What is Triple-T?

Triple-T is an epic event which consists of four triathlons in three days. Total distance of all four races is approximately the same distance as an Iron distance race.

Photo: David and Hopey at Triple-T

Race times and distance are as follows:

Race 1: Prologue
Friday, May 26, 5:00 PM
250m Swim - 5 mi Bike - 1 mi Run

Race 2: International distance #1
Saturday, May 27, 7:30 AM
1500m Swim - 24.8 mi Bike - 6.55 mi Run

Race 3: International distance #2
Saturday, May 27, 3:00pm Start
24.8 mi Bike - 1500mi Swim - 6.55 mi Run

Race 4: Half Iron Distance
Sunday, May 28, 7:00am Start
1.2 mi Swim - 55.5 mi Bike - 13.1 mi Run

There two categories: solo and team. I raced as a solo so all of my efforts were individual efforts. Teams of two could draft off each other in races #3 and #4.

Why do it?

A few reasons:

It’s different.

It’s a great prep for a mid summer Ironman (e.g. Quelle Challenge in Roth, Germany) as the first three races are relatively short so can be raced at a much harder pace than racing the distance all at one time.

It’s challenging. Four races. Four strategies. A very hilly bike and run course. Lowest total time wins.

How did I do?

I had a solid race. I was the fourth seed in the solo division and I finished fourth, about nine to ten minutes behind the three who finished in front of me. I had a flat in the final race which cost me at least seven minutes, so who knows - I may have been able to dig a little deeper to find those extra minutes.

My best race was the second race where I finished fifth overall and gained a 30 second time bonus (given to top five in first two races). International distance races are not my strength so I felt very good about my finishing place.

I had been plagued by issues with my left calf / Achilles tendon so my running had been sporadic prior to the event. I finished all four races without an incident so, in that respect, I was very successful.

What’s next?

Four weeks to Quelle Challenge in Germany!

Cheers,

David

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David B. Glover
Experiential Writer, Elite Athlete, Coach and Race Director
Author of Full Time and Sub-Nine
Personal Web: www.davidglover.net
Business Web: www.enduranceworks.net

©2006 David B. Glover