Testimonals

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San Francisco, California

Brandon Schow

I began working with Torsten after an injury prevented me from training for 5 months. I had been a decent, if not great, age-group triathlete. I told Torsten that I had a goal of breaking 4:15 in a 70.3. He told me it was going to take a lot of work, but I was willing to try. Over the next year, he expertly guided me through that work. Torsten was able to increase my volume, build my speed and power, and keep me healthy throughout. He did all of this while providing fun and interesting workouts, support, and feedback. At the beginning of the season, after a mediocre result at Oceanside 70.3, Torsten was able to identify a key weakness in my aerobic fitness. After targeting it, I had a breakout race at Morro Bay 70.3, where I placed 2nd in my age group. Following this, I won my age group at Escape from Alcatraz. A year after setting the goal of 4:15, I went 4:09 at Santa Cruz 70.3, 29 minutes better than I had done the year before, which earned me a 3rd place in my age group and a 6th place overall. None of this would have been possible without Torsten’s expert guidance.
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Redwood City, California

Kyle Williams

Torsten is a brilliant endurance coach, mentor, & teacher. He has taught me more about my body and mind than I ever could have imagined and he has helped me achieve many of my crazy goals - despite the pressures of a hectic family and work life. I can finally tell people that I qualified and raced “that triathlon in Hawaii I saw on TV” (IRONMAN World Champs). He is a mastermind
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Los Altos Hills, California

Noah Bider

The best coach out there! A few years ago when I got into running, I could barely hold a 9 minute pace for more than a mile or two. Fast forward a few years later, I’ve ran 20 miles at 7 minute pace, ran a 70 mile Ultra-marathon and am now training for a 100 mile race. These were things I never dreamed possible before starting to work with Torsten. Not only do I love working with Torsten due to his detailed/tailored programs, feedback, and constant desire to check in with me on my training, he is extremely knowledgeable and will go above and beyond to answer your questions with immense detail. Throughout my time training with Torsten, I have been able to learn so much about nutrition, hydration, fuelling for races and the reasoning behind why Torsten programs certain workouts. He will work with you to ensure that training fits into your schedule and lifestyle to make sure it is sustainable. A great person, very motivating, and will push you to reach your fullest potential. I cannot recommend working with Torsten enough!
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San Anselmo, California

Jennifer Hodkinson

Torsten is a fantastic coach who listens to what your goals are and makes magic happen. He not only puts together thorough and enjoyable training plans but is always checking in and has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. Couldn’t recommend more highly
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Denver, Colorado

Beatriz Arbat

Torsten is truly amazing and lucky are those who get to be coached by him. He is organized, methodical and truly listens to customize your training to life and schedules. There have been times when I look at a training session and have thought 'no way'. But when I'm done, I wonder 'how did he know I could do that'?. Yes, well, of course he does! If you are looking for a coach who will help you go as far as you can, Torsten should be your first choice
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Alamo, California

Marcus Maita (CEO)

Kind, caring and incredibly knowledgeable. Have been coached by Torsten for several years. His plans are detailed and tailored to help me grow and improve, and I’ve always appreciated how quick he is to respond to any question I might have. Great guy and great coach!
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Pro Triathlete, ITU Long Course World Champion

Leanda Cave

Torsten has a remarkable understanding and philosophy of triathlon coaching. I became world champion with his coaching. That's says it all
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San Rafael, California

Boris Hediger

Torsten is an awesome coach!! His wisdom and experience around endurance training is vast. His techniques and equipment 'state of the art'. He helped me reaching new, and unseen levels (for me) on the bike, and this in my late 40ties. What stand out to me, Torsten is engaged, motivating, fun and equally when not even more committed to my goals. Always available for questions and concerns. He goes far and beyond! I highly recommend Torsten!!
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San Rafael, California

Ricardo Urbina

"I was able to qualify and race at the Ironman World Championship level consistently thanks to his guidance, friendship and coaching. His attention to details on his training plans as well as follow through on regular communications were key components to my success."
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Bend, Oregon

Grant Grafentin

"In a sport focused on individual effort, it is rare to have a coach who is really your teammate. I have him to thank for a lot of the successes I have had and will hopefully continue to have in sport."
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Charleston, South Carolina

Tyson Schuetze (CEO)

"It is not an understatement to say that Torsten Abel changed my life. Since I started working with him in 2016 for my first half-Ironman, Torsten has reshaped what I previously thought possible of my middle-age fitness. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a beginner, Torsten Abel is able to get you where you want to go. With a comprehensive plan for any triathlon or sporting event, Torsten helps you achieve things that you previously thought impossible. Through constant feedback, Torsten is able to guide athletes on their mental journey as well as their physical one. I cannot recommend him and his program highly enough."
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Ross, California

