Hi Everybody!
DianaC and I did the Alcatraz Sharkfest Swim on September 16th. It was a great race. We both completed it. My time was 56:20.1 for 1.5 miles. We had a beautiful day for the swim. The view was great. I highly recommend it. For info about the race and results, check out http://www.envirosports. We met so many great people. Anyone else go to the race?
Swimmy :)
If you can handle 52 degree water you'll be well prepared for Alcatraz. The water in the Bay is currently in the 55-57 degree range and if it's a sunny day, the sun will add the equivalent of another degree or two as the black wetsuit sucks up some solar heat.
As to the hands & feet being cold that's just part of swimming in the cold. You may want to wear an extra cap (neoprene) if you're not already since most body heat disapates through the head and not the hands or feet. Try drinking warm tea or heat up your energy replacement drink (Cytomax) before the swim. That will do much to keep you warm as well as keep you hydrated.
Wearing the larger goggles like Aquasphere Seal Mask can also keep more of your face warm as well as give you a better range of direct and peripheral vision though if you're not using them now it may be a little late to start training with something new.
Hope this helps.
Gary
If you can handle 52 degree water you'll be well prepared for Alcatraz. The water in the Bay is currently in the 55-57 degree range and if it's a sunny day, the sun will add the equivalent of another degree or two as the black wetsuit sucks up some solar heat.
As to the hands & feet being cold that's just part of swimming in the cold. You may want to wear an extra cap (neoprene) if you're not already since most body heat disapates through the head and not the hands or feet. Try drinking warm tea or heat up your energy replacement drink (Cytomax) before the swim. That will do much to keep you warm as well as keep you hydrated.
Wearing the larger goggles like Aquasphere Seal Mask can also keep more of your face warm as well as give you a better range of direct and peripheral vision though if you're not using them now it may be a little late to start training with something new.
Hope this helps.
Gary
