Just Add Water

Woman dies in Alcatraz swim race

I was shocked and saddened to hear this afternoon that a 51 year-old woman out of Houston Texas died this morning while swimming from Alcatraz. While the cause is unknown, it is a reminder that the sport and thrills we love are done at our own risk.

I've been a race participant and I've worked a number of races.  From the race management side, it is always safety, safety, safety.  From kayakers, pilots, radio contacts, chip-rippers and all - you are thinking about safety.    I've been a race participant in the Alcatraz Challenge Aquathlon in years past and I've also volunteered and worked the event.  On the water working the event you are constantly counting the heads of swimmers and looking for anyone with a hand-up who needs help and watching out for a swimmer who might be having a tough go of it.  I'm sure today's race was no different.

For swimmers, it is knowing your limits, knowing when to raise your hand for help and staying safe.  (Please note that I am saying this in general and in no way implying that the swimmer was not prepared... I know nothing about her training, health or swim abilities).

My thoughts go out to the victim's family.  I'm sure when she left to do the event she was eager to return with a triumphant story to tell.  I'm also thinking about the race directors and volunteers.  It's everyone's worst nightmare to lose a participant, no matter what the cause.

Santa Cruz Masters Rough Water, Pier to Pier in LA

It was a busy weekend for the rough water world!  The Santa Cruz Masters held their 1-mile Rough Water Swim on Saturday and Cruz Cruise Two Mile Swim on Sunday.  A huge congrats to Jim Knight from the South End Rowing Club who broke the 20-minute mark for the 1-mile.  (Jim, if I can be half your speed when I'm in my fifties I'll squeal with delight).  Brenda, another SERC member drove down this morning and hit the 2-mile with a vengence coming in at 1:02, besting her previous time by over 15 minutes.  I should mention that Jim and Brenda did a DUO of both the Manhattan Swim and the Trans Tahoe this year!  Brenda is leaving for the English Channel in a week for a 6-person relay.  I, am a sloth.

Down south, Pier to Pier took place and a hearty congrats goes out to Tony Austin who blogged about his 52 minute finish.  Go Tony!

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Alcatraz #82 - I am not your swim mistress

You know it's going to be an interesting day when the first email you read begins with "Meet me in the city for a good time - jump at at 2". 

Now, to those tawdry minds out there thinking I'm off having an affair in the afternoon I'm sorry to disappoint you.  No, this is a late lunch with friends that happens to consist of non-standard lunch attire and a tad more sodium than your doctor would normally permit. 

With eight hours of work packed in and in dire need of a break I headed into the city for a quick dip.  Part of me was wondering if I really wanted to do this.  I started back at the gym this morning for core and strength training and my body was telling me "pain, pain, pain" getting up and down the staircase.  Mind over matter and just keep moving.

A word to the wise  - there's a reason Alcatraz swims and races take place in the morning.  The water is always smoother than the wind-kickin' chop of the afternoon.  It was gorgeous today - blue sky, sunny, warm (for San Francisco) wind.  It also happened that we were jumping off the east end of the island on a 3.5 max flood. 

I started out smooth and strong and then hit the washing machine.  The result of the afternoon wind and max rushing around the island makes for a washing machine effect 200 yards off the island and it's a reminder that Alcatraz isn't for everyone, especially in the afternoon.  It's rough, tough and puts the fear into you.  There were a good two minutes in there where my mind wasn't on my stroke, it was on getting air and getting out of the washing machine, whatever forward motion it took.

Once out of the washing machine the water seemed smoother even though compared to morning swims it was rough.  I breath bi-laterally, every third or fifth stroke.  Today, depending on which way the waves were hammering I had to breath on one side which makes me swim in a zig-zag pattern.  Breathing left for a large number of strokes will send me off to the Bay Bridge if I'm not careful!

Approaching San Francisco it was clear we would miss Pier 39 and 37 so shot for Pier 35.  A few tourist boats with people pointing and snapping photos later we touched Pier 35.  Total time - 38 minutes, 47 seconds.   

I climbed back into the zodiac for a bumpy ride back to the South End Rowing Club and grabbed my car keys for the drive home and back to work.

