What a season it has been. From my first post-surgery race to epic swims and unexpected changes, 2025 was a year filled with challenges, triumphs, and unforgettable moments. As I reflect on the past few months, I’m filled with gratitude for the experiences and the incredible community that makes this sport so special.
Kicking Things Off at the Bear Triathlon
The season started with the Bear Triathlon in Delaware, and it was the perfect way to begin. I was joined by my WeREndurance teammates Nicole, Jeanine, Ray, and Jon, and we had an absolute blast together. This was my first triathlon since undergoing MISHA knee surgery, so I entered with some uncertainty. It went much better than I expected! Although my knee did swell up afterward, a lot of icing helped it feel better. More importantly, it showed me that I was ready for the season ahead.
A Hometown Favorite: RJA Memorial Montauk Triathlon
On June 7th, I headed to the RJA Memorial Montauk Triathlon to the Lighthouse. It was a perfectly executed, homegrown race, and I loved every moment. Interestingly, despite it being a local Long Island event, I didn’t know anyone else racing. I ended up meeting so many new people, mostly from New York City. We had a little rain on the bike course, but nothing too serious. The only downside was a big rainstorm that cut the afterparty short.
Conquering the Hills at Alpha Win Hudson Valley
Next up was the Alpha Win Hudson Valley race on June 28th. I stayed at the beautiful Diamond Mill Resort in Saugerties, which was an amazing experience in its own right.
The race is always fun but incredibly tough, especially that challenging bike course. My knee was giving me trouble at this point, so I decided to switch to the aquabike instead of the full sprint triathlon. It was the right call, allowing me to push hard without the impact of a three-mile run.
An Emotional Swim: Maggie Fischer Cross Bay Swim
On July 11th, I took on the Maggie Fischer Cross Bay Swim, a 5.5-mile journey that I dedicated to the memory of my dad. My kayaker, Brian Fallon, was awesome and kept me on track. The first four miles felt fast, but the last mile and a half were a battle against a strong current that kept pushing me off course. Still, I finished in 3:45, beating my previous time of 4:10 from a year when my son and I were blown so far off course we swam nearly seven miles!
The Big One: Mackinac Island Swim
The Maggie Fischer swim was also a warm-up for my biggest challenge of the year: the 8.2-mile swim around Mackinac Island on August 10th. My GPS clocked it at 8.3 miles, and it was a breathtaking experience. The water was stunning, and I was so happy to have my tow buoy, Star, with me, carrying all my nutrition and hydration.
The race director and the women of the Mackinaw Women’s Club were incredible. The event raised funds for their organization, and I happily supported them by buying a t-shirt, sweatshirt, and cap. After just over six hours in the water, I celebrated with a horse-and-buggy ride back to The Grand Hotel for champagne and afternoon tea. It was the perfect end to an amazing swim.
A Rainy but Rewarding Mighty Hamptons
My next event was the EventPower Mighty Hamptons race in Sag Harbor. The weather was a major factor, with torrential rain forecasted. It poured, but thankfully not during the bike.
I switched from the aquabike to the super sprint (a 300-meter swim, 6-mile bike, and 2-mile run), and I’m so glad I did. It was so much fun! The run was a downpour, but I was just relieved it didn’t happen during the bike leg. I even managed to place second in my age group, but didn’t stick around for raffles in the pouring rain.
An Unexpected End to the Season
My final race was supposed to be Mightyman Montauk, my absolute favorite race of the year. I was packed and ready to go, but on Friday night, I became incredibly sick. I was completely drained on Saturday. Then, an email arrived: the swim had been canceled due to bacteria in the water.
While disappointing, I was also relieved. After the Maggie Fischer swim, I had developed a nasty cough that lasted for two months and required three rounds of prednisone to clear up. So, my 2025 season ended with my sickness returning, so I didn’t get to race, even though it was just a bike time trial.
Looking Back and Looking Ahead
Though the end was not what I planned, I can’t help but look back on this season with a huge smile. From testing my knee to completing an 8.3-mile swim, it was a year of pushing boundaries and creating lasting memories.
I’m not sure yet what 2026 will hold, but I don’t think I’ll sign up for quite so many races. For now, I’m enjoying the rest and recovery. I’ll be sure to keep you all posted on my plans.
What about you? What are your plans for the 2026 season? Share them in the comments below.