Set in the stunning Bald Eagle State Park, this course is as beautiful as it is demanding. With a calm 1.2-mile swim in Foster Joseph Sayers Lake (avg. 76°F/24°C), a 56-mile ride through the rolling hills and farmlands of Happy Valley, and a memorable 13.1-mile run through the iconic Penn State campus—finishing on the 50-yard line at Beaver Stadium—this is a race you'll never forget.

But finishing strong at this event doesn’t come from luck—it comes from purposeful, age-smart training. This 36-week Half Distance Triathlon plan is built specifically for senior triathletes 60+ who want to stay strong, competitive, and injury-free—without overtraining.

Why This Plan Sets You Up for Success in Happy Valley
✅ 12-Week Base Phase – Rebuild aerobic capacity, mobility, and strength if you're starting fresh
✅ 24-Week Progressive Program – Gradually improve endurance, power, and speed for the hilly bike and run
✅ Power & Heart Rate Integration – Syncs with Garmin and smart tech for real-time training feedback
✅ Low-Impact Strength Work – Maintain muscle and bone density with safe, effective resistance routines
✅ Aerobic Focus – Emphasizes cardiovascular durability for a calm, confident swim and steady bike pace
✅ Speed Intervals & VO₂ Max Sessions – Maintain your sharpness for the final half marathon push
✅ Swim Drills + Brick Workouts – Prepare for transitions and race-day swim-to-bike execution
✅ Senior-Friendly Weekly Volume – Start at 7.5 hours/week, peak at 12, with 2:1 recovery built-in

The Course Demands Smart Preparation
🔹 Base Phase (Weeks 1–12): Build foundational fitness with a focus on joint health, balance, and mobility
🔹 Build Phase (Weeks 13–24): Strengthen climbs like Hublers Ridge and prepare for open-water race effort
🔹 Peak Phase (Weeks 25–36): Dial in pacing, nutrition, and finish-line focus on Penn State’s hallowed ground

This plan isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters. Designed to meet you where you are, and prepare you for everything this Half Distance Triathlon in Happy Valley throws at you.

👉 Train with a proven plan, crafted for your age, pace, and goals. Join hundreds of senior triathletes building strength, confidence, and endurance today—and race the way you’ve always dreamed.

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