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!