Escape from Alcatraz
Anyone else doing Escape this weekend?
For those who might be wondering, yes this race is usually in the middle of the summer, but it was moved all the way up to March 3rd this year due to America's Cup. So that means the swim is going to be more 'brisk' than ever.
Weather is actually looking about as good as we could hope for SF this time of year though... they are somehow showing that it might be 70 and sunny on Sunday, boy that'd be a miracle. Going to need all the sunshine we can get to try and warm up after the swim, since the current water temp is 50.5 degrees.
I'm not positive what kit I'll be wearing yet, might be too cold to wear my EN top, but just want to check if any other EN'rs will be be out this year.
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I've been doing regular winter swims in the ocean down here in SD to try and prepare myself, with water temps ranging from the low to mid 50's.
With good full suit, a double latex cap and/or a neoprene cap it's really not that bad once you get moving. But two things about Alcatraz. First, you jump off of a ferry for the swim start, so there is no easing into it at all. I'm not sure that if that is a good or a bad thing, probably good in the sense that it forces you to just get it over with, bad in the sense that it is going to be a huge shock.
The other thing is that 56 is not 50. I've gotten used to these temps, but going another 5 degrees colder... well, I guess I'll be finding out soon
that race is a hoot.
have fun.
you will be nice and toasty on the boat. and the swim is over quick if you shoot your landmarks correctly. so I bet the temperature is not much of an issue. especially if you worry more about missing the target and getting swept out to sea under the bridge.
I don't think the water temp varies much any time of the year, but the air temps will be a little cooler, so bundle up.
My suggestions:
Take a spare pair of shoes for the swim exit to run to the transition area (what's called"T.5"). Do not go barefoot!
Take your best hill climbing gears on your bike, as it gets steep on them hills!! I think that a road bike is better than a TT bike. I'm to a pro, so a TT bike would have little benefit.
And do not try to race up the sand ladder, climb steady and use the ropes on the side. Save your energy for the trail run. Also, stick close to the water line on baker beach, where the sand is packed harder. It's pretty dam soft, so gaining traction is difficult.
I am definitely bringing my road bike, currently equipped with a compact and an 11-28T on the back, so I'll have about as many gears as I could ask for. Truth be told though, I'm not looking for any spectacular finishing time out of all of this, doing it purely for the experience and I'm definitely looking forward to it.
Will try to heed the rest of the advice and will give you guys a shout on how it all went once I'm thoroughly defrosted next Monday.
I always pay attention to the Alcatraz race reports. Like most triathletes, this event is on my bucket list too, especially as a former San Franciscan.
If you were still in Iowa you would have had about 6 inches of snow yesterday! Think about that when you jump in the water and it won't feel quite so bad hahaha. Have a great weekend up there!!
Oh my, not again!
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?se...id=9014338
Heard about the swim death but not until well after the finish, much I could say on that topic. Already sort of got into it over on Reddit. You can probably figure out which one is me.
glad you had fun.
we did in 2008. fast swim year I think.
we stayed at the youth hostel right next to the venus. great deal.
I almost wiped on the bike a couple times. love these downhill 90 degree turns.
had to jump off the run path to let Crowie and Andy Potts come the other way.