Triathlete, Dean Evans has just returned from his latest trip to New Zealand and Australia, competing in the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships Lake Taupō, New Zealand. Still buzzing from the amazing experience of competing in such a prestigious event in a beautiful location. The race itself went as well as expected in challenging conditions and 33 degrees of heat.

Over the years Dean has been a dedicated British Age Group triathlete who has represented Team GB at the ITU World Triathlon Championships in 2014, 2015, and 2016. He’s a member of the Manchester Tri Club and has taken on some seriously tough endurance challenges, including IRONMAN Australia and the legendary “Marathon des Sables” in 2019, where he finished 126th.

In 2022 he competed in the “Escape from Alcatraz” triathlon, securing an impressive 22nd place. He’s clearly no stranger to pushing his limits!

Whether it’s Ironman, ultra-marathons, or grueling multi-day races in the desert, Dean thrives on big challenges. His experience gives him a unique perspective on training, recovery, and the importance of looking after his body to stay at the top of his game.

We caught up with Triathlete, Dean Evans to get the lowdown on how he stays at the top of his game, covering everything from training and recovery to the role chiropractic care plays in keeping him race-ready.

Can you tell us a bit about your journey as a triathlete? What inspired you to get into the sport?

I’ve always been involved in sport from a young age, swimming as a junior, golf and then rugby through University. I picked up a serious injury playing rugby, so as part of my rehab I got back in the pool and then bought a bike. When I moved from London to Manchester in around 2006/7 it presented an opportunity to focus more on an active lifestyle. 

Triathlons demand endurance, strength, and flexibility – how do you keep your body in peak condition for training and competition?

It takes discipline and hard work. Being a Triathlete and competing at the top level come with sacrifices, it requires dedication and becomes a way of life. You also need a good team around you, a nutritionist, personal trainer, physio and it helps if you know a good chiropractor as well. 

Have you ever faced injuries or physical challenges in your career? How did you manage them?

Funny you should ask that question. In September I tore my achilles racing in a PTO T100 race in Ibiza. A grade 3 tear, which needed a lot of rest (min 40 days). Luckily I had a team of experts around me to help advise and manage the process. It was unfortunate timing with the 70.3 Worlds just around the corner, but we did the best we could in the circumstances. To finish the race in New Zealand was a massive achievement and huge relief. 

How has chiropractic care played a role in your training, recovery, and overall performance?

The work with Doug builds the foundations. If you don’t have good foundations you can’t build a strong body. Knowing the body is straight gives me the reassurance to train harder with confidence.

Many endurance athletes struggle with overuse injuries – have you experienced any, and how have you addressed them?

My SI joint or pelvis gets stuck, a combination of cycling and running and lots of sitting down in an office job. You have to listen to the experts like Doug and physios, and make sure you get enough stretching and recovery done around your training. And listen to what the body is telling you.

What are some key areas of the body that take the most strain in triathlons, and how do you work to keep them strong and injury-free?

For me the hips and pelvis (SI Joint). Don’t seem to struggle so much with hip flexors, which is a common one. Regular stretching and the foam roller has to be your best friend. As I am getting older, strength work in the gym is an important component of my training.

Do you incorporate chiropractic adjustments into your regular recovery routine, or do you use them more for injury management?

I try to see Doug every 4 weeks, either to treat an imbalance or as maintenance to prevent injury. Regular visits hopefully means we keep on top of things. 

For amateur triathletes, what advice would you give about injury prevention and maintaining mobility?

Listen to the body and don’t neglect rest and recovery, it will catch up with you at some point. If you’re going to train hard, you have to build in rest and recovery. I try to have regular massages as well as seeing Doug routinely. If you suspect something isn’t right, it normally isn’t, trust your gut. Pilates and yoga are also great for maintaining mobility.

Have you noticed any specific performance benefits – such as improved flexibility, posture, or reduced recovery time – since incorporating chiropractic care?

The performance benefits are in my head, having regular treatment gives me the confidence and trust to train well. If you’re out of balance then muscles will tighten up to protect areas that are weak. Definitely much more intune with my body having worked with Doug over the years.

What’s next for you in your triathlon journey, and how will you be prepared for your upcoming events?

Right now I am having some down time and enjoying being off plan, having raced in December. Not sure what this year looks like yet, but I am looking forward to my next training camp in Majorca in May. I generally keep fit all year round, as I enjoy the lifestyle.

If you are training for a big event, or you just want to improve your mobility, book an appointment with one of our Chiropractors today. Book now here or call us on 0161 905 3440.