Matty Edwards Athlete Ambassador

Matty is a runner who has recently discovered a love for open water swimming. He talks to Sundried about training and racing.

Have you always been into sport?

Yes, from a young age my mum encouraged me to take up football and 800m running at our local athletics club.

How did you first get into triathlon?

This is my first year training for a triathlon. After my 2 planned marathons this year were cancelled, I needed another challenge to get my teeth into. So I started open water swimming and became hooked.

What has been your favourite race to date and why?

Great North Run - a race that I ran with my brother who has sadly passed away.

What is your proudest achievement?

Snowdonia marathon - I lost my brother to cancer 10 years ago, we planned to do a marathon together but he became ill and passed away before we got the chance. So I entered the Snowdonia marathon and the route passed by the church he got married in. A very emotional race but my proudest achievement to finish.

Have you ever had any racing disasters?

Training for my first marathon I trained perfectly. Come race day I forgot my hydration tablets that I took during training and cramped up 22 miles in. I ended up hobbling to the end. I'll always wonder if it was because I never took the tablets like I did during training runs.

How do you overcome setbacks?

Evaluate what went wrong and where I can improve. Self evaluation is sometimes better than listening to someone else. I know my body better than anyone else - so I know my limits.

What advice do you wish you'd been given when you first started out?

Nutrition - massively underestimated this in my younger years.

What are your goals?

2022 full Ironman.

Who inspires you?

My 2 young daughters. They inspire me to be a better person and role model.

Why work with Sundried?

The comfortable clothing makes this a no brainer but I also love the EHOH initiative. I train during lunch breaks in work, so I know first hand how productive this can be for employees.