Caleb Porter (Executive)

"I am a busy professional with a family and substantial work commitments. I’m also a competitive athlete that expects a lot from myself and my coach – even with limited time each week. In late 2014, when I decided to ‘get serious’ about triathlon and start competing at a higher level, I researched several coaches from basic online solutions to ‘white glove’ style programs for executives. My goal was to move from middle of the pack ‘age grouper’ to podium contention at the big races. I found Torsten Abel to be more thoughtful than some of the larger, less personal coaching services out there. He takes the time to truly understand your time constraints, your goals and physical potential (through testing, not estimating). He uses performance data to establish a plan that will work for each athlete. Without a personalized program, you can waste a lot of time in this sport and not see any improvement. I know because I was ‘self-coached’ for several years with very little success and a number of injuries. In the last 2 years, my 70.3 race time has improved from 5:28 in Austin TX to 4:34 at 70.3 Santa Rosa in 2016. I accredit the improvement to the care Torsten has taken in developing my plan. I have a direct and efficient communication line and we alter my plan when necessary for travel or fatigue etc. ​ The best coaches know how to motivate and inspire, not simply prescribe workouts. They hold you accountable for your own expectations. This is the art of coaching – the ability to bring out the best in athletes. Torsten is the best coach in the business and accomplished motivator. If your goal is to grow as an athlete without risking big mistakes in training and overuse, I highly recommend the thoughtful approach that T3 delivers".
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Greenville, South Carolina

Andrew Pittinos

"Once again, Triathlon Coach Torsten, thank you again for everything! I am still pretty shocked at my time and am very confident that I would have come nowhere close to that type of finish without your advice and support over the past few months and during the race weekend! Your unrivalled enthusiasm for your athletes and natural coaching talent definitely proved to me that you have chosen the correct profession".
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Pleasanton, California

Ben Grafentin

"Torsten is an incredible, thoughtful coach. Over my years of training with him I've grown significantly and learned a ton about my body, endurance athletics, and nutrition. He's helped me to achieve multiple PRs across triathlon and road racing. He's knowledgable and cares about the development of his athletes and caters training to where you're at in your life. I can't recommend working with him enough. He's truly a fantastic coach and a great person."
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San Francisco, California

Jeff Block (CEO)

"Triathlon Coach Torsten has an uncanny ability to take his knowledge and walk a mile in your shoes to come up with each specific workout plan, down to each specific workout. He keeps it interesting by alternating between race specific triathlon planning, when appropriate, and general strength/build phases. The key is that he varies the workouts…Maybe the overall goal is the same, but he mixes up the workouts to keep the athlete focused and engaged."
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Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California

Jamie Halper (CEO)

"Torsten Abel is the best triathlon coach that I know or have heard about. I have used several and heard about many from my many tri friends. My brother uses him too and he has done 7 IM. I have PR'd at age 53 in the half marathon and 10k because of Torsten. He listens, doesn't over train, super smart. I recommend Torsten highly and without qualification".
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Morgan Hill, California

Jennifer Hollibough

"Thank you Torsten for acknowledging my previous triathlon coaching experience! I did not have a frame of reference....so, after some time, I thought it was my limitations as an athlete!!! I have yearned to test my boundaries. To be heard. To be seen and acknowledged. I am so appreciative of what you are doing....I know now that I am a good triathlete...a great athlete! These times are precious to me....as I waited a long time in this life before competing. This is truly a part of who I am. I LOVE IT! Your approach to triathlon coaching is rare in my opinion. I am lucky to have found you!!". ​
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London, England

John Turley

"World-class coaching is not just for world class athlete's! It turns out it's available to a very average athlete like me. I can think of nothing better I could have done with my life, for myself, than train with Torsten Abel. ​ I've had more pleasure out of my training with him than in all the other triathlons and marathons I've done put together. Racing in the target event (Dambuster Olympic Triathlon) was an experience way beyond anything I had imagined, as was my performance. I did not believe I could do what I have done. That is an incredible experience to have. At last I understand what people are talking about when they talk about the buzz and the rush of competing. ​ The man is an inspiration, no just providing the training program, the exact expert advice I needed exactly when I needed it, guidance about nutrition, astonishing help with my run technique, but also motivation and encouragement. When some who has achieved so much in triathlon tells me I had a good training session it means a lot. More importantly he kept me strong and healthy, taking no risky short-cuts but building all the support systems I needed to go faster, for longer. ​ The knowledge and experience Torsten has given me go way beyond Triathlon and has had a huge positive effect in my life. If you're thinking about working with Torsten stop thinking and do it".
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Hong-Kong

