My Interview with Tom Evans

So I spend a little of my spare time in front of the computer trying to learn as much about this sport as I possibly can. During my surfing, I enjoy looking at results and studying the times and splits to see just how good some people are out there.

As I was going through the Ironman website, I picked out a name (as I always check out the Canadian content) that kept coming up near or at the top of these tough races. I did not know much about this 40 year British Columbian dentist so I had to learn more.

I searched the internet a little more but did not see much more than stats and race clippings so I decided to dig a little deeper. I created a few questions from what I had already read and sent it along to Dr. Evans. I didn't expect to see anything for a little while, if at all, but he was such a great sport that he returned my email within the same day.

This just adds to my many great experiences in this sport and is very refreshing after many years dealing with professional athletes in some of the big money sports.






10 Questions with Tom Evans –
1. When did you find the sport of triathlon and how long did it take you to turn professional?

TE - I watched IMC in 1999 and signed up for the 2000 race. 2002 was my first professional year.

2. You have won several big races but when searching for data on the web, besides results on event sites, your personal info (bio, sponsors, upcoming races, etc.) is pretty hard to find. Do you like to keep a lower profile than the other pros or am I not searching in the right place (please provide your website in your answer if you have one, thank you!)?

TE - I don’t really see much value in a website as there are so many out there. I also don’t have the time to maintain one properly. The guys I train with have started a blog which is just for fun www.teambigdeal.blogspot.com however I have not posted there (yet). If I ever do start a website it will be to promote my dental practice. I am currently offering root form dental implants for $1000 each ($2500 including crown) in order to make the cost of replacing a single tooth with an implant equivalent to a 3 unit bridge.

3. What is the toughest part of triathlon for you, racing or training (why)?

TE - The only part of triathlon I do not enjoy is the air travel to and from a race. For the most part I will just be racing locally to minimize air travel with the bike.

4. The sport of golf has created a lot of controversy in the past because of huge developments in gear technology. Do you believe the newer triathlon bikes and wheels sets create the same type of issue in triathlon? Is it fair that some athletes are being left behind because they do not have the funds to ride the same calibre of bike as the ones who ride the top models?

TE - Technology is not a problem…drugs are. There needs to be much more testing on this front.

5. As you participate in mostly longer races, you can only select a few races in a year to avoid burnout and injuries. Are there any races out there that you would love to compete in if you had unlimited resources to race whenever you felt like racing?

TE - I have yet to race (triathlon) in Europe. Hopefully IM Germany or Roth will work out at some point in the future.

6. What keeps you motivated to stay at such an incredible level of performance well past the proverbial “peak” athletic years?

TE - My triathlon season is only 8 months long. I focus on cross country skiing for the other 4 months. This approach keeps me mentally and physically fresh.

7. When you finally decide that you have had enough of professional competition, will you still get the same enjoyment by winning your Age Group or do you think you will continue to compete as a pro for your entire triathlon career?

TE - I’m always just looking to perform to the best of my abilities. Age should not matter nor the category I’m entered in.

8. What other sports do you participate on a regular basis that you believe helps your triathlon performance?

TE - Skate and classic cross-country skiing.

9. I saw a humourous posting on the Slowtwitch forums where a gentleman challenged you to a paddling race. I think you really surprised him with your extensive kayaking background. Will this challenge take place?

TE - I spent many years on the river but that is something I have not done for many years. Time is always the limiter in terms of “extras”

10. What is the question you are asked the most from Age Group athletes looking to improve their overall triathlon results, and your response to that question?

TE - To answer most questions properly I usually refer people to a good coach.



Thank you very much for your time Tom!

If the pros have time to post...

So I took a beating last year when I was updating my training log each night as one gentleman made a comment that I should worry about getting faster instead of posting blogs. Well, I may not be a pro and, at the age of 35, probably will never be pro. One thing I do know is that I have come very far since my chicken wing eating, beer drinking days only a few years ago. Another thing I know is that I also like to write and communicate with outher that share my passion for multisport. My family and friends are very supportive of my lifestyle change but they do not get too interested in the sport to create conversation. Therefore, I get my daily dose of chat on the internet. All the amazing people I have met in this sport live far enough away that we do not get to see each other unless we are at the same events.

For the past few weeks I have found some extra time and energy to start re-visiting some of my favourite blogs (Simon Whitfields, Canadian Triathletes, etc.) and they have inspired me to write more often. I hope you can follow along and drop a line when you get some time of your own!
Happy training,
Larry