10,000 Miles in Bearbottom:
A Q&A with Ironman Evan Gruda
Evan Gruda pushing the pace during a recent competition.
Here at Bearbottom, we love seeing where our gear takes you. For elite amateur triathlete Evan Gruda, it’s taken him across finish lines at premier events, to two Ironman 70.3 World Championship appearances, and through an estimated 10,000 miles of running over the last decade.
For twenty years, Evan has been running competitively and crushing the triathlon scene since 2022. But he isn't just about chasing podiums and age-group wins. Between working full-time as a video engineer, putting in brutal 20+ hour training weeks, catching live music, and being a proud "Dog Dad," Evan uses his racing platform for a much bigger cause. Through his "Tri for Jonah" campaign, he actively raises funds and awareness for the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation.
Evan has been rocking Bearbottom shorts and tees for over ten years, so we decided it was time to sit down and pick his brain about his race-day mindset, his non-negotiable routines, and how he packs for his destination races.
The Q&A
Triathlons are as much a mental game as a physical one. What’s the personal mantra that gets you through that brutal hardest mile?
"My mantra is simple: I would much rather hurt more now than hurt later. The temporary physical pain of pushing through a hard mile is nothing compared to the long-term sting of regret knowing I didn't give it my all in the moment."
Triathletes are notorious for over-packing (we get it, there's a lot of gear involved!). If you’re heading to a destination race, which Bearbottom pieces actually make the cut for your 'one-bag' travel?
"Space is definitely at a premium. When you travel for a race, you’re lugging a wetsuit, a bike, multiple pairs of shoes, and so much gear—versatility is absolutely key. I'll always pack my Run Shorts, but I also haven’t traveled anywhere without the Tour Pants. They are great for being on a plane, walking around a new city, and everything in between. Plus, I can wear them multiple times without them getting dirty."
What’s the 'secret sauce' in your daily training routine? What are your absolute non-negotiables?
"It's often the little things. For me, there are two main non-negotiables: nutrition and activation. With nutrition, I’m not just fueling for my next workout; I’m fueling for the one after that. And with stretching and activation, something younger athletes often skip, it makes a huge difference in speeding up recovery and preventing injuries."
You’ve definitely got options when it comes to workout clothes. What makes Bearbottom your go-to?
"The comfort, more than anything. I’m actually wearing a full set right now because it's the most comfortable thing to wear while working from home. Beyond that, it comes down to trust. I've been wearing Bearbottom for 10 years while competing, so I know I can rely on the brand."
Between the pool, the bike, and the run, you’re constantly changing clothes. What’s the first thing you put on the second a grueling workout ends?
"The Drifter Short, without a doubt. I absolutely love the built-in liner. It's the perfect thing to throw on for immediate comfort after a grueling session."
Let's talk recovery. What is the most underrated tool or habit that every runner or triathlete needs to start doing?
"Swimming. Getting in the pool for an easy swim after a really hard run is one of the best things you can do to prepare your body for the next day. It flushes the legs out and is way better for recovery than just 'potatoing' on the couch."
Since you've logged thousands of miles with us over the last ten years, how has the transition from those early prototypes to our current high-performance tech changed your race day?
"The original Run Shorts were great for a casual run, but they weren't quite like the premium track short options we have now. Today, the materials are so much lighter and more breathable, not to mention the wider variety of colors."
Pro Tip: Advice for First-Time Racers
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you before you signed up for your very first race?
"Go out there and just have fun. By the time you reach the starting line, you've already put in months and hours of grueling work to get there. The hard work is officially over; the race itself is the reward." - Evan Gruda
⚡ The Hot Seat: Rapid Fire Round
We put Evan on the clock to get his gut-reaction favorites. Here is where he stands on the important stuff:
You may also like
View all
