From Clinic to T100: A Doctor’s Deep Dive into Elite Endurance with Mallory Pullman
Tackling the T100 Triathlon: My Race Experience, Lessons Learned, and Why You Should Try It
By Dr. Rob Beck
Triathlon has always been a passion of mine—not just as a doctor seeking balance and fighting burnout, but as someone who genuinely thrives on pushing my limits in sport and life. On the Interesting MD Podcast, I’ve shared plenty about my journey through Ironman races and Half Ironmans, but today I’m diving into something new: the T100 Triathlon. My recent experience racing the Vancouver T100, alongside the incredible Dr. Mallory Pullman, opened my eyes to a fresh approach to long-course racing—and I think it’s worth sharing, whether you’re an athlete or just a fan of high-performance drama.
What is the T100 Triathlon?
If you’re like most triathletes, Ironman probably comes to mind first when you hear “long course.” But the T100, born out of the Professional Triathlete Organization (PTO), is shaking things up. It’s tailor-made to be a spectator sport, not only putting elite pros in the spotlight but also giving passionate age groupers (like me!) a chance to race in the thick of the action.
Unlike traditional Ironman races, which scatter hundreds or even thousands of athletes across miles of roads, the T100 brings pros and amateurs together on a condensed, looped course—making it media-friendly, energetic, and, frankly, way more fun for family and fans. On race day, you don’t just race; you become part of the event narrative, with friends and family catching the action at every turn.
Race Format & Spectator Experience
Let me tell you, the looped course is a game-changer. As a dad (and someone with kids who have endured hours of standing around at Ironman events), the T100’s setup is spectacular. My family saw me eight times on the bike and six times on the run—compare that to the scattered glimpses at standard events. You’re front and center, not just a fleeting blur at transition!
The vibe is contagious too. There’s a “hot corner” right near the transition zone, where you’re in the thick of the excitement, seeing your fellow athletes and the pros as they start, finish, and lap through. And the volunteers? Absolute legends. The Lululemon-sponsored aid station was a burst of music and bubbles that stretched 500 meters—a little oasis of cheer when your legs were burning and your mind started drifting.
My Race Day: Highs, Lows, and Orcas (Yes, Orcas!)
Race morning started early—5:30am, to be exact. I arrived in the predawn light at Jericho Beach, a backdrop so beautiful it felt almost staged. If you’re worried about cold Pacific water, let me reassure you: 16 degrees Celsius is doable, especially if you channel your inner Lucy Charles and invest in a good thermal swim cap. (Trust me, “Dumbo’s magic feather”—in this case, my fancy swim cap—made all the difference after some chilly, headache-inducing practice swims.)
The swim kicked off with a two-loop format, forcing you out of the ocean and across the sand halfway. It’s definitely a heart rate spike, but doable, and sighting was easy thanks to towering buoys—even with the sun glaring off the horizon. For me, it was a confidence boost, even though I had a minor mishap swallowing a wave of saltwater.
Let’s talk transitions: My T1 (swim-to-bike) was…not world-class. Dr. Mallory Pullman had hers down to five minutes, while I spent a painful 12 minutes wrestling with my wetsuit (lesson: get help or practice the strip-down!). The bike, in hindsight, was a huge learning moment. I opted for a road bike instead of my tri bike—a rookie move. Aero matters, and bike fit matters even more. My hip pain set in around kilometer 40, my foot went numb, and I had to dig really deep mentally to finish that segment.
By the time I hit the run, I realized quickly: race day magic only goes so far against the laws of nutrition and fatigue. Despite solid training, my stomach turned on me with cramps and I had to make two less-than-glamorous Porta Potty stops. My pace was nowhere near what I’d hoped, but I still found joy in the crowds, the volunteers, and, especially, my friends and family cheering me on every lap.
A shining moment? Watching the pros on Saturday—and spotting a mother orca and her calf cruising through the swim course as if Vancouver had called in its own special effects team. It was magical.
The Pro Perspective & Mallory’s Strong Finish
The T100 series isn’t just about age groupers. The professional races were a treat to watch, with legends like Paula Findlay (who even put the finisher’s medal around Dr. Mallory Pullman’s neck—how cool is that?), Taylor Knibb, Lucy Charles-Barclay, and a new crop of athletes pushing their absolute limits. Seeing the best in the world up close is inspiring. I fangirled a little, I’ll be honest.
Mallory finished with the third-fastest women's bike split—a testament to the power of focused training (and the right equipment). Her breakdown of the course, and her strategy for beating her training partner Lisa, reminded me that setting micro-goals and adapting is part of the fun. Racing is personal, but it’s also an awesome chance to learn from your peers.
Why You Should Try the T100 (and Final Takeaways)
Would I do it again? Absolutely. The T100 is approachable, energetic, and—thanks to its format—connects athletes, spectators, and pros in a way that old-school triathlons simply can’t. The race bag, the volunteer support, the course design, and the overall positivity are hard to beat.
For anyone looking to challenge themselves, find balance outside medicine, or test your limits in a new way, the T100 is a race worth considering. Just remember:
Nothing new on race day (don’t switch gear, nutrition, or strategy at the last minute)
Nothing stupid on race day (don’t ignore your equipment needs)
Bring your support crew and celebrate the journey—even when it doesn’t go perfectly!
If you’re curious about triathlon, training tips, or what other MDs do to prevent burnout, subscribe to Interesting MD on YouTube and check out the podcast. Reach out with questions, race stories, or your own tales of athlete redemption—I want to hear from you.
See you at the next start line,
Dr. Rob Beck
Host, Interesting MD
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Questions or want to share your own athlete journey? Email rob@interestingmd.com.
Big thanks to Dr. Mallory Pullman and to our friends and family who make every race memorable!