Wattie Ink. Athlete Heather Jackson Dominates at Escape from Alcatraz

Wattie Ink. athlete Heather Jackson kicked off the 2013 season yesterday with a dominating performance at the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon. This legendary course gave the athletes a run for their money with water temps hovering around 50 degrees, unfriendly wind gusts and one hell of a grueling course; however that was no match for Jackson’s tip top endurance.

Alcatraz is known for its over the top swim in which athletes voluntarily jump off a boat at Alcatraz Island and swim the 1.2 miles to shore in some of the most unforgiving waters around. Jackson knew if she could just “escape” the swim she was good to go.

“I was wicked nervous about the swim because I’ve heard how rough it can be out there. There was a lot of talk about the water temp before the race but it ended up not being that bad. It was definitely a brutal swim but I was happy with where I came out of the water,” said Heather.

Once she hit T1, it was all uphill from there. Literally. Escape might be known for its swim but the bike course is not for the faint of heart. Jackson known for her killer bike skills made up a good chunk of time as she posted the fastest bike split of the day by over 2 minutes and brought herself from 12th out of the swim to 2nd heading out to the run.

The run sang a similar tune as the bike for the Green Machine. Olympian Sarah Groff had a two minute lead out of T2 but again with the fastest run split of the day by 2 minutes she was nipping at her heels the entire 8 miles and eventually passed her with a mile to go. Even with a graceful face-plant on the 3rd stair, Jackson also posted the fastest split on the infamous sand ladder.

Crossing that finish line, it was nothing but sheer excitement for Heather.

“I’m in shock right now. This isn’t necessarily my distance; it was more just kind of a bucket list. I’ve always wanted to do it. It was a blast and I can’t believe I won!” said Heather.

Taking the title at what is considered to be one of the most difficult triathlons in the world proves Heather is ready to rock 2013 and will definitely be a force to be reckoned with.

photo by Nils Nilsen

 Official Results:

Women

Men