Here are some thoughts post-escape:
1. Wetsuits have limited benefits
Yes, I wore a full wetsuit in this race. TI founder, Terry Laughlin, is known to never wear one, regardless of the temperature. He's not the only one, a TI swimmer who lives in San Francisco, swims 6 days a week in the Bay w/o a wetsuit. But, for me, when you're talking 55 degree water...right.
This is the first time I've worn a full wetsuit, having donned a sleeveless in lake swims. It is now crystal clear to me that the extra buoyancy that so many triathletes crave from their Blue Seventy, is a significant barrier to feeling the water. I found myself frequently through the 1.5 mile swim not feeling my patient catch out front, leading to difficulty in engaging core drive for propulsion.
TI really emphasizes swimming through the water, not on top of it. What a difference. Neoprene actually inhibits a swimmer's capacity to swim efficiently. Fish swim through the H2O, not on the surface, why shouldn't we? A good question.
Therefore, if the water is cold enough, bring me my Vortex LJ. If frigid cold like at Alcatraz, my Nineteen Tsunami will do the trick. Last week, I swam in Falls Lake at 74 degrees w/o a wetsuit, and it was a piece of cake. Hopefully, the cold water experience will enhance my tolerance and ability to swim well in cooler temps.
Ideally, I'll just take the water and TI. Yet, the wetsuits stay in the closet.
2. Becoming a "finisher" is worth the sacrifice.
Everyone who competed at the Escape received an Alcatraz medal, proudly worn by the 1800 competitors after finishing. Engraved on the back of the medal is the word, "finisher." Awesome word.
I had heard how big an event the Escape was, but could not truly appreciate the gravity of the race til I was there. Triathletes were there from 30 different countries, and no telling how many states. I was fortunate to be invited to swim on a relay, which was sponsored by IMG, the company who owns the race. Many athletes had to wait several years for the privilege to participate, and many people traveled from one of 30 different countries. The financial sacrifice was not minimal.
While times are important for any athlete, whether a personal best or Hunter Kemper's winning time of sub 2 hrs (sick!), finishing rules the day. For me, I was pleased w/ my time of 31:48, yet take more pride in knowing I achieved the goal. Being the first heart transplant recipient to successfully swim the Escape from Alcatraz really makes all the cost of preparing--open water training and races, anxiety & time away from home--worth it.
What are you planning to "finish" this season? No matter how small the goal, be an achiever and finish strong!
