Racing Perspective

Continued from Broken Callar Bone, Part I Race Day It was 4:30 AM. Time to wake up and prepare for the race. It was still dark out, the AC was pumping and my internal alarm clock was sounding. Like any race morning I never need an alarm clock. I laid awake as I began to mentally prepare myself for the day. Racing through my head were loud thoughts of fear, doubt and uncertainty. Because of a previous injury, where I had broken my collar bone, I was worried that I may not be fully healed or strong enough to get through the race. I was trying to quiet my mind and remain calm despite my stressful state. The injury happened just as I began to feel a shift in my strength and stamina during training. Unfortunately this was a huge set back for me. The doctor warned me that I would definitely be taking a risk by doing this race and that I may not be strong enough to control the bike a high speeds. I had an ongoing dialogue in my head for days. Was I crazy for doing this? What

Escape from Alcatraz Race Report Escape from Alcatraz is one of the most challenging Triathlon of its kind. 1.5 Mile Swim from Alcatraz Island in the icy cold San Francisco Bay said to have sharks. 18 mile bike in hilly San Francisco then a bone crushing 8 mile hilly run. Credit: Photos by David Paul Morris / Special to The Chronicle To have a top finish in this Triathlon is a great accomplishment compared to finding your self in the finals of an Olympic event due to large number of top professionals and talented amateur athletes selected to compete in this race. I was very lucky to have won a lottery spot by successfully completing a race on the East Coast months ago.  I am very grateful to have been apart of this unique and challenging race. Special thanks to my friend and Coach/Mentor Wes Hobson who has won this race a few times. He is great athlete, coach and good friend -- his voice was in my head the entire time I was racing.

It was 3 PM after school and we were on a bus on our way to an indoor track and field meet. I didn't have any music to listen to and was trying to relax. I was going through my rituals, massaging and stretching my legs. I was extremely nervous and hadn't slept much the night before. Along with the nerves, I was excited too. I had my teammates, my brothers in arms, suffering along with me.