David Rother Athlete Ambassador

David found a love for Ironman triathlon despite suffering during his first race. He talks to Sundried about training and racing.

Have you always been into sport?

Yes, I've always been doing some sort of sport. Probably not that much some years ago compared with today but I've always felt the need to go out and be active.

What made you decide to enter the world of triathlon?

I used to do cycling races in the past but a time came when I wasn't able to train that much because of a new job. So, I decided that even with little time on my hands during the weeks that I could do some swimming and running sessions in the morning or evening. That plan didn't go too well too long until my passion for the sport grew and I started doing it more seriously and put more and more time into it!

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

I loved doing my first Ironman 70.3 in Luxembourg. I suffered like hell in the end with stomach problems, but that's part of the game I suppose. The whole build up to the race, the whole place just 'being triathlon' for a couple of days was a great experience and it was when my journey really started. 

And your proudest achievement?

That has to be IM 70.3 Luxembourg, too! Finishing that race meant so much to me on that day. Proving a lot of people wrong certainly played a part here as well.

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

Ironman 70.3 Rügen was a really difficult day. I realised on the bike course that it wouldn't be a good day but it all turned from bad to worse on the run. I got the nutrition horribly wrong that day and the days leading up to the race. 
I thought about giving up that moment until I saw a woman crying because she knew she would make it to the finish line. That again showed how much just finishing the race can mean so I somehow made it. It turned out to be a long and hard day. 

How do you overcome setbacks?

Normally I try to analyse what went wrong and how I can avoid it happening again. Getting advice from a coach can be a big help here, it certainly is for me. After that I just go again, not looking back but looking forward! 

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

I wish I had started to work with a coach earlier. I tend to train too hard too long in order to make quick progress. A proper training plan can really help and can show that sometimes a rest day can be the best day.

What are your goals for 2019?

Thankfully I've already got a sub 1.30 half marathon in the bag.  Finishing an Ironman 70.3 sub 5 hours is my next big target, maybe even getting that World Championship slot!  At the end of the year I want to be there and be sure to make a step to the next level. 

Who do you take your inspiration from?

Currently Jan Frodeno is an athlete I look up to. He's a great guy and his professional attitude is second to none in my opinion. 

Also, Lance Armstrong. I know many people have completely changed their view on him but I wouldn't have ever started to race my bike without his influence, so he still has his place for me. 

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

Thinking about how much we damage our planet every day, it's great to see Sundried really being different and producing sustainable sports wear from recycled materials, that are of the very best quality! 

I love the Olperer T-Shirt! It's just so comfortable to wear and dries so quickly. 

For the future I really look forward to wearing the new aero trisuit.