I’ve always been afraid of hills. This probably stems from my childhood in Long Beach, Long Island—synonymous with its iconic boardwalk and notably flat terrain. The most “elevation” we encountered was the gentle incline leading up to the boardwalk. Thus, hills, for the longest time, seemed daunting to me.
This deep-seated apprehension lingered even as I ventured into the world of triathlons in 2015. Despite tackling many hilly courses, including those at the NYC Triathlon, Milwaukee Triathlon, the Mighty Hamptons, and Mighty Man Montauk, the thought of confronting hills still filled me with unease. However, I signed up for the Alpha Win Hudson Valley Triathlon, knowing that it was a hilly course, and I felt it was important to try to conquer the hills and get out of my comfort zone, especially since I also signed up for the Mightman Montauk Half Ironman Aquabike in September.
Journey to Overcoming Hills
The ultimate challenge presented itself with the Alpha Win Hudson Valley Triathlon. In preparation for this notably demanding course, I joined forces with my training partner, Ray. Together, we embarked on numerous training sessions at SUNY Old Westbury, tackling its varied terrain. We also rode along the Jones Beach path from Cedar Creek to Captree, aiming to enhance our endurance. This approach along with multiple discussions with my coach, Jackie Miller of QT2, marked the beginning of a transformative journey towards mastering the hills that once daunted me.
Alpha Win Hudson Valley Triathlon
I had heard tales of the Alpha Win Hudson Valley Triathlon from my training partner, a three-time participant who praised its every aspect—from the lake swim, scenic routes and the exhilarating challenge. He wasn’t exaggerating.
Travel and First Impressions
Our journey from Long Island to Kingston was a smooth two-hour drive. Upon arrival, the packet pickup process was a breeze, setting a positive tone for the event. The atmosphere was inviting, marked by family-friendly vibes, with children playing and dogs wagging their tails in excitement. I could feel the energy and excitement. I just loved the vibe!
After getting our gear numbered and ourselves body-marked, we proceeded to set up our transition area. The organization here was something I hadn’t seen before—each participant had a personal bucket for seating and a designated space for bag storage during the transition, which I appreciated for its thoughtfulness.
Walking down to the lake, we learned that wetsuits were off the table for this race. Armed with just our swim caps and goggles, we prepared for the first leg of the triathlon. Thankfully, Ray had already tipped me off about the trek from the swim finish back to transition. The path, he warned, was strewn with rocks and mud—a piece of advice that proved invaluable. I was relieved to have packed sneakers for this segment, making the transition smoother and less fraught with potential mishaps.
Kicking Off the Race
Before the race officially began, we were given the opportunity to acclimate ourselves with a warm-up swim. The lake, boasting a comfortable 82-degree temperature, provided a refreshing start. Its fresh water was inviting as we swam out towards a buoy and back. We stayed in the water as Tommy Struzzieri, the race director, briefed us on the course layout. This sprint triathlon gathered around 100 enthusiastic participants, creating an atmosphere charged with anticipation.
The Swim Leg
The men set the pace, starting at a buoy about fifty or so yards away. Shortly after, the women’s wave was released. True to form, the initial bottleneck occurred as swimmers vied for position. My strategy was to maneuver around the congestion, although the prevalence of breast strokes added an element of unpredictability—and, indeed, a bit of danger. At one point, an errant kick to my ribs forced me to pause and regather my breath.
Despite this hiccup, the swim was nothing short of exhilarating. With each stroke, I felt more invigorated, propelling myself forward with a rhythm that swiftly carried me towards the swim exit. My Garmin clocked the distance at 1128 yards, which I completed in under 20 minutes—an achievement that filled me with pride. Upon exiting the water, I slipped into my sneakers and made my way to transition. Admittedly, my knee wobbled slightly, but thankfully, my GoSleeves compression sleeve provided support.
Transitioning to the Bike
The trek to the bike mount area was an adventure in itself, marked by rocky and uneven terrain—a deliberate choice by the race director to prioritize safety. It was a reminder of the unexpected challenges triathlon brings, not just in physical endurance but in navigating the varied landscapes it encompasses. Once at the road, I mounted my bike, ready for the next leg of the race.
Conquering the Challenge
My nerves steadied as I mentally prepared myself for the upcoming challenge, reassuring myself of my ability to conquer it. Ray had advised me to start in the easiest gear, anticipating the hill that would greet us a quarter mile into the bike course. The hill approached sooner than expected, but I was ready. Surprisingly, it felt similar to the terrain we practiced on at SUNY Old Westbury, proving that our preparation had paid off. The initial 3 miles were hilly, but as promised, the course eventually flattened out, unveiling stunning farm lands that seemed almost too picturesque to be in New York. Surrounded by lush greenery, I found myself in my element, reveling in the joy of the moment.
Despite the array of inclines and descents, I felt well-prepared to tackle them.
A Minor Setback
The turning point at the Fire House tested me slightly, as I unclipped and dismounted—a maneuver that led to a brief exchange with a friendly police officer who assured me I wasn’t alone in facing this hiccup.
The ride back introduced a daunting steep hill, which prompted many, including an older cyclist ahead of me and ultimately myself, to dismount and push our bikes uphill. Though many managed to conquer this obstacle, the solidarity among those of us who walked was palpable.
Regaining momentum as the landscape leveled, I pushed forward, reaching speeds of 30 mph in my eagerness to make up for lost time. Upon reaching the transition area, I dismounted with a mixture of relief and anticipation.
I really wanted to go out on the run course and had to hold myself back. Unfortunately, my knee is a mess and I am trying to delay surgery until after the season. Although I didn’t run, my training partner said it was an incredible run through the rail trails.
Choosing the Aquabike
One of the things I love about Alpha Win Racing is that they have so many different options. It’s a race company for everyone! At the Hudson Valley Triathlon, in addition to the sprint, there was an Olympic, a Half-distance triathlon (70.3), and even a first timer triathlon which consisted of 100 meter swim, 3 mile bike, and a 1 mile run. They also had an AquaBike, Athena, and Clydesdale divisions.
Given the condition of my knee and the impending surgery, I opted for the Aquabike category, foregoing the running segment. Nonetheless, crossing the finish line, even without participating in the run, filled me with a profound sense of accomplishment.
Post-Race Celebrations
The celebration was sweetened as Ray secured third place in his age group, and I mirrored his achievement in the Aquabike division, earning us both additional medals. His performance in the triathlon filled me with pride for my kick ass triathlon buddy.
We lingered for the awards ceremony before commencing our lengthy return trip to Long Island.
Reflecting on the Experience
Reflecting on the Alpha Win Hudson Valley Triathlon, I am filled with gratitude. The meticulous organization by Tommy Struzzieri and his team created a flawless event marked by safety and splendor. The presence of volunteers and police officers throughout ensured a secure environment, complementing the breathtaking beauty of the swim and, as I’ve heard, the rail trail. This race, without a doubt, deserves an A+ rating. Participating in it was not just an opportunity; it was a privilege—an experience I will cherish and look forward to revisiting.
For those of you who have not participated in an Alpha Win race, I would suggest you give it a try. It’s one of the best race companies out there and they organize stellar and safe events.
