David Jones - Athlete Ambassador

Have you always been into sport?

Something I wish had taken up earlier in life. Played football, but that stopped once hit University. Began martial arts at Uni and still a major part of my life. Began running in mid 20s and worked way up to marathon, then ultra-marathons came calling. In Northern Ireland there only were a few select ones to do. Moved to triathlon in 2018 after learning to swim. I run a business, and feel that sport provides a discipline and attitude that I can apply to work, and it also helps deal with the long hours, and the inevitable stresses of life.

How did you first get into triathlon?

Standing at the start line of Haria Extreme ultra marathon in Lanzarote in 2017, seen an M-Dot tattoo for the first time. No idea what it was. One thing led to another, and here we are.

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?

Celtman 2021. Lifelong memories and friends. I prefer the extreme, remote events, and having a support crew made it all the more special. Getting through 202km on a TT bike over the Scottish Highlands will be hard to beat. Although, if I could remove the midges and ticks (and winds)...

What is your proudest achievement?

Probably attaining my blackbelt in Ju-Jitsu in 2011, although finishing my first triathlon given my complete inability to swim until 2018 is worth a shout.

Have you ever had any racing disasters?

Eating a banana (why, I do not know) on lap 3 of a 3 lap 39 mile ultra-marathon, in control and looking good. Five minutes later, in a bush, with the full banana coming back up. Still got a good result, just not what it should have been. Or Hardman Killarney full distance in 2020 when my electronic gearing (I won't name the brand) took on a life of its own the day before (a long story) and I was stuck on the big ring on a bloody TT bike around the 1800m of ascent or so of the Ring of Kerry - and could only use the 9 'hardest' gears due to the repair job that had to be done. My legs did not feel like my legs after that.

How do you overcome setbacks?

Expect something will go wrong so if it does, you are ready for it, or at least ready to try and deal with it.

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

As above, just expect something will go wrong, don't panic, and move on. It is all part of a journey. I am fortunate to be able to do this, so enjoy it when you can.

What are your goals?

Improve, everyday.

Who inspires you?

No athlete in particular, but the people I see and meet when doing events. Also, one of my support for Celtman, and hopefully a life-long friend, Nial, has taught me more in the short time I have known him than I would have learned in years doing this.

Why work with Sundried?

The company's ethos, and their approach to quality sportswear. I look forward to putting the clothing to the test when I very much hope in August 2022, I finally get to start Norseman in Norway which as a result of Covid, has been delayed twice already.

To hear more from our ambassadors and get free tips on workout plans and more, connect with the Sundried Personal Trainers on our app.