Transitions are a big deal for this race because there is an extra one with the mini run between swim and bike. It's only a 5 minute run, so not that bad. What you put in your transition bag is up to you.

• Some wear an older pair of running shoes, others go barefoot. I wouldn't wear your main running shoes because they will get all wet and sandy from the swim exit and still be that way later when you head out on the main run course.
• Glue the insole of your shoes down.
• Untie your shoelaces ahead of time if you do decide to slip on shoes. Your fingers will be numb and you won't be able to do it there.
• For the funky T1/swim finish, put Vaseline in the back of your shoes and your cold feet slide in quickly.
• I wouldn't worry about wearing socks. Your feet will be frozen, so you won't notice the difference.
• For the swim/bike transition I wear Tevas. They're quick to get on, don't slip, and provide just enough to make it to the bike
• Take your wetsuit off right after you get out of the water-- otherwise it may be hard to get off.
• It's harder to run in your wetsuit than you think. Better to remove it in the swim transition and run free.
• Don't try to sprint to the swim transition area after you get out of the water - it's slippery and your feet are frozen, making it easy to take a spill or trip over someone else. Take a second and maintain control. You won't be losing the race here.

• Decorate your transition bag for T1. Last year, I put red dots all over my bag and it was sooo easy to find in the piles of bags.
• Mark your swim bag with a bright colored ribbon so you can easily pick it out of the bunch.
• If you forget your number, show the back of your hand to the volunteer - your number is on it facing him/her. I've seen people in their hypothermic state read their number upside down and get it completely wrong.

• When you pick up your race packet Saturday, Go to the swim finish area and follow the run in from the swim (T1) and run out after the bike in T3 as it is a bit confusing the first time.
• Warm-up well before you board the boat because you will not be able to before the race. BYO TP -- the heads may run out!
• Pay close attention to the instructions for what you should bring on the boat, versus what to leave in transition. Don't bring your running shoes to the boat as they will NOT be available to you when you need them after the bike.

• This race is really beautiful. Don't be so stressed out that you don't take the time to look around (particularly on the swim) and enjoy your surroundings.
• Enjoy every moment and never loose sight of the finish. On the way back look out to Alcatraz and say, yeah! I swam from Alcatraz!
• Have fun!
• Don't worry about the swim. Have fun and enjoy the experience.
• Have fun with the race, it is a fantastic course and you have an opportunity to see the city from a different perspective, out in the middle of the bay!
• Relax! Have fun!!
• Have fun and keep smiling! It is an interesting and challenging course; different than any other race you will ever compete in!
• Enjoy the experience, try to make it fun- one year I took a waterproof disposable camera and took pictures the whole way, even on the swim.
• MAKE SURE TO LOOK AROUND YOU MIDWAY THROUGH THE SWIM. This will be the most breathtaking view/experience of your life. Neck deep in shark infested waters, Alcatraz behind you, GG Bridge to your right and city with sun and lights in front (with a huge crowd) awaiting you!!!! Simply AMAZING!
• Go out there and have fun. It's a great day and a great race no matter what happens.