Robert Osborne Team GB Age Group Triathlete

Sundried discover how Rob Osborne balances his triathlon training with a full-time job and being a father of three.

How did you get into triathlon?

I used to swim competitively until the age of 11 and did track athletics (400m hurdles) at University. For some time I had always fancied doing a triathlon. The impetus I needed was when my age 90-year-old granny told me I was looking 'a bit porky' at a family reunion and that I needed to lose some weight. That evening I went straight home and entered the Thames Turbo Sprint Triathlon.  I dabbled on and off for several years getting OK results until I qualified for the Team GB Age Group team in 2012 and I’ve improved a lot since then, I've really just focused on sprint triathlons.

How do you balance a full-time job, three kids, and competing?

I try to get a lot of my training done whilst the girls are sleeping or incorporate as part of the work commute. I do most of my cycling on the Turbo trainer. I try to choose local events where the family can come and watch too (traffic-free races generally have a more sociable start time). Work is busy too and can be manic so I'll often be working in the evening after the kids have gone to bed or at weekends.  One of the things I don't balance very well is sleeping; I typically get about 5-6 hours - it would definitely help me if I could get more than that!

What’s your top tip for other triathletes?

It's a cliche but have fun and don't take yourself too seriously! It's important not to lose perspective, after all, triathlon is a hobby (I may have been guilty of this once or twice before a big event).  Also, don't try to smash every session.; easy workouts and rest are as important as intense sessions.

What has been your biggest fitness challenge to date?

I did the Oxfam Trail Walker event in 2006 which is a 100km walk over 24 hrs. However, I think the hardest event I've done is my first (and only) marathon, which was Zurich in 2008. I'm more of a short distance athlete and I properly hit the wall with 10km to go and it was not pretty!

What is your proudest achievement?

Winning the British Sprint Triathlon Championships for my age group (40-44). I also won silver in the AG European Championships in both 2012 and 2013. 

What’s your next event and how are you preparing for it?

I'm doing the London City mile next weekend which should be fun. It's local and free to enter! I've also entered the Leeds Castle Sprint triathlon which is also the English National championships. I recently did the European masters swimming and then had a family holiday for a week, so I think my main focus for the next week or so is to build back some endurance and strength on the bike which has been a bit neglected. Ideally I'd like to recce the course beforehand but I don't think I will get a chance - the run course looks scarily hilly!

Why work with Sundried?

I really like the fresh new look and the quality of the gear; it's stylish and functional at the same time. I also like the ethos of the company, their core values, and social responsibility.