Training » Ambassador

Amber is an online Pilates and Wellbeing coach who spreads wellbeing and mindfulness into her daily life. Here she talks to Sundried about life in fitness.

Please tell us about sporting events you have taken part in or have coming up.

I love to keep active and feel it is always good to have an event in the diary to work towards. In the past I have enjoyed taking part in obstacle runs (The Yorkshire Terrior was my favourite) and in open water swimming events including The Great North Swim and The Epic Swim series in The Lake District. In 2019 I swam The English Channel as part of a relay team.

Tell us about your journey to fitness? Where did it all start?

I have always been active- being heavily involved with performing arts and dancing as a child through to attending local gyms and fitness classes once old enough. At 19 years old I decided to train as a Fitness Instructor and Sports Therapist with Premier Training. I worked in gyms and Fitness clubs, training groups and 1:1’s and teaching fitness classes. I also set up my own business Personal Training in people homes. When the opportunity arose to train with Michael King to become a Pilates Instructor I jumped at the chance! Meanwhile, having 2 children and getting older means I need to keep working hard every day on my own health and fitness too. I love to be outside with my dogs- walking, running or swimming! I also fit in my own Pilates training 2 or 3 times a week and do a 10 minute workout every morning - alternating between hiit and yoga.

What are your training goals now?

For me it is about keeping a balance but also setting new goals. I aim to continue with my Pilates training, increasing knowledge on the Pilates apparatus and using it to help with strength and flexibility. I hope to swim even more this year in open water which I love, and continue through the Winter months. The feeling it gives you is just amazing - you feel so free and at one with nature. I am wanting to run more and to set myself challenges. I enjoy canicross with my dog Dexter and maybe enter some events with this too!

Tell us one unusual fact we wouldn’t know about you:

I talk in my sleep. A lot. My (ex) husband used to keep a record of it and used to say he could write a book! The best one was ‘I can’t have curry with you Robert’ ...whoever Robert is...!

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

How vitally important mental health is to physical fitness and the two absolutely go together. It is so important to help people stay healthy in the mind as well as the body.

Do you follow a specific nutrition plan? If so, what/when do you eat?

I love to eat healthy and enjoy juicing. Most days we start with a juice or a smoothie - it’s great to send the children off to school knowing they have started the day already with a load of greens and fruit. I don’t eat meat for health and ethical reasons, and I try to limit dairy as much as possible. I also make sure I drink plenty of water. 

What do you do to keep your clients motivated? Do you have any top tips to keep motivated?

I keep my sessions serious but fun. We keep moving and thinking, working the brain and the body. In Pilates, every movement is a thought process. Joseph Pilates even described it as ‘The thinking way of moving’. I currently run classes through a private Facebook group - Studio LIVE and on Zoom, encouraging participants and offering corrections and adjustments. Group sessions are a great way to stay motivated. Book it in and put it in your diary. Keep reminding yourself how good you will feel after your workout. Remember you’re only ever one workout away from a good mood!

Talk us through your training regime.

So I usually start my day at 6am. I love to get up before the rest of the house and set myself up for a 10 minute workout (weirdly I love this in the Winter whilst it’s still dark outside!) I will do either a 10 minute HIIT session or a yoga or Pilates routine. I also try to do 5-10 minutes of mindfulness before everyone else is awake as this helps set me up for the day. Throughout the day I will teach Pilates classes and 1:1’s, work on my direct selling business as a Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic business, and walk or run with my dogs before meeting the children from school. Once a week I will swim in open water- usually the river!

How do you keep your fitness knowledge up to date?

I am always attending training days and workshops. It’s so important to keep up to speed with the industry and it also helps with new ideas to keep my classes varied and fun. Most recently I have updated my training as an Adore Your Pelvic Floor Coach and am enjoying specialising in Women’s Health.

What are your top 3 trainer tips?

1. Stay focused
2. Be mindful
3. Breathe

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I would have to say watermelon. It’s refreshing, sweet and full of antioxidants. I could definitely only eat these for the rest of my life!

Why work with Sundried?

I only work with companies which hold strong values and ethics. Sundried is helping to make a positive impact on the world, and this is something I feel strongly about.

Favourite fitness quote:

“Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live.” Jim Rohn

At Trident Performance, our goal is to educate and train our clients so that they can achieve their maximum potential. We are aiming to utilise the 4th physical training pillar to enhance performance in the water, bike and road as well as reduce days lost due to injury.

