Emma Harding Junior Athlete Ambassador

For Emma, triathlon training is her life. She tells Sundried about life as a junior triathlete.

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

I love competitions, so much so I have an event booked every weekend in October (sorry dad). Two events that stand out for me are a swimming gala in Felixstowe where I competed in 5 swimming events and managed to win 4 golds and 1 silver. The other was a triathlon event at Hever Castle that had 161 girls aged 8-10 competing from across the country and I managed to finish in 1st place. The triathlon season is now finished and I came 2nd in the Eastern Tri league. I am already looking forward to next season. It can't come soon enough.

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

It all started with my dad taking me swimming at 5 years old. He was taking me 3 times a week so my fitness really got a boost at an early age. I joined a swimming club at 7 years old and have competed all over the UK ever since. I can't imagine my life without competitions. As for triathlon events I've only started doing those this year.

What are your training goals now?

To continue to work hard and focus on increasing my endurance as I move into Triathlon Tristar 2. I have the regional swimming championships in January so I will focus much of my training on swimming. I've also asked my dad if we can go to Spain or Portugal for a triathlon camp. Watch this space.

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

I've been short listed by my primary school to be head girl.

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

Keep focused and work towards a goal. Never give up and enjoy every minute. The harder you work the greater the results.

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

I eat a lot of pasta and chicken and I stay away from fast food. Food is as important as training so you need to make sure you are eating the right food. Also you can't go wrong with lots of fruit and veggies.

Talk us through your training regime.

I train at my local swimming club 6 times a week which totals around 14 hours, this includes 3 5am starts. I attend training at my local tri club once a week and I also go on lots of bike rides and runs with my dad and sister. I don't have much time for anything else.

How do you keep your fitness knowledge up to date?

I regularly read the 220 Triathlon magazine and keep my eye on social media, especially Twitter and Instagram.

What are your top 3 training tips?

1. Set up a training schedule and stick to it
2. Never give up
3. Have fun and make friends

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

Cheesy pasta.

Why work with Sundried?

I first saw Sundried at a local tri event and instantly took a liking to the brand due to us both having something in common. We both live and breathe fitness. Also the Sundried