Pigman Triathlon - Long Course - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

My overall target during the swim was to focus on good form, bilateral breathing and use this as a calm warmup to a long race day.

I specifically held myself back on the swim, being conservative at my first long-course race. I could have swam with a bit more effort.

T1 was a solid execution.

With my AG starting in the last wave, there was a considerable amount of passing slower riders on the course. I felt that my overall pacing was solid and I (mostly) resisted getting caught up in 'racing' others on the bike. My effort was consistent though I fell just short of an equal split.

I was surprised to see how low my cadence was and feel that a higher cadence with lighter pedaling would have been a better effort to setup my run. With that said, I felt this was a decent effort for my first time racing this distance.

Also, during the last section of the bike on a rough section of road, I ejected a water bottle and a bump caused me to drop my pre-run gel before I consumed it all. This kinda messed up my pre-run nutrition plans.

Overall everything went well and I chose to take a bit longer in T1 to put on socks and be adequately prepared for the run ahead. Much of the additional time taken in T1 was due because I took a minute long pee before heading out on the run.

The run started strong and I found myself near someone running (in a team) who was pacing themselves at my same target pace of 8:30. My overall race goal was to execute a sub-2 hour 1/2 marathon and this was my first 1/2 marathon raced. I paced myself well and hit the wall at about mile 9 where I could no longer sustain my pace. I walked most aid stations, drank a mix of water and HEED and kept my hat and tri-suit iced.

Slowing at the start of the run and building into my target pace may have been a better strategy, but overall I executed well within my time goal.

Warm down was essentially stop and stand under the shower tent that was setup just past the finish line. Shortly thereafter I grabbed some food then rinsed off in the lake and chanced into some dry clothes.


This was my first HIM distance and performance was only limited by my intimidation of this distance. I think I could sub-5 a race easily with the knowledge I have now.


I dig the big pig gig!