Alcatraz Challenge
So, I will confess that I was a bit nervous for this race. The problem wasn't the water per se; I'm a fairly competent open water swimmer.
The issues was rather that there was so pay to pay attention to in the water; directions are very specific, and they are dependent on the tides. It's a complicated swim, to say the least.
The day started early as Dave and I departed my house at 4:50 am, after a sleepless night. We got to the start at around 5:15 and boarded the boat at around 7:30 am. Once the race started there was not time to think. Within minutes we were at the start and we had to jump in without hesitation. I think I was almost too cerebral in terms of my approach, which probably cost me a few minutes in the end. What I learned, however, is that you can't concern yourself too much worrying about your time with a swim like this. I screwed up a few times and had to ask a kayaker if I was on the correct route. I finally finished is around 51 minutes, which was a bit slower than anticipated, though people on the run course were saying it was a slow swim. That said, I was just happy to touch shore. I felt good swimming wise, but that was almost an afterthought. As I said, navigating the course was a far greater challenge.
The 7 mile run went up the Presidio, all the way up an across the Golden Gate bridge and back. It was windy and hilly but I kept a steady but comfortable pace and finished in around 54 minutes or so (including a nature break) which was better than I thought I'd do.
All in all a super fun day for my boy Dave and I and I'll probably do this one again.
1 comment
Jul 13, 2009
Nicholas Quirke said...
This is tight as hell. Who had the better time, you or your boy Dave? Also, dang, they dropped a medal on you boys for that nonsense? Who was the photog for the pic of you coming out of the water? Hoping he/she is available for my second wedding.