Who we are

Highly qualified physiotherapy and strength and conditioning professionals, John and Jethro have worked with a diverse range of athletes and organisations. With Trident you have access to multiple years of elite coaching and physiotherapy experience.

What we do

We offer practical, experience-based solutions learned through a myriad of performance environments. We do not teach theory learned in a classroom. We offer a unique, personalized service designed to get you executing at the highest level possible. Trident will give you the tools for effective strength & conditioning and rehabilitation.

We customize training to your specific needs, working closely with technical coaches to ensure that every facet of your programme is effectively managed.

Why we do it

S&C is an often neglected or often forgotten element of man athletes programmes. However, it has been shown to improve performance, increase capacity and reduce injury risk. We offer bespoke programmes, yearly periodisation, tapering and injury rehabilitation for all athletes. We love the opportunity to work with dedicated athletes, such as triathletes, who are willing to put in the work to be successful.

Why Sundried?

Quality clothing

Sundried provides high quality clothing needed for high quality athletes. Fitness apparel needs to feel, perform and look good at all levels. Sundried provides us and our athletes with the look and feel to maintain performance during all levels of competition.

Ethics of the company

Sundried have created a thriving and sustainable working environment by consistently rewarding the hard work of their staff who contribute to the development of a renewable, innovative and coffee-infused sports clothing brand.

Please tell us about any sporting events you have taken part in/have coming up?

Having completed my first marathon in 2019 - Richmond Runfest - I have a renewed interest in long distance trail/road events. I also enjoy amateur boxing, however since the Coronavirus restrictions hit in Spring 2020 I haven’t been as active with training/bouts as I’d like to have been.

As 2021 approaches I hope to gain a place in the Virgin Money London marathon and compete in a range of running events and also have a busy boxing season with Sevenoaks Boxing Club.

Currently the highlight of my sporting calendar is looking to be The Ragnar Trail Forest of Dean event.

Tell us about your journey to fitness? Where did it all start?

During my school years I would compete in track & field events (1500m, high jump) and cross country, admittedly it was a case of almost making it as opposed to having a great impact on the events. It wasn’t until my time in the British Army between 2009 - 2013, I appreciated the opportunities to represent my regiment in basketball, and get back into football and athletics. These years were where I first stepped into a gym and felt the pull towards competitive individual events. I fell in love with weightlifting which led to a short spell as a powerlifter.

What are your training goals now?

My focus now is to decrease two things; my weight and running times in events from 5km to marathon distance. I have ambitions to run the World major marathons and also the MDS endurance race.

Tell us one unusual fact we wouldn’t know about you:

I'm an avid film fan and plan to produce, write and direct independent mircobudget feature films.

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

The importance of consistency and logging my runs. I used to just run in a sporadic, capricious manner without structure or goals. I now appreciate the intricacies of training for specific events or target times.

Do you follow a specific nutrition plan? If so, what/when do you eat?

I have previously tried various nutrition plans and eating windows; however, these restrictions didn't work due to work or personal choice. I think if I manage the sugar and fatty foods then I can eat whatever and whenever I want. My weight tends to fluctuate depending on what I'm training for, an amateur bout or a running event.

These days I take vitamins and have increased my protein intake to aid muscle recovery, and that's about it. Everyone has different needs and varying regimes work for various people; I think we need to do what works/feels right.

Tips for clients/Do you have any top tips to keep motivated?

I previously gained an entry level athletics coaching qualification but chose not to pursue it further, choosing to focus on my career, however to keep myself motivated during sporting events or tough training sessions I think of my kids - how my achievements can inspire them, how showing grit, tenacity and dedication can enhance their young lives.

I also break up the challenge into achievable targets. One more round sparring, or another three miles along the road etc.

Talk us through your training regime.

I aim to run at least four times a week; hill sprints, Fartlek/intervals, and a steady state jog, culminating with a long run on the weekend usually a Sunday. Pre Covid I was training in the boxing gym Mondays and Wednesday evenings 19:00 - 21:00. with another hour session on a Friday.

How do you keep your fitness knowledge up to date?

I read what I can online, talk with coaches and fellow runners/boxers/athletes, I’m considering studying for further coaching qualifications, but I’m still considering disciplines.

What are your top 3 trainer tips?

There is no such thing as a bad training session, try to remain optimistic after the low days.

The only competition is yourself, focus on your own improvements, look for marginal gains to increase overall performance.

Don't be afraid to set crazy, big challenges, sometimes the people closest to you are your biggest detractors - find your support network and aim for those achievements together.

Due to work commitments I’m not always able to get out with others when I train, Lonely Goat Running Club offer great support on Strava, also the Oford Trail runners group are amazing. Go follow them both.

