Posted: July 8, 2004

Triathlon: 2004 Canadian Long Course Triathlon Champs

Great White North Triathlon, Edmonton AB

Once again the Great White North Triathlon in Edmonton Alberta was a great event for me. Wade Church the race director puts on a terrific event for everyone, and that is why I was back for my third time, along with the fact that the race was designated the Canadian Long Course championships. Last year I wanted to get the course record but my pedal came off 60km into the bike ride and the winds were horrible leaving me 4 minutes off the 3:56 record set by Marc Becker many years ago. I did not want to miss it again so I put new pedals on the bike and hoped for better weather.

The swim was fast thanks to John Weston. He went straight to the front and I had to work hard just to stay on his feet. Once on the bike I really wanted to put the hammer down simply because I love riding hard. I resisted the urge and settled into a comfortable tempo which I held from start to finish. It rained for about 20km of the bike which left me (and everyone else) a bit chilly coming off the bike. I knew I had a good lead, and only had to run a 1:25 to get the course record but I also knew Jasper Blake would most likely run under 1:15. Thus I decided to start easy and build into the run. I could not feel my feet for the first 5km of the run, and then all of a sudden started to feel really good. The pace was comfortable and everything was going well. My only mistake was when one of the relay team runner caught me and I tried to lift my pace to his. I was feeling good so I figured why not. I kept him in sight for about 2km and then had to easy off because I was getting a side stitch which stayed with me for the last few km's. It was a good lesson about keeping a steady pace for me.

I came around the last corner and saw 3:49 on the clock and was starting to sprint to get under 3:50 when I saw my mom, grandma, and grandpa going nuts on the side. I had to stop for a few quick hugs and a kiss from grandma, and that also leaves the 3:50 barrier for next year.

In the end I was very please to claim a Canadian Championship title as well as put together a solid race all around. Overall my training is going very well and I’m looking forward to my main race for this season: Ironman Canada.

See ya next year,

Tom

Tom Evans, a former national swimmer with the Keyano Swim Club in Edmonton, finished 2nd at the 2003 Ironman Canada, leading until the final kilometers on the run. He currently lives and trains in Penticton BC, home of his goal race for 2004, Ironman Canada. Tom is coached by Joel Filliol of Competition Zone.

Send your questions and comments to Tom at tevans@competitionzone.com or Coach Joel at info2@competitionzone.com or www.competitionzone.com.