I was so fired up - literally jumping around - when I found I’d made the lottery for Alcatraz.
But…
I was already registered for IMCDA when I got the news. And IM is my “A” race - Alcatraz would be incredibly cool, but just for fun. (For me - not like I’m really competitive in either - just looking for a good IM PR.)
Alcatraz…going solo. CDA…doing it with 7 friends and a ton of family/friend spectators.
Alcatraz…flight, hotel, etc. CDA…drive, stay with friends (read: cheap, and $ is a big factor right now).
Alcatraz…don’t really have time off work so will need to hustle over and back - no time to relax and enjoy the fabulous city. CDA…already scheduled a few days off work for this one.
Alcatraz…3 weeks before CDA. Distances shouldn’t be bad, but…is that too close to travel and race before an A race?
And the kicker: my bike frame got tweaked in a recent race. The manufacturer is kind enough to warranty it for me, but it is taking forever. They gave me an ETA of 4/15. On 4/15, they gave me an ETA of 5/7. Today, I talked to them and they said 7-10 days before they ship it. I said, seriously, you have to tell me if this is going to get pushed again because I’ll need another bike to race and he put me on hold, got back on the phone and said a minimum of 2 weeks before I get my frame back.
All things Alcatraz seem to be going in the wrong direction for me…I’m thinking of cancelling that one, focusing on CDA and hoping to get another shot at Alcatraz next year…But I’m feeling kinda like a loser for cancelling a race that I would really love to do.
Well, just for the record, between us me and clm can probably find you a place to stay and a bike to ride if you come for Alcatraz. How tall are you? You could use one of my two road bikes (I think a road bike might not be entirely out of place on that course.)
A buddy of mine is loaning me a bike in the meantime which I’m sure he would let me use for the race…if I had a place to stay I could potentially just suck it up and drive and make it a really cheap trip…hmm…
You have to find a way to do it. Too many things could go wrong next year or year after - dont get in, injury, unexpected life changes … you regret the things you dont do, not the things you did.
That said, IMC is your A race so make this a C race. Take it easy, enjoy the scene of being in one of the coolest tris going.
Do alcatraz as a B/C race. Its well worth it. I’ve done 4 IMs, including Kona, but for some reason Alcatraz is something special. Probably my favorite race.
Another way to look at it: You will likely regret skipping Alcatraz (especially if you don’t get in next year), but you probably won’t regret doing it.
It is a fantastic race. This may be your only chance!
That is just so incredibly nice. I would really appreciate a host home. You guys have to tell me what’s reasonable distance-wise as I’m not really familiar with the area. If I drive, being a ways out would be okay with me - just need to know how early to leave.
thanks for the voice of reason. you’re right - I would just be hating myself if I didn’t go. it’s not like it’s that hard to make it happen - was just starting to get bummed about everything going south.