Sophie Burnett Athlete Ambassador

Sophie is a runner who has a real love for her sport. She talks to Sundried about training and racing.

Have you always been into sport?

Nearly always! I was never very skilled, but I was always keen to have a go at sport and put everything into it.

At a young age I tried anything I could get my hands on, although my mum wasn't too happy about having to organise her day around after-school clubs that I would inevitably give up. As I got a little older, it was hard to try new things because my best friends were always significantly more skilled and talented than I was!

At university, I picked up Ultimate Frisbee which was the perfect fit. I could run faster than most of the women and would make my new friends throw a disc back and forth with me for hours. Eventually, I moved to London with very little money or spare time, so running was the perfect way to compete against myself and get the exercise I love.

What’s been your favourite race to date and why?

My very first half marathon in Paris! I'd never run more than 18km before, the views were great, the weather was perfect, the crowds were amazing and there was one part where the local firemen were hanging above us on their ladders. There was an incredible atmosphere the whole way around.

And your proudest achievement?

Getting out for a run every lunchtime at work to drop my 5km down from 25 minutes to 22 minutes in less than a year. It's not a long distance, but pure consistence and grit has driven a great result.

Have you ever had any racing disasters/your toughest race yet?

The Torbay half marathon in 2019, which was my first in years after breaking a bone in my foot. I had a week's notice, 5-hour journey, and I was terrified. The day of the race, I was in tears by the end. I had no idea how far I had run because there were no markers, there were very few supporters, and I kept getting stitches. I'm still glad I made it but not sure I'd do it again.

How do you overcome setbacks?

Rest when I need to, accept that I will lose fitness over that period, but ultimately try to remember what I've achieved so far and not to compare myself to others...too much.

What advice do you wish you'd been given before you started competing?

Just go for it! Races can be expensive but I wish I had entered the world of racing sooner; there's nothing else like it and I can't wait to see what I'll achieve in 5 years.

What are your goals for 2020?

• My first full marathon
• Cycle from London to Paris in 3 days
• Run at least 10 half marathons
• I would love to get a sub 20-minute 5km but I'm not going to hate myself if I don't make it

Who do you take your inspiration from?

My headstrong parents, my incredibly self-motivated boyfriend, my running-addict boss, and all the normal people getting out there every day. I find Instagram an amazing, supportive platform and I get a huge amount of motivation and inspiration from them.

What do you like about Sundried and what’s your favourite bit of our kit?

I found Sundried while trying to find a sustainable, fashionable and affordable sports brand. Sundried was the only label I found that ticked all those boxes!

I love the high-waisted running leggings, although the winner has to be the lightweight puffer zip jacket. So comfy, soft and cosy, I hardly take it off at the minute.