Dan Mellor Athlete Ambassador

Dan found a passion for triathlon and hasn't looked back since. He now enjoys competing over half iron distance and talks to Sundried about training and racing.

Have you always been into sport?

Yes, for as long as I can remember. I had a go at most sports in school and carried on once I’d left.

What made you decide to enter the world of triathlon?

I used to cycle to work and then go for a run straight away just to keep fit during the football season. Then I heard of Ironman triathlon and thought I might as well give it a go. I had the opportunity to do an Olympic distance triathlon for charity and that was it, I was hooked.

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

It has to be the Outlaw Half Nottingham. It was my first middle distance triathlon and I really surprised myself on the bike and run. It was also great weather unlike some others I’ve done.

And your proudest achievement?

Finishing the London Marathon in 2019 having come back from breaking my leg in 2018 two weeks prior to that year's event.

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

No disasters as such so far but my toughest race has to be Ironman Weymouth in 2019. The weather wasn’t too good, I didn’t get the bike split I was hoping
for and my legs seemed to stay on the bike for the run.

How do you overcome setbacks?

Having come back from a big setback (breaking my leg 2 weeks before I was due to run the London Marathon in 2018) all I can say is you’ve got to knuckle down and get the sessions done, especially the ones you don’t want to do! They’re the ones that make the biggest difference.

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

Stick to a plan! One thing I’d say to anyone starting out is to get a plan and stick to it as best you can.

What are your goals for 2020?

My goals for this year are a sub 90-minute half marathon, sub 40-minute 10k and PB over middle distance triathlon, with that hopefully being sub 5 hours.

Who do you take your inspiration from?

My coach, Ant Gritton, because he’s local to me and he’s an absolute machine! He won his Age Group at Ironman 70.3 Marbella in 2019, earning himself a ticket to the World Championships in Nice and is now targeting a spot at Kona.

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

I’m currently loving my Grande Casse waterproof jacket! What’s not to love about it? It’s made from recycled plastic bottles and folds up into its own pocket which is perfect when you're running.