Escape from Alcatraz June 4

Final Time 3:43.27

Breakdown:
1.5 mile swim 43.38
T1 12.21
18 mile bike 1.19.13
T2 3.28
8 mile run 1.27.34


The Swim:
The morning started out with the bay waters looking calm, with the early morning sun shining. The boat ride to our starting point was smooth. It was fun hanging out with teammates on the ride over. At 8:04 am it was time to “jump ship” The water was cold, but not as bad as previous swims. It was choppy, and with more swells then I expected, but all in all not bad (at least in my opinion, but hey swimming is my best sport). Forty-three minutes later I was peeling off my wetsuit, rinsing off my feet and lacing up a pair of running shoes, to run to the first official transition “T1”.

The Bike:
Once in T1 it was off with the running shoes, on with socks, on with the bike shoes, gloves, helmet, sunglasses and away I go for a hilly 18 miles pass Crissy field, along Lincoln Ave, pass the Legion of Honor, through the golf course, pass the VA Hosp, passing the cliff house, along the great highway with waves crashing, then into Golden Gate Park. I look down at my odometer it’s only been 8 miles and 10 more to go. I know there will be major hills on the second half of the bike course. I must save energy, not only for the bike course but also for the hilly 8 mile run course. Next it’s out of GGP take a left turn onto the Great Hwy and it’s up the hill pass the Cliff House (in my lowest gear). I think “stay in the saddle, keep the heart rate low” just around the corner is Seal Rock road. It’s very steep! The steepest hill on the course, when I peddle up this hill I’m up and out of the saddle standing or “dancing” on the peddles to power my way up the hill, knowing my heart is pounding hard. All the while I’m thinking gotta save energy for the run. Just then a cyclist in front of me makes a quick U turn and stops on the hill to pick up a pair of sunglasses. They aren’t even his!!! His are on his face. For a moment I wonder if an accident is going to happen. Thank goodness no one crashes. I continue to climb, then a quick down hill descent, and a sharp left turn through the golf course again, pass ing the Legion of Honor, and more descending. I’m heading down hill fast. I love the down hills! I race through the Sea Cliff neighborhood hoping to see Robin Williams, since he often comes out to watch these events, since he lives only a few blocks away. No Robin. One last climb up Lincoln Ave, in my lowest gear, I only stand up for a few seconds then finally I reached the top. Yippee!! It’s all down hill from that point on with the last 2 miles flat and fast to T2 (Transition two).


The Run:
In 3.28 minutes I racked my bike, cycling shoes off, gloves off, helmet off, running shoes on, a few quick drinks of liquid food, a small bottle of Gu in my shirt pocket, and a cliff bar, then away I go out of the shoot so to speak. The run….it’s my weakest sport. It’s the one in which I’m the slowest and have the most difficult time. My stomach after drinking the liquid food feels bloated. I think why am I carrying this cliff bar, just then I see Coach Alex, and quickly give him my cliff bar. I just couldn’t throw it on the ground. Littering on the course is a very big issue! The run goes along Crissy Field. My legs feel like concrete, or large elephant legs moving ever so slowly just then I see “Iron Joe” with his wife Maria. He tells me how great I’m doing, “Looking good. Keep it up” Seeing and hearing teammates and friends is like getting a shot of caffeine, nothing better. Next it’s up the first set of stairs I walk them, thinking the next 6 miles will be long and hilly gotta’ save my energy and save my legs. Then it’s under the Golden Gate Bridge (GGB) and onto a narrow dirt trail. I love running on dirt trails! I feel good. The scenery is spectacular with the waves crashing along the Marin Headlands, and the blue Pacific. Life is good. I’m grateful I’m alive and healthy and can do this. Then it is back on asphalt as I head down Lincoln Ave towards Baker Beach, then it’s off the road, and onto the sand (deep soft sand). The feet move ever so slowly in the sand, I see the half way turn around point just ahead. Team-in-Training volunteers are cheering us on and handing out water. I’m on the home stretch. I make my way to the hard sand, just next to the waves. Once again I admire the beauty of the San Francisco shore line, I look left and just then……two dolphins smoothly roll out of the water for some air. It’s a sign I’ll make it to the finish. I’ll be ok. Every now and then there is a moment in time in which you don’t forget. It’s just a split second, nanosecond. The two dolphins will be that time. Now on my right is the infamous Sand Ladder…. I was thinking it won’t be too bad, last time (2004) I did the sand ladder I ran almost the entire way up. This year a different story. I begin with a run, which quickly turns into a walk up the sand ladder, but it’s a quick walk, eyes focused on making sure my footing is secure. I even pass a few people. I make it to the top, and begin the steady climb up Lincoln Ave, this time along a narrow foot trail along side the road, watching out for poison oak with each step, plus tree roots to step over. Within a few minutes the trail curves right through trees towards the GGB. Then under the GG Bridge, with a steady descend, down the first set of stairs, I run down these. Now I’m back on Crissy Field and flat ground. I’m thinking I have 2+ miles to go, looking at my watch and the time, thinking I will not make my estimate race time unless I run fast and hard the last few miles when I come to water stop and the volunteers yell “One mile to go!!” I ask “Are you sure?” “Yip” so I think stay strong, stay in form, stomach in, hips straight, kick the legs. As I’m nearing the final few yards, friends and teammate are yelling, “Go Barbara” I give a thumbs up, and sprint to the finish.

Final time: 3:43.37 beating my estimated time by 9:23

Life is good. Not because I beat my time, because I’m healthy, I can do triathlons, my body allows me to; and because I have wonderful friends and teammates. Adding to the glory of the day was having the sunshine.