiniti pool. Forward movement was hard to discern, but I kept going and before I knew it, I could see the exit. I "skillfully" beached in the correct place without assistance. It was a great swim and my favorite part of the race. I didn't get the view of the city or the bridge I had hoped, but I did see Alcatraz Island while swimming in the bay. It was mysterious and spooky as it was shrouded in fog.

Top of Legion of Honor hill going out.

Bike: The rest of the race went slowly. I was confident on the bike through the first hill, then, not-so-much. This was the longest, slowest 18 mile bike I've had, literally. I fought every mile. I stayed ahead of the SAG wagon and finished in the allotted time. My performance was not pretty. The views of the city, bridge, bay, and Alcatraz Island were breathtaking. A lot of the other cyclists missed this part. As I was at mile 13, the fog started to clear. The Golden Gate Bridge appeared as I was cresting Legion of Honor Hill and making my way back to transition. WOW. As I got closer to transition, the rest of the weather burned off. It was great for the scenery but made my run hotter. It was completely worth it. I made it back to transition without assistance.

Coming out of Golden Gate Park, checking for a sharp turn.

6.5 miles to go.

Run: I wanted to catch up with anyone so I set my sights and worked my way up a little. Everyone was in great spirits. Volunteers and support stations were AWESOME. My hamstrings were on the verge of cramping for the entire run. If one twinged I would walk a little. This began on the bike and plagued me the entire run. I worked my way across Chrissy Field, up some stairs by Golden Gate Park, up some hills, along some trails. I crested the main climbing section at Baker Beach and headed down toward the beach. For me, this section was the worst and made the Sand Ladder seem easy. After the Sand Ladder, it was down hill. Again the views were breath-taking. My hamstrings didn't like the downhill at all. I had to take all the stairs down very slow or I would cramp. I was taking in salt and electrolytes at every opportunity. I even had one woman offer to "call someone" for me at mile 5.5. I told her I only had 2 miles to go. I'd be fine. I was until mile 7 of 7.5. I was feeling good and wanted to finish so I was quickening my pace. I tripped over a rock and the jolt locked up my leg. I couldn't move forward or stand up straight. I worked it out and got moving again. I finished just under the wire.

2 Miles to go.

It was the hardest Triathlon I've ever done physically, but the easiest mentally. I had a great time and would do it again in a heart-beat. I would also train a lot more on the bike, but that is normal for me as the cycling is my weakest event. I will say this, the atmosphere of the race was spot on. The staff and volunteers were top-notch. If you ever have the chance, DO IT.

Holding hands on Alcatraz.

Teresa and I, FINISHED.

It was a hard road, but Teresa and I made the Escape from Alcatraz!

Afterwards, we bought a lot of chocolate. A LOT.

2015 Course Details.

Spreading the Word of Favor House, 2000 miles away

On the race course there are many stories.  We all hit the pavement for our own reasons, to face our own demons, to challenge ourselves to our own limits.  While I value and hold dear my journey to and on the course, nowadays I get to also serve a different purpose on the course.  I get to be a member of a team with a purpose.  Our purpose is not about who is the fastest or who is has the most medals, instead it is about a loyalty to the sport, to the other athletes, and to the cause which we serve.  The cause we serve is printed on our kits and in each of our hearts, the Gavel Girlz team serves to support our local domestic violence shelter- Favor House.  
This cause is very dear to me as I work in a field in my day to day job which has a direct relationship with this shelter and to the women and children struggling to overcome a history of abuse.  This philanthropy was one of the motivators for me to join this team.  However, I never knew what role the Favor House would play in my racing.  I certainly did not expect it to be a conversation had while 2500 miles away from the shelter.  

During the Escape from Alcatraz event I heard- "Nice kit", "Cool Kit", "Those are awesome", "What brand is that".  When the lady running beside me in mile 4 asked where she could get a kit like mine I told her it was the kit for our team.  A conversation started about the team and led to a conversation about our support of the Favor House and what the Favor House is and does for those in our community.  The woman was impressed with the our community having a domestic violence shelter to help to protect women as they leave dangerous situations.  She asked several more questions about the shelter and our relationship to the shelter; I felt compelled to tell her that many communities have places like Favor House.  I told her about there being crisis hotlines for help to link to services.  
I don't know if she wanted to volunteer or support such a service in her community, or if she or someone she knew needed such services.  Either way I was glad to have spoken to her about our mission to offer support to these families as they make life changes and to let her know people are there to help.
I believe there are moments in our lives which should not make sense but may change the world of one person.  I hope this moment, if nothing else, provides an opportunity for this woman to help someone or herself. 
Please take time to be aware of those around you, listen to what others are saying to you, offer kindness, know that change is not easy, and have faith in the greater good of mankind.  I am thankful for this moment to share one of the reasons I push the pavement.  
We wear the Favor House name on our kits over our hearts because they are forever in our hearts on and off the course. 

If you ever need help call 850 434 6600.  This is a 24/7 crisis line.  There is help.