The Efficient Bryan Thomson
Instagram is loaded with inspiration. Every once in a while you run into someone who actually lives in your little town. I’m honestly not sure how mine and Bryan’s paths crossed but he’s into triathlons and in my opinion, that’s pretty awesome! I hope that you can find inspiration to become more active from his story.
- 47 years young
- Creates computer models of construction sites
- Lives in Washington State
- Step dad to two kids, ages 14 & 18
- Avid waterfowl hunter
- Participates in running events & triathalons
Tell us a little bit about you.
I worked in the civil engineering industry for 20 years but in 2014 the firm I worked for closed their doors leaving me to find a new job. I took the opportunity to explore avenues that gave me a little more flexibility with my time. During my job transitions, I pursued some graphical work on the side. I created all of the race maps for Why Racing in Vancouver, as well as Get Bold Events in Battle Ground. I now work for a small company and work out of my house. I create computer models of construction sites, contractors use these models with GPS equipment to aid in the construction process. Fun fact, I did a full computer model of the new roundabout in La Center.
I have a really large passion for waterfowl hunting and spend a lot of time in the winter months pursuing this passion. I also really like the notion of hunting / fishing / foraging / gathering my own food. I enjoy the process of obtaining the food, preparing and or preserving it and cooking meals with it. It’s sort of like a lifestyle and aids a lot towards healthy eating. I call it eating close to the earth. In the summer months I also enjoy participating in running events and triathlons.
What was your life like before becoming active? How did you feel?
I would get winded easily and had much lower energy. Although, I have always been a pretty ambitious person who likes to take on new hobbies or activities. I took on duck hunting in my late 20’s and fell in love with it. I’m just around the corner from 47 and opening day of hunting season I feel like a kid waiting for Xmas morning. The challenge of getting to the great spot, getting your gear out miles away from any road, watching the world come alive with the sunrise, and interacting with the birds, it’s all wonderful to me.
What made you want to get more active?
About 10 years ago I was overweight and very out of shape, and my hunting suffered as I couldn’t get to places I wanted to hunt, I needed to do something. My passion for waterfowl hunting was the driving force. I wanted to be able to hike further, carry more gear, and make my experience more rewarding. Running and exercise provides me a good outlet to process emotions and help keep me grounded.
How did you becoming more active impact other areas of your life?
It gave me new activities to participate in and new social outlets.
Did seeing other people and their adventures have an impact on you?
Yes, when I began I got motivation from seeing Facebook friends taking on a similar journey.
If you felt like you were too out of shape and each time you tried to get in shape you failed, what was it that helped you get over that hump?
Signing up for races helped push me further.
Do you feel like you’ve gotten to where you want to be with your fitness? Or do you feel like you can still grow and do better?
I feel I will always want to be better however I’m trying to not focus so much on this as it can take over. Balance is the key. Progress is good.
What was your biggest struggle in getting active? Now that you’re active, is it easy? Or does it still take effort?
Time, being a busy person time is my enemy. Time affects properly preparing nutritious food and time impacts workout duration.
I commuted on my bike to work four days a week via bus and bike and the occasional ride from La Center to downtown Vancouver. The biking aspect has always been a very enjoyable part of my exercise. Shortly after I got married I lost my job and entered a new venture, this combined with married life and being a fairly new parent to a 10 and 14 year old took its toll on my time and my fitness took a back burner. While I always was doing something, it was barely enough to keep me moving and I gained back a good portion of the weight I had lost. The last two years I finally started finding some time and decided to really give triathlons a go.
Did you go on this journey alone or did you have a buddy or a group?
I have done part of the journey with my wife, however, currently we are at different places. When I met my wife she was also doing running events 5ks, 10ks, and had done one triathlon. Now, I belong to a triathlon team where I have friends to participate with. Having a team has also helped replace the social aspect I lost from working in an office environment.
What’s your next goal, event, or adventure?
Now I’m finding myself signed up for a half Ironman triathlon in 2020 and a full Ironman in my sights for 2022, the year I turn 50. For me, I need the races to keep me going, signing up for and training for them is almost necessary.
Anyone else feeling like…
They should start swimming laps at the pool? Or maybe bust out the old bicycle? I sure do! I love hearing about what makes people tick, and how they stay committed to living healthy and active lives. My biggest takeaway is to sign up for the thing, and get ready for it! (Says the girl who has no race commitments for the year of 2020, #slacker)
If there’s someone who inspires you, and you think their story should be shared here, please get in touch with me. (Even if that someone is you!)