Brandon Sedloff

"Torsten has a passion for coaching which is immediately evident to all of his athlete. He was dedicated to ensuring I achieved my goals when I was training for my first Ironman and Ultra Marathon. He spent an immense amount of time working with me to craft a customized training plan. During my training he was able to adapt the plan (real time) based on how I felt on any given day and after each workout. He is very responsive and goes WAY above and beyond in every way to ensure all questions are answered. Torsten’s insights as a triathlon coach and a mentor made my Ironman Triathlon Training & Marathon experience a very positive one.“
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Bath, England

Neville Yates

"I was fortunate enough to meet Torsten Abel at an Ironman 70.3 race in the UK during the summer of 2005. Shortly after this he agreed to become my coach and I think it’s fair to say I have not looked back since. At the time of meeting Torsten I was at a bit of a crossroads with my Triathlon development. As an Ironman age grouper having completed a couple of full distance races I really did not feel like I was going anywhere! Little did I know how much that was about to change thanks to Torsten’s ongoing support and guidance over the past three and a half years. It’s true what they say results speak for themselves. I have now completed numerous endurance events including more than five Ironman races knocking over two hours off my previous PB, how fantastic is that! One thing is for sure as a direct result of Torsten’s first class communication skills, coaching services and uncompromising professionalism I have developed into a far stronger and disciplined athlete. I am very much looking forward to continue my long term development with the Torsten Triathlon Training in 2009 and beyond. ​ Thank you Torsten for all your help and support over the years, it means a great deal". ​
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San Rafael, California

Doug Barrett

"If you are looking for the best triathlon coach to either get started in the sport or take your racing to the next level then choose Torsten. His wealth of knowledge, communication skills and experience in the sport are unmatched. I worked with Torsten for only three months to prepare for the Triathlon Age Group National (2015) and saw big gains. With his structured training I shaved 4 minutes off my PR and hit my race goal of 2:15 hours. I look forward to working with him again and would recommend his coaching to anyone!".
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San Diego, California

Lowell Stadelman

"Torsten Abel is a very successful Ironman triathlete and a successful triathlon coach. Great professional attitude and yet humble presence despite his capability as a professional triathlete. I was with another coaching company which did not know what they were doing. I had not improved with them either after almost a year with them. I had been injured several times with them and a friend pointed out that they were not triathletes. They were very expensive so I left them. Right away Torsten conducted a Lactate testing and came up with a new training plan which worked. My next race (Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon) I had improved tremendously. And I did very well in my first Ironman Triathlon."
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Walnut Creek, California

Pro Triathlete Kelsey Withrow

"Met Torsten in Tucson over the winter. At the time I was coaching myself but knew deep down that I needed a change. Torsten knows what it takes to be the best and has been there as an athlete as well. Torsten is the best triathlon coach I’ve ever had when it comes to expertise and communication. I talk with him multiple times a day and he comments on every workout I put into my training log." ​
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Boulder, Colorado

Karen McClelland

"Triathlon Coach Torsten is a high performing, experienced professional triathlete, has had extensive training in the coaching field, provides individualized training programs (not cookie-cutter), and is passionate about what he does."
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Dallas, Texas

Brian Nath

"Torsten Abel is an awesome triathlon coach! Attentive, knowledgable, cares about his athletes, and knows what it takes to get to the next level! I had a phenomenal first year with him. Went from a 5:04h 70.3 to a 4:31h in my first year with him".
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Tucson, Arizona

Peter Dykinga

"I am a huge fan! It was no accident that I was able to take 2 hours off my Ironman Triathlon time with Torsten."
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Phoenix, Arizona

Kristin Robinson

"Torsten's personal approach and triathlon coaching based on my schedule vs. what other triathlon programs offer in forcing you into group programs was a selling point for me."
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Seattle, Washington

Jonathan Flint

"T3 triathlon coaching provided the most bang for my buck - amazing value, very customized triathlon training plan with frequent contact via email or phone."
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San Francisco, California

Matt Gazulis

"I liked that Triathlon Coach Torsten always gave me a week's worth of workouts ahead of time. I liked that he used TRAININGPEAKS. It was a good forum to track workouts, provide comments, etc. Torsten always had a consistent training message. I found that Torsten was a great Triathlon coach because he displayed good empathy and tried to understand my life to take my unique circumstances into consideration. Many of the other triathlon coaches I interviewed really wanted to force their personal training beliefs on me which is not what I want. I want a triathlon coach who understands my unique goals and works with me to achieve them." ​