Bio
Chris is a three-time Ironman Champion and former U.S. National Ironman Champion. Year after year Chris’s discipline and dedication to the sport of triathlon have paid off.
In addition to training and racing it has always been important for Chris to have balance in his life. Chris has successfully created that balance with work and family and through the launch of Base Performance Nutrition. Chris has had years of learning what works for him and what doesn’t work and he wants to share his successes with those who are also passionate about endurance sports and active life.
Q & A
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When did you first start training in life? Where and why?
I was active as a child playing soccer, swimming and baseball. I played water polo in high school and a couple years at Long Beach State. It wasn't until I was 25 that I really trained for anything and decided to try triathlon. I got my first bike and first pair of running shoes and thought I would give it a try.
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One sport wasn’t enough? What got your into the multi-sport arena?
I swam and played water polo and when I decided to see if I could get myself to the Ironman in Hawaii, I had to add a couple sports to my training. Biking came easier to me than running, but running is my favorite when I am injury free :)
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When did you turn pro?
I turned pro in 2002
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What are the events, wins, memories that stand out most throughout your career so far?
Winning Ironman Canada in 2005 was a great memory of overcoming and pushing through when you think your done. Also, 2009 Ironman World Championship in Kona when I lead almost the whole day and finally got caught with a couple miles to go. I finished 2nd, but in many ways I was still the winner.
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What is your best discipline and why?
I am known for being the fastest cyclist in the sport. With Lance Armstrong now in triathlon it is up for debate??
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If you had a discipline that needed work, which would it be and why?
People always make comments or say I need to improve on my running. I always need to work on all 3 disciplines, but running shows itself most as needing work because that's what is at the end of the race and when you have gone full gas all day sometimes the tank is empty during
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Your favorite distance?
Sprint distance triathlons are my favorite because anyone can do it even with no training at all and the pain only lasts for a short period of time.
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If there is one thing that people in the industry would recognize you by, what would that be?
My bald head?
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What has driven you to work super hard and rise up beyond mediocrity?
In the past years it has been my kids and my family. Setting an example for them and wanting to rise up when things get difficult.
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Are you a rebel? Why or why not?
I’m a rebel in the sense that I am trying to raise awareness and focus to the needs of the world over my results. Still striving to be on top of my game, but finding fulfillment in giving back and inspiring other athletes to do the same.
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What is your favorite course?
It has been a while since I have been there, but I always really liked Ironman Austria
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What is the venue that you purely dread and why?
Any race I dread I just don’t go back. Ironman Hawaii is a challenge because of so many variables and conditions out of your control. Wind, Heat, etc.
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Finish this sentence: “Oakley is ________”
protection
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f you weren’t killing it in the tri scene, what would you be doing for a living?
Working with More Than Sport, wait I am doing that :) www.MoreThanSport.org
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Perfect date…
Hiking down to a hidden beach on the big island and having the place to ourselves.
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Celebrity look-alike:
Kelly Slater
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Your favorite...
Food: Pizza of burrito
Vacation Spot: Costa Rica
Airline: United
Candy: Snickers
Sport (Besides your own): Surfing
Holiday: Christmas
Music Genre: Christian
Movie: Day of War (coming soon)
Animal: Dolphin -
One Word Association:
Swim: Free
Bike: Journey
Run: Adventure
Fun: Surf
Victory: Jesus Christ
Defeat: Reward
Friend: Karis (wife)
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