I got to do some really cool races this year, including the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon and Ironman Florida 70.3 (half-ironman).
The Escape from Alcatraz race was one of those events in life that really only happen once. Can't tell you how great it feels to have your family cheering you on during a really special event.
Here is the brief overview from the website:
"Triathletes from around the globe will descend on San Francisco for one chance to attempt the impossible – ESCAPE from Alcatraz. The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon attracts World Champions, Olympic Medalists and the best amateur triathletes from 50 states and over 40 countries. They will put their endurance to the ultimate test as they take on San Francisco’s icy waters, steep hills, and rugged terrain. Consistently ranked #1 in the US by Inside Triathlon Magazine, this event draws thousands each summer to find out who has what it takes to ESCAPE! The 2009 Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon features a 1.5-mile swim through frigid waters from Alcatraz Island to the shores of the St. Francis Yacht Club, a grueling 18-mile bike ride, and a demanding 8-mile run through the trails of the Golden Gate Recreational Area. Set against the natural beauty of San Francisco, this thrilling triathlon is a virtual postcard of the City by the Bay."
As you can read it was really cool, you can find more details on that race here: http://www.escapefromalcatraztriathlon.com/
My other big race this year was my half-ironman. I trained really hard for this one and it was all working out well till around mile 12 of the 13.1 mile run, when my body decided it had had enough of the heat and I cramped up all over the place. I limped in to finish, stretching about every 10 steps or so for the last 1.1 miles. Learned a big lesson: No matter how much you prepare for a race, your body can always decide your done, sometimes well before your mind does. It's ok though, we are going back for more next year and I'll have a secret weapon in my corner. You can check out the details on this one here: http://www.floridahalfironman.com/
As some of you know I had my last "big" race of the year last weekend. I ran the Health First Olympic Distance triathlon in Melbourne, FL. I did really well coming out of the water and off the bike, from what I can tell I was in second or third place when I started running. Unfortunately, I couldn't get my leg turnover up to speed and I suffered dearly on the run. This has been a familiar thing for me in the last half of the year. I believe I have a handle on why and we will work on this extensively next year. I ended up finishing 6th in my age group, taking 2 hours 52 min and 35 seconds to finish the race. I was happy with my effort, but disappointed in my results. No worries, I still have one more race to finish up the year.
Sunday, we head down for a short sprint triathlon. It's the last race of an 8 race point series. I'm currently second in points and have a decent shot at winning the points in my age group, but I will have to have my best race ever on the course to do so. So one more race for this year!!!!
After that I'm headed to Panama City to Volunteer for Ironman Florida!!!!!
I'll be giving details on that in my next blog (and I might tell you guys about my secret weapon for next year)!!! Then we start the blogs for the year!!! Let the count down begin!!
Picture was taken by my wife Knikie Simmons. It's Quinn, Cody and I before the start of the Health First race on October 11th, 2009.
For those interested here is the breakdown and results of all my races this year: Cale's Results for 2009 season
