Chris Morrissey - Athlete Ambassador
Have you always been into sport?
Not particularly! I was never very interested in team sports throughout school and college, and only started running 'seriously' about 3 years ago when a work colleague of mine encouraged me to run a half marathon with him!
How did you first get into triathlon?
My friend and work colleague Rory and I bought bikes in 2010 as part of a healthy incentive through our jobs called the Cycle To Work Scheme! Within 3 months we were signed up for a duathlon! Having grown up by the coast, I have swum since I was a small child. But the challenge of swimming competitively, and as part of a pack of swimmers, is very daunting! Only of my challenges for 2021 is to begin open water swim training, with the hope of starting triathlon events in 2022!
If you are interested in getting into Triathlon, Sundried's kit is suitable for beginners as well as seasoned athletes. We have both men's and women's options available.
What has been your favourite race to date and why?
My favourite 'race' to date is not actually an official race! In September 2020, our local running club finally emerged from the 'lockdown' from the Covid-19 Virus to run the race as a crew! Months of long, lonely training came together perfectly on the day, not only did I beat my PB by over 7 minutes, but did so in the company of some of my closest and dearest friends! It was a very special day!
What is your proudest achievement?
Completing my first marathon in Dublin in September 2019! As a Type One Diabetic, this goal always ever seemed a distant, unachievable, dream – and crossing that finish line is a moment I will never forget!
Have you ever had any racing disasters?
Too many to mention! Mostly related to setting off too quickly and not quite making the pace I wanted until the end. As a Type One Diabetic, monitoring my blood sugar levels is a constant process while I am running and training. In September 2018, I headed to Amsterdam with a group of 9 other diabetics to compete in the half-marathon. Rather ironically, my blood sugars went all wrong on the day, and I nearly didn’t make it to the end! Seeing all the others successfully finish, and finish so strong, was a particularly low point for me, and a very important lesson!
How do you overcome setbacks?
With a lot of support from my family, my fiancée and my running family. I am very self-critical, and often without reason to be! I am very fortunately to have such amazing support, in particular my close running friends! I swear if one of us ran the length of the street, all the others would be there with a banner, medal and cake to celebrate the win! There is nothing but love, respect and support with this crew!
What advice do you wish you'd been given when you first started out?
Listen to your coach!!!! I would have told myself that every time you run doesn’t have to be a Personal Best! I would have made sure that I appreciated and understood the importance of your training plan, especially the slow, recovery miles. And most important of all I would have told myself not to worry, have no fear, every single person who goes out there to run or cycle is facing a battle.
What are your goals for 2021?
- Complete a marathon, probably virtual
- Complete a 10k distance in less than 45 minutes
- Complete a total of 2021km running for the year
Who inspires you?
All of my running friends at the Swaby Sessions Training Club.
Why work with Sundried?
I was instantly drawn to the ecological and sustainability ethos of the company. They also struck me as a 'brand for the people', using everyday athletes to advertise, promote and advocate for the company. The use of extensive amounts of recycled material is so impressive, and having recently received my first order, this is matched by the quality, durability and comfort of the fabrics.
To hear more from our ambassadors and get free tips on workout plans and more, connect with the Sundried Personal Trainers on our app.
