# Escape from Alcatraz Report

By [jasonbrewer.eth](https://paragraph.com/@jasonbrewer) · 2022-06-11

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On June 5th I participated in the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon. The race isn’t the longest but one of the toughest. It consists of a 1.5 mile ocean swim from Alcatraz, 18 mile bike ride through the hill of San Francisco, and then finished with an 8 mile run on the coast of the Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Unfortunately, as the race was about to begin the fog rolled in at the last minute so we weren’t able to do the swim from Alcatraz. The ferry had to move closer to the shoreline so we’d be able to see the swim course and didn’t get pulled out to sea. The current of the water in the bay is very strong. I was surprisingly calm before this race started. Usually, the competition gets me energized and my excitement gets my nerves at 100. We jump into the cold 58 degree Bay water. I’d been preparing for the initial shock of the cold. I’d taken a couple of swims to acclimate myself to the cold temperature waters. The swim is a complete free for all. We all jump in at once. There is kicking, dragging, and pulling until you can find a free lane or get behind someone going your pace to get a nice draft. Before I knew it we were out of the water. I stood up on the beach shore and to my dismay, it was raining! Someone told me it didn’t rain in California but every time if visit it rains. \*_Shrug\*_ Either way, I had a strong swim. The run to the transition area was long at least a half mile. Once I got to the transition area of course all my gear was wet. I was able to get on my socks and shoes quickly and hop on my bike. The roads were so slick and the rain was coming down hard. The bike course was grueling and technical. It was an 18 mile bike ride through San Francisco bike. The scenery was beautiful. The best course that I’ve been on to date. It took us past the Golden Gate Bridge and on a road that boarded the coast of the pacific ocean, through Golden Gate Park, and then back to the transition area in Marina Park.

![Final quarter mile to the finish line](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/3e44b3b68afba62e56c40d2addec2d84791360a54a9c32ae7f98bc52f8483b31.jpg)

Final quarter mile to the finish line

After that, it was an 8 mile run course that had up literally running straight up a mountain and then back down it. We ran adjacent to historical Fort Winfield Scott, on Ocean Beach, and up beach stairs that seemed to go straight. The locals called it the sand ladder. It was interesting to see all the different batteries the military used that overlooked the entrance to the bay. A museum and memorial of World War II. For the last 2 miles it felt like my pace was even stronger but I couldn’t tell because I forgot to bring the charger for my watch. I came through to the finish line strong and completed an overall great race. But I wasn’t satisfied with my performance. I’ve got to do this race again next year. Review, learn and improve.

![Alcatraz Island. Race start.](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/3363b55f0f7bb1f6c64581d1fee4620035a9449bc3d0216eb9f9df25a8bbc9d9.png)

Alcatraz Island. Race start.

I’m so happy that my family was able to travel with me and cheer me on throughout the entire race. That was a big motivation for me. I’m grateful to have such a supportive family.

On to the next chapter. What’s the next challenge?

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*Originally published on [jasonbrewer.eth](https://paragraph.com/@jasonbrewer/escape-from-alcatraz-report)*