Escaping Alcatraz — for a Good Cause
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“What did you do at the weekend?”
A question we’ve all heard countless times. But for me, answering it has taken on a whole new meaning.
Imagine replying, “I escaped from Alcatraz.” It’s not just a figure of speech. It’s exactly what I did on 31 May 2025, when I completed one of the world’s most iconic and challenging triathlons: Escape from Alcatraz.
The legendary race is a gruelling combination of a 2.4-kilometer (1.5 mile) swim through the chilly, shark-infested waters of San Francisco Bay, a 29-kilometer (18 mile) hilly bike ride, and a 13-kilometer (8 mile) trail run culminating in the infamous sand ladder.
It was a test of my physical endurance and mental resolve. It was a true adventure, one that challenged me in every way possible.
But my journey wasn’t just about the race. After the recent passing of my mother, Sheena, from dementia, I decided to use one of my greatest passions — endurance sports — to honour her memory and raise funds for Dementia UK. It’s a charity that supports people living with dementia and their caregivers.
The cause hits close to home for many of us, as we watch aging parents face health challenges or take on caregiving roles ourselves. It’s also reminded me of the importance of staying active and healthy as we age — something I’ve embraced wholeheartedly.
The Alcatraz swim was as tough as I’d imagined, if not tougher. I have never been so nervous before a race.
Minutes before the race, my legs were physically shaking. The moment I plunged into the freezing waters, the cold was a shock to the system, and the currents were relentless.
Stroke by stroke, I fought to stay on course, driven by why I was doing this. Reaching the narrow shore was an exhilarating triumph, but there was no time to rest. My bike was waiting, ready to tackle San Francisco’s infamous hills.
The ride was demanding. The San Francisco fog and a sharp, cold wind kept the temperature low, with steep ascents that tested my strength and sharp descents that required every ounce of focus.
Finally, it was on to the run — a mix of trails, tarmac, and sand, topped off by the brutal sand ladder. When I crossed the finish line, it wasn’t just relief I felt. It was pride, joy, and a sense of purpose.
Training for a race like Escape from Alcatraz has taught me a lot about resilience, time management, and balance. These are lessons I bring into my work every day.
The race marked the culmination of months of preparation, and far more than just the physical training. Turning 60 this year gave me an opportunity to reflect on the importance of staying active and embracing new challenges, no matter your age.
This mindset has already led me to some incredible milestones, including qualifying for the European and World Duathlon Championships, where I proudly represented Team GB in my age group.
Competing internationally was something I never imagined doing, and yet here I am, proving that it’s never too late to embrace new challenges and achieve goals that once felt out of reach. Staying active is one way to stack the odds in our favour to live longer and enjoy a good quality of life.
But life isn’t all about medals and races. Like many of us, I’ve faced the emotional toll of watching a loved one decline in health.
Dementia steals memories and can place immense stress on caregivers.
At Cisco, I’ve been fortunate to see firsthand how our benefits support employees navigating these challenges, through mental health resources, flexible work options, or caregiving support. While we can’t control every aspect of aging, we can take steps to support ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities.
So, what will I say the next time someone asks me, “What did you do at the weekend?” Maybe I’ll talk about racing in the European Duathlon Championships or Escaping from Alcatraz. But more importantly, I hope my story inspires others to ask themselves a different question: What’s stopping me from taking on my own next big challenge?
When I think back on my journey, I realise it’s not just about finish lines or personal achievement. It’s about pushing past limits, honouring those we love, and showing that it’s never too late to stretch yourself, embrace adventure, and make a difference.
Employee links
- Adult Caregivers Network
- Benevity: Dementia UK
- Alzheimer’s Support Network
- Global Well-being at Cisco
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