When it comes to the Mightyman Montauk Half Ironman Triathlon, produced by EventPowerLI, the course is legendary for its beauty and its hills. This reputation kept me at bay for years despite my longing to participate.
However, this year, I decided it was time to face my fears and tackle the hills of Montauk head-on. With the help of my trusty training buddy, who had the advantage of completing the event for three consecutive years, I set out on a journey of preparation that was as exhilarating as challenging.
My History with the Mightyman Montauk Race Series
This year, I signed up for the 70.3 Aquabike because my knee is messed up. I’ve been having trouble walking, much less running. So, I’ll be doing the 1.2-mile swim and the 56-mile bike. This will be my first time doing this distance in a certified race.
In 2015, I competed in the Mightyman Montauk Sprint, and placed. That race provided me an entry into USA Triathlon Nationals in Milwaukee. Although I placed, I struggled with the hills and they were a fraction of the Half Ironman distance hills.
Then a couple of years ago, I did the 70.3 as a relay with two other people. I swam the 1.2-mile swim in Fort Pond while my training buddies did the bike and the run.
Training for the Mightyman Montauk Half Ironman
Yesterday’s adventure began early, precisely at 4 a.m. The goal was to start riding by 6 a.m., allowing us to experience the course in its entirety without the distractions of traffic or time constraints. I planned to do one complete loop of 28 miles. The actual event calls for two loops to make up the 56 miles.
This would familiarize me with the terrain and help me mentally prepare for the race day.
I’ve been gearing up for this event for months. We have four weeks to go and we already did a three hour ride. Next week, we plan on riding four hours.
The Challenge of the Course – Preparing for Mightyman Montauk Half Ironman
As we embarked on the ride, the course wasted no time in presenting its challenges. At just 1.5 miles in, a significant hill greeted us, setting the tone for what was to come. Between miles 5 to 10, steep climbs led us up to the iconic Montauk Lighthouse. Despite the intensity of these climbs, reaching the top was rewarding, with breathtaking views that made every bit of effort worthwhile.
The course’s most daunting section, however, lay towards the end. Two detours, with the final one featuring an unyielding steep climb, tested every ounce of my endurance. This relentless hill, along with the initial climb, posed the greatest challenge. Yet, having tackled other challenging courses like Alpha Win Hudson Valley and SUNY Old Westbury, I found these hills to be equally demanding but uniquely rewarding.
The Beauty of the Ride in Montauk
Beyond the challenge, what struck me most was the sheer beauty of the Montauk course. The stunning homes, the breathtaking water and beaches, and the vast array of trees throughout the ride captivated my senses, turning each grueling climb into a memorable experience. It’s perplexing why this event doesn’t sell out, given the scenic allure and the invigorating test it offers to athletes. I’m not sure why someone would choose a flat boring course over this one.
Riding the hills of Montauk proved to be more than just a preparation exercise; it was a transformative journey that renewed my love for the sport and bolstered my confidence.
As I look forward to race day, I feel a mix of excitement and anticipation, ready to embrace the Mightyman Montauk Half Ironman Triathlon with open arms and a determined spirit.
