American Triple T

Yeah I just recently started looking into it... looks like a blast.  I'm just wondering if IMLP and the Triple T are too close together (as I registered for LP next year).  I'm thinking about taking the plunge... I mean, two months is a long time to have between events.  I don't know... that's just me I suppose.

i did the TTT this yr and found the bike to be tough. but it wasn't overly grueling. i never approached any of the races like an all out race but i did try to be consistent and finished the race under 11 hrs.  i wasn't overly sore at the end and resumed my normal training the next day.  i would definitely just view it as great training hours. my first IM won't be until KY this yr, so i also cant compare the two. but id have to say easier.... if you don't burn yourself out sat morning.

i registered for it within a couple days of it opening. it does sell out, but i seem to remember it staying open for at least a month last yr. i guess registration this yr is nov 1.  the run isn't your typical road race, but if you're used to running hilly trails then it isn't bad at all. i actually enjoyed the run and was only slightly slower than my regular pace... but i do think I'm best on hilly trail runs.

the race is definitely the best deal in triathlon that i know of. for $200 you get an entire weekend of racing and four awesome meals.

I am on my second year of TTT in May and IMWI in September. I use the Triple T as a long training weekend in the early parts of my training. It is such fun! I have no IM planned for 2010 but am almost 100% that I will be back at the TTT. It is definitely one of my favorite events.

I know that many folks at the TTT are using it as IM training. A ton of folks from the Chicago area used it as prep for IM Canada in 2008 and know of at least 6 people that used it as prep for IMUSA in 2008 and 2009. Heck, I even had a rack mate this year who was using it as training for IMCDA which was just like 4 weeks out from the TTT or something. So using it for IM training no matter the race seems to be the going trend.

Recovery for me wasn't bad. I think I took Monday off and then jumped back into training on Tuesday. I know I road a century the following weekend and then did a back to back century the weekend after that so I was able to keep up bike volume. I did ease back into run training though reducing my long run distance for a couple of weeks. But by no means did I race the TTT. It was a long training weekend. I just took each day easy and had fun.

In terms of selling out, it was open for a lot longer in 2009 that in years past. It used to only have 200 openings, then 400 and now 500. I believe it was still open in December/January. And usually, you can find an entry as the race nears. Many people sign up and then realize they are injured/not ready/too busy to attend. And HFP allows transfers so you will see folks looking to transfer their spot on ST and other boards come April and May.

Sorry for the long post. But I love the TTT and can't wait to go back. I am sad that the CA version didn't work out. I was really hoping to pull a double in 2010!

I did TTT and IMFL last year.  Recovery is key.  It also depends on how you approach TTT.  I would say if the you are racing LP, WI or KY then I would approach it as a large volume weekend so that you don't kill yourself.

I ended up not recovering properly then finding myself injured for about 2 months.  Looking back, I would have taken a solid month off.  Keep in mind that most triathletes down play the amount of recovery they really need.  I know more people that ended up injured from not recovering properly than had a bad performance from too much recovery. 

Thanks for all the input thus far.  I'm definitely planning on giving it a go and making this a long training weekend next year.

For those who have done the race... did you camp there all weekend or hotel it?

I know the cabins sell out way in advance.  My family owns the campus view apartments at Shawnee State University and this year we are going to have those available to rent. Its about 15 miles away and next door to the Ramada Inn.  HFP will be posting info about it as well.  They are 2 or 4 bedrooms with 2 full baths in each apartment and a full kitchen.  They dont have and kitchen utilities or linens.  Bikes can go into your room as well.  Each sleeps 4 people.  If you need more info just PM me.

the location the previous user mentioned would be great. i stayed at the ramada last yr. it is a little drive to the race site, but im not a camper and love the convenience of the hotel. the cabins would be great, but as mentioned, they sell out way too early for me to commit to.