A Big Announcement

Well, I've been waiting to announce this until I had officially registered, but I've signed up for the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon in San Francisco on May 2! It's probably crazy that I signed up for this race since I haven't ridden my actual bicycle in months, but the registration fee has been paid and now I've got to get my butt on my bike and start riding. And start riding mostly uphill!

This is the bike course elevation map (source). I have to say that it looks a little bit scary, especially the hill starting around Mile 12! I have no idea what I'm getting myself into, but I think that this will be a really great experience for me and I intend to have fun no matter what.

I had been feeling like I needed something else to round out my triathlon season and while this might be a bit sooner than I anticipated, I think it's just what I was looking for. We've already booked our hotel and flights, so now I just have to worry about the training, how to get my bike there (or if I should/can rent one), and I probably have to get/rent a full-sleeved wetsuit. But, of course, I'm really excited about it!

Since I've already planned out my half-Ironman training, I think I'll just stick with that plan for the time being. It should be more than enough training for Alcatraz. I'll just try to stick in a few extra hills on the bike. And maybe even try to sneak in at least one open-water swim before the race? Should be an interesting experience!