2024 Happy Valley was my worst but most real Half Ironman. I was happy to complete my previous one in record time; however it felt hollow and lacking grit.
The beauty of triathlon races is in their diversity. Swimming varies significantly between salt and fresh water, between rivers with strong currents and still lakes. Not to mention the difference with or without wetsuits, those buoyant helpers. Bike and run courses mostly differ in their elevation gain, but factors like head wind, sun exposure and terrain can play crucial roles.
I booked Happy Valley knowing that it would be a lake swim, hilly bike and a plain run. What it threw at me was a different story. The swim was wetsuit optional, and I chose to swim without one. Its bike course had the most elevation gain among all Half Ironman races in the country, 40% of time racing against strong headwind. Additionally, being a point-to-point course instead of a loop, it featured a net elevation gain. The flat run was under the scorching sunshine combined with extreme humidity.
Brutal? Absolutely. Real? Every agonizing, exhilarating second. This wasn’t a record-breaking performance, but I’m proud that I’m among the 80% who were able to finish. My worst Half Ironman time, but one I could truly savor.
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