Between my morning workout at the gym and the swim, my pecs, lats and core are going to be sore tonight! 

Santa Barbara Channel Swim - almost there

After making the drive up from Santa Monica to Carpinteria where my teammates are, all I want to do is take a nap.  Am I nervous?  Not really.  In fact I'm excited.  The swim this morning gave me back confidence.  I could feel power in my stroke and my back loosening up.  What I want now is a nap, some food and to get on the boat.  However, I'm pacing in my hotel room, taking care of emails, calling the office and basically doing everything but sleeping.  I know tonight will be long, rough, cold and challenging, but I just want it to start!

Morning swim at Venice Beach - thanks guys!

I've been unable to swim for the last 10 days making me quite a nervous wreck for the Santa Barbara Channel Swim tonight.  In fact, I've been fretting about it for days.  Between work, family and just life in general you can get the doubts running through your head.  It's a 6-person relay with 1-hour legs.  The water should be in the low to mid 60's so no issues there.  The worse case scenario is me rolling over and kicking to fill my hour.  I'm kidding, but if that's what it took I'd do it!

Last night my friend from work suggested that I swim with her husband and his friends who joined the triathlon mania last year.  They train together 4-5 days a week - swimming, biking, running.  They are disciplined and I am a sloth.  Today was their open water swim day at Venice Beach.  The offer was so gracious and I really did want to get in the water so I accepted.

At 5:45am I stood in my swimsuit and swim coat on a corner in LA with Ivan waiting for the guys.  I have to admit, I was nervous.  I'm always nervous swimming with new people.  I'm not fast and don't want to hold anyone up.  They would be in wetsuits and me a skin so even more of an advantage to the home team.

The ride to the beach was funny, with chatter reminiscent of a South End zodiac ride in the morning.  Yes, it's SERC-LA!  My sides were hurting from laughing so much that by the time we hit the water I was relaxed and having a blast.

The water was warm with some easy rollers.  It was much clearer than in the San Francisco Bay and I was able to stay mid-pack of the guys which was quite comforting.  I could feel my shoulders start to release allowing my arms to stretch out and rotating more.  After 47 minutes in the water it was time to go to work.

Thanks guys for a great swim! 

Congrats! Lane Lines to Shorelines Open Water DVD

A hearty congratulations to Gary Emich for the release of the DVD "Lane Lines to Shore Lines - Your Complete Guide to Open Water Swimming."  I watched the DVD last night and in addition to seeing many friends and their strokes (always fun) the topics are helpful to those wanting to hit the open water.    Below is a preview of the DVD.  You can also read more at Gary's official site Lane Lines to Shore Lines.

Alcatraz Swim 72 - Getting the Lead Out

The call came yesterday afternoon for an early Alcatraz swim.  "Be at the club by 5:30.  We're leaving the dock at 6:15".  And that was that.

Despite being tired I'm pushing to get to 100 by June 11 which for those of you who are into prison lore is the anniversary date of the prison breakout that was the inspiration for the movie Escape From Alcatraz.  I have a lot of swimming to do between now and then but with four swims in the last seven days and the support of other swimmers and pilots I may just make it.

As I made the drive into the SERC, the radio blared a favorable weather report but looking into the Bay from the Golden Gate Bride the pre-dawn light was already showing some white caps.  Yes, I'm having coffee with chop and wave today.

Gary Emich was our pilot today as three of us gals made the crossing from Coughlin to Alcatraz.  My butt will be sore for the rest of the day from the zodiac ride bouncing us over to the start.  In true fashion, KB, DSW and I went overboard and up onto the beach and waited for the horn before heading out and being assaulted by some hard 4 foot rollers coming in.

The initial sighting this morning was to be on the east slope of Angel Island.  Jumping 17 minutes before a weak max ebb (1.7) we would have a slow carry past the rock.  As I looked up for the first few sightings all I could see was a cruise ship making its way into port.  I wondered if the passengers on board had a sauna.  Or coffee.

I have to say that not many people swim to prisons and this morning will go down as a favorite swim for a while.  Why?  I was fortunate enough to swim with two women who are both strong swimmers (I had to wear my fins today to keep in the pack).  For a good third of the way I swam in between the two and stroke for stroke I was able to see the years of experience and art of swimming in rough chop.  Nerves are of steel - it's just another swim.  Arms are a bit higher to allow you to get up, over or through the face-bashing wall of water.    Tempo is even when possible with strong underwater recovery.  Both women are able to grab and push an amazing amount of water while at the same time staying in "the tube" and streamlining. 

The second third of the swim we spread out a bit, but not much for safety reasons.  You always need to know where your pilot is, your fellow swimmers and be aware that you are heading in the same direction.  After the swim Gary mentioned that once he was ready to come over and herd us back together but before he could we merged ourselves.  While it is for safety, it is also a sign of respect to your pilot and fellow swimmers.  Your pilot(s) shouldn't have to race all over the Bay to protect your aquatic rear-end.  For your fellow swimmers, anyone can have an off day and watching the pack leave massive gaps can cause panic to the straggler.  Similarly, if you are a speed demon and way out in front, slow up and either swim back, tread water or somehow get in your pack.  This of course does not apply to race days where you have a barrier of pilots and are looking for your best time but for training swims in the open water, safety and respect will carry you over the years and make you a stronger swimmer.

The last part of the swim was both beautiful and hard work.  To the right, the sun was a blazing ball of fire over the Bay Bridge.  To the left, the Golden Gate Bridge had a reflective glow from the sunrise and the bluest of blue skies overhead drove out the cold.

Nearing Alcatraz always gets choppy with the water rushing around the obstacle of the island creating little back eddies and yes, chop and rolls that get a bit harsher and higher.  It is difficult to see ahead and even more so to stay together.    Somehow the three of us came together and completed the morning mission before scurrying back and getting a helpful hand up and over the side of the zodiac.  I have a nice bruise on my left thigh to prove it.

Time:  45:26 (sf)

Days off and blog housekeeping

Days Off
I've taken the last 3 days off of swimming because the dragging fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest heaviness, leg cramps and more finally pushed me over the edge and to the doctor.  After a series of blood tests it was discovered that I am severely anemic.  More tests will follow to determine if this is solely dietary or something more but for now I'm simply relieved and thankful.  The funny thing is I feel best in the water rather than upright.  (Yes, I will repeat again that gravity sucks).  Having returned from the health food store with iron supplements, a steak and more iron-rich foods I plan to be back in the water tomorrow.  Perhaps a few licks of the Golden Gate Bridge will help my deficiency.

Hey Lady!  Why the Gaps?
Someone emailed me earlier in the week asking about the gaps in my blog - missing swims, etc.  I just moved my old blog posts over from another platform and still have to gather blog/journal/diary entries from other sources and enter them with photos, maps and links to make this my central swim repository. 

Between raising 3 children under the age of 7, building a new house, working full-time  - I may not be fast, but I do get around to personal things like this eventually.

Mastering Rough Water Swimming

If it hasn't reached your mailbox or newstand yet, be sure and pickup the latest issue of Triathlete Magazine.  Gary Emich, swim criminal and delight, has published a great article about Mastering Rough Water.  If you are happy with the smooth-as-glass pool and a tad unnerved by the turbulence that open water conditions can often present, this article is a must read.

For anyone doing an open water swim you will encounter the conditions - wind, waves, chop.  Gary provides an excellent read on swim mechanics including how to visualize your body position, stroke cycle, timing, breathing and keep a confident head about you.

Alcatraz Challenge Swim & Run - August 5, 2007

Mark your calendars boys and girls - here's a swim from Alcatraz that will be a memorable one.  The Alcatraz Challenge race motto "Swim or DIE" will get you giggling.  For those who want to travel light and leave the bike at home or for those with webbed and winged feet but no wheels, this one is for you.  Why?  It's an AQUATHLON!

1.5 mile swim from Alcatraz to the Presidio and a 7 mile out-and-back run across the scenic Golden Gate Bridge.  There are also options to do a Relay Team Swim-Run or if you are at all like me (gravity is just mean and sucks), do the 1.5 mile swim only.

No excuses, no whining.  Just get your entry in.