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

This would have to be bread, it's so versatile - cheese on toast, chip butties, ham, and lettuce sandwiches. Is that bending the question too much.

Why work with Sundried?

I love the passion and the inclusive ethos behind the brand, whether you’re just stating your running journey or a five time Ironman winner there is something for you at Sundried. It’s also great that the products are “all created ethically and sustainably” during these wild times it’s important to be conscious about the planet and the working conditions of others.

Favourite fitness quote:

During the tough training runs, those hot summer or equally tough cold wet Winter miles, I’m often drawn to thinking about one of my running heroes. The late great American long-distance runner, Steve Prefontaine (1951 - 1975).

He said “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”

I’ve yet to give my best in any sporting event, the best is yet to come!

Oliver is a cyclist who learned all he knows by watching videos on YouTube. He talks to Sundried about his journey.

Have you always been into sport?

Yes, I’ve always had a passion for sport mainly driven by my sport-mad family. However, there hasn't really been any endurance sports lovers and that was motivated by watching events such as the Tour de France and the Giro.

How did you first get into cycling?

By watching a few videos on YouTube. Within a couple of days I was hooked and knew pretty much everything about the sport.

What has been your favourite race to date and why?

My first ever TT at Castle Coombe. Although the result wasn't brilliant, I loved my first insight into what racing was like.

What is your proudest achievement?

The same again, making my first appearance at a local TT and getting an insight into what racing was like.

Have you ever had any racing disasters?

I haven't had enough experiencing in racing...yet!

How do you overcome setbacks?

I overcome setbacks by training my socks off and working hard so that it doesn't happen again.

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

The most important thing that I have learned is how important rest days are. I used to just train every day thinking that it was how I would make the improvements that I wanted. However, since starting with my coach, I have learned that rest days are when the gains are made!

What are your goals?

My goal is to make it as far as I can in my cycling career and to enjoy every step of the journey, even the tough sessions!

Who inspires you?

I am inspired by my coach, Will Harper, he has had an awesome career as a pro cyclist so far and is just an all-round nice guy as well, he is great fun to work with.

Why work with Sundried?

I chose Sundried because of the pure quality of the kit, it had been my go-to option before I became an ambassador so thought that I might as well give becoming one a go. I also wanted to work with Sundried so that I could promote and expand the company and give many other people the chance to enjoy the kit as much as I do.

Martha is a runner who enjoys ultra running and trail adventures. She talks to Sundried about racing highs and lows.

Have you always been into sport?

Not especially, as a child I loved swimming and swam for my school. I tried ice hockey and tennis but never particularly stuck with a sport. In my early 20s I discovered running in a big way after watching my older brother run the London marathon for the first and thought if he can do it, I can do it. Running helped to remedy the stresses of everyday London life and soon became a big part of my lifestyle.

How did you first get into triathlon?

I haven’t completed on yet, but I have my eye on a Ironman 70.3 event.

What has been your favourite race to date and why?

The Exmoor trail marathon in 2019, the route is incredible and follows some of the south west coastal path and takes you through forests, streams and fields of Exmoor.

What is your proudest achievement?

Completing the Manchester marathon without an injury in 2019 after taking 18 months out of running to recover and rebuild my knee strength. I didn’t know whether I would make it and if I might damage my knee again but I was fine!

Have you ever had any racing disasters?

Running in the heat really wipes me out, my first marathon was Paris marathon in 2017 and it was scorching 25 degrees. I don’t think there were enough water stations and I remember hitting the wall around the 36km mark. It was the hardest challenge to move one foot in front of the other and I really questioned why on earth I was running a marathon. In hindsight I don’t think I trained enough!

How do you overcome setbacks?

I like to think about why I’m running and what I want to achieve. Reminding myself of my goals and looking at the big picture puts the setbacks into context.

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

Your body gives you a sort of ‘leeway’ period until you have to start nurturing it and training properly otherwise you get injured...

What are your goals?

To run my first Ultra of 57km in Exmoor. I hope to lose some gained lockdown weight in the meantime!

Who inspires you?

Sarah Williams, producer of the Tough Girl Tribe. She’s achieved a huge amount of challenges and creates a lot of content for The Tough Girl Challenges podcast to inspire women. It’s really opened my eyes and taught me how much is achievable – she’s also made a career out of her passion its very admirable.

Why work with Sundried?

The ethical approach the company upholds is really unique and the products are well thought out. I’m moving towards using sustainable brands and moving away from big name brands.