Q&A With The Triathletes Of Nuneaton Triathlon Club
Sundried chats to the members of Nuneaton Triathlon Club who will be partnering with Sundried as brand ambassadors.
Have you always been into sport?
Lee Harper: Yes I've always been into sports, football, tennis, swimming and athletics.
What made you decide to enter the world of triathlon?
Amanda Harris: Due to knee injuries in the past, I was advised to cross train. It then made sense to compete in triathlons as I enjoyed the combination of the 3 sports.
What’s been your favourite race to date and why?
Debra Suffolk: Definitely the Sandman Triathlon in Anglesey, Wales! It's a hard event and testing course but in beautiful surroundings and you get a real sense of achievement just finishing. I love it.
And your proudest achievement?
Andrew Downes: When I crossed the finish line at the Outlaw Full 2018 iron distance triathlon. Having a heart condition and a pacemaker it just went to show that conditions like these don't have to mean you can't enjoy life to the full. I am a member of several pacemaker groups and I felt extremely proud that other pacemaker patients found my ironman journey truly inspiring and gave hope to new patients that they would after time still be able to achieve their goals.
Your toughest race yet?
Helen Talbot: The toughest race for me was the Ironman World Championship in Kona. The race conditions, humidity, and the high level of competition were quite intimidating. Closely followed by Ironman Wales because the whole course was very draining: a rough swim followed by a hilly bike course and run.
How do you overcome setbacks?
Martin Shuttler: I attempted Ironman UK in Bolton in 2017 and didn't quite make it so competed and finished it in 2018. In my personal situation, not wanting to be beaten, determination and perseverance, knowing that I could do it if I focused on those areas where I struggled but at the same time, not forgetting the others.
Paying more attention to nutrition and better quality training sessions were always a big factor. I made sure that I filled the training time with the best effort I could rather than just completing the training time. Ultimately, I know its a cliche but a lot of overcoming setbacks is mental strength and shear strong mindedness.
What advice do you wish you'd been given before you started competing?
Phil Harris: Don't try to achieve everything at once. Take the time to understand your own strengths and weaknesses and look after your body, you only have one!
What are your goals for 2019?
Chloe Croft: I would love to get a sub 25 minute Parkrun and a sub 6.5 hour 70.3 (half iron distance).
Who do you take your inspiration from?
Zoe Brown: I take inspiration from people who have overcome something and still succeeded. Katie Piper, Billy Monger, people who show the world they can do anything regardless of their limitations.
Also my other half Andy who has a pacemaker but nothing stands in his way. He has competed in the Outlaw Full and Half and also run marathons.
What do you like about Sundried and what’s your favourite bit of our kit?
Spencer Truscott: I love a new pair of socks and you can't beat the Sundried running socks. I also highly rate the Sundried padded jacket; it's fantastic and is especially great before and after a race.
