Port of Tauranga Half-Ironman - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

My swimming has come a long way (literally) since winter, so with another season and winter under my belt would expect the time in the water to start reducing down.

Pretty happy with my transitions, this was going to be slower with putting socks on and the allocated racking position was at the back of the compound meaning a longer run with the bike both in and out of transition (but not run as the run course left from the rear of transition).

I still had a niggling pain in the right calf which I had been trying to fix with a number of bike fittings so didn't want to push too hard on the bike incase it caused problems with the run, running off it was fine and had a number of massages prior to the race.

Probably could have pushed the bike harder to bring down the overall time but with this being my first Half-Ironman the will to complete was greater than the will to race it.

A fairly slow transition, stopped for a pit stop, organised more drink and stretched a bit off the bike.

I was very happy with the first lap of 1:03 but seemed to struggle the last 6km's of so. Really enjoyed the run but after about 6hrs 15mins really just wanted to get across the finish line.

The sun came out for the second lap, I had plenty of sunscreen and took on a mixture of fluids and poured water over my head to cool down but would probably use a fuel belt for electrolytes next time and just take on the water at each of the aid stations.

Took on more fluid and joined the long queue for a massage before heading back for a shower and a trip next door to the Ice-Cream Parlour for the most obscene ice cream in a while.


I need more time on the bike, might mix up the road cycling with the mountain biking and join some cycling groups as long rides on your own are really boring.


Overall it was a good race, though found the bike course a little boring. Completed it which was the main thing but a little longer than anticipated.