A race is more than just what happens on the start line; it’s the culmination of months of training, discipline, and the unwavering commitment to improving your health and wellness. It’s also a chance to grow mentally, learning from every challenge and celebrating every milestone along the way.
Weekend of Triathlon in Saugerties
For me, racing isn’t just about crossing a finish line. It’s part of a larger journey that pushes me as an athlete, a coach, and a person. This weekend’s triathlon in Saugerties, with Alpha Win and USA Triathlon, was a perfect example of striking a balance between physical preparation, personal growth, and celebration of the sport.
Triathlon Race Weekend in Saugerties
On Wednesday afternoon, I spent three hours traveling from Long Island to Saugerties, New York, for the USA Triathlon Endurance Exchange conference, hosted by Alpha Win Racing at the Diamond Mills Hotel and Spa.
The Diamond Mills Hotel and Spa, where I stayed for three nights, turned out to be an absolute gem. The hotel is as luxurious as it is inviting, boasting spacious rooms and a stunning outdoor area overlooking a breathtaking waterfall. (P.S. Keep an eye out on HilaryTopper.com for an upcoming deep dive on the hotel and its restaurant!)
That evening, I attended a cocktail party at the hotel’s event space. To my surprise, I ran into my friends Johnny and Noah from the Wildwood Warriors/Lightning Warriors team. It’s always so nice to see familiar faces. I stayed at the party for about an hour before calling it a night.
Thursday Morning Swim in a Magical Lagoon
One of the highlights of Thursday morning was an open water swim hosted by Alpha Win. They held the swim in a scenic lagoon right outside the Diamond Mills Spa, and I couldn’t get enough of the experience. The water was perfect, calm and refreshing, creating an environment that felt both serene and invigorating. Every stroke through the lagoon felt like a gift, and it was the kind of swim you want to linger in forever. I loved every moment of it, which made for the perfect prelude to a day packed with learning.
Diving Into the USA Triathlon Endurance Exchange
Thursday was all about the Endurance Exchange conference. The event kicked off with a Zoom address from the CEO of USA Triathlon, followed by a presentation from their marketing team about the state of triathlon. They shared data and perspectives on the sport, and although I didn’t completely agree with some of the numbers presented, it was interesting to hear the trends and insights. I plan to share some of this data in a future blog post once I have more details.
One of the standout moments of the day was a presentation by Jason, who oversees education at USAT. He covered topics such as lactate threshold and running dynamics, which are key concepts for athletes aiming to push their limits while training intelligently. It was a day packed with learning, and it left me motivated to keep refining my strategies as an endurance athlete.
That night, I felt inspired enough to sign up for the Ironman University course to become certified with Ironman. It’s something I’ve wanted to do, and the bug officially bit me, especially with the $100 discount from TriDot.
I capped off Thursday evening with a delightful dinner alongside the race director of Alpha Win. He’s a remarkable entrepreneur and goes above and beyond to ensure his races are something special. And, they are always special!
A Friday Filled With Work and Exploration
Friday morning started early with some work on my upcoming book, Unlocking the Triathlon: A Beginner’s Guide to Competing in a Triathlon. Writing, editing, and proofing a book is no small feat, and I found the serene setting of the Diamond Mills Hotel to be the perfect place to focus and make progress.
By mid-morning, I decided to head out and explore Hudson, a quirky and charming town just a short 30-minute drive away. Hudson’s mix of overpriced boutiques and unique treasures never disappoints. For lunch, I splurged on a delicious meal at a converted bank turned restaurant, complete with eggs, an almond shake, and a bread basket that hit just the right spot. That was my only meal for the day, but it felt indulgent and satisfying in every way.
Race Day Nerves and Excitement
Saturday finally arrived, and with it, the Alpha Wins Hudson Valley Triathlon. The race was held in Kingston, about a 30-minute drive through winding roads from Saugerties. I was both nervous and excited as I loaded up my gear and made my way to the transition area.
My preparation hit a minor snag earlier in the week when I realized I’d forgotten the charger for my bike. Since the course is notoriously hilly, having fully functional gears was critical. Thankfully, the amazing race director came to my rescue, and on Friday morning, following our dinner, I had a compatible charger waiting for me at my hotel. That level of care and attention to detail is rare, and I’m so grateful.
At transition, I was thrilled to spot my training buddy, Ray, who was also ready to race. We set up our stations and headed to the water together. Before the swim, I put on my shorty wetsuit and neoprene socks to prepare for the fresh (but chilly) lake water. To make the socks easier to remove later, I sprayed my feet with lubricant—not my best decision, as it turned out.
The Swim, the Bike, and the Beautiful Course
The swim was a mix of challenges and beauty. The lake’s still, freshwater created the perfect conditions, but my slippery neoprene socks decided to fill with water and nearly slid off my feet. It felt like I was dragging two balloons underwater! If that wasn’t enough, I found myself caught up with other swimmers doing backstroke and breaststroke. Swimming freestyle in a crowded course is always an advantage, but being kicked and elbowed was a reminder of just how chaotic triathlon swims can be. Still, I pushed through and was proud to finish strong.
Exiting the water, I decided to run barefoot back to my bike since the socks had become a hindrance. Transition was slow—I needed to get out of my wetsuit, deal with the sock debacle, and adjust to the time I’d lost.
Once on the bike, I was in awe of the gorgeous course, consisting of rolling hills, steep climbs, farmland, tree-lined roads, and serene upstate landscapes. That said, the hills were no joke. On the first climb, I realized I’d forgotten to shift into a smaller gear, making the ascent unnecessarily hard. Another lesson learned!
There was a long, gravelly hill that proved especially tough. On one slope, I had to get off and walk my bike. While humbling, I reminded myself to show grace and patience as I continue recovering from knee surgery. It wasn’t easy, but it was rewarding to cross the finish line as part of the aqua bike event.
Celebrating Accomplishments
One of the sweetest parts of the day was reconnecting with people I had met the previous year, including Sybil, an 85-year-old triathlete who continues to inspire everyone around her. I’m amazed at her toughness and attitude. The Alpha Wins team also nailed it yet again with thoughtful details like transition pails to sit on (so much better than the ground!) and beautifully designed medals and T-shirts.
Reflecting on the weekend, I’m so grateful for the chance to challenge myself, connect with others, and soak in the beauty of the Hudson Valley. Whether it was the camaraderie, the learning moments, or the sheer joy of racing, it was a great experience.
Life’s a lot like a triathlon. It requires preparation, determination, and the ability to push through when things get tough. But at the end of the day, every step forward is a victory worth celebrating.
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P.S. Many of you may be wondering why I didn’t do the full sprint instead of doing the aqua bike. Well, if you’ve been following me, you know that I’m still having issues with my Misha knee. Unfortunately, it isn’t what I expected at this point in the recovery. More to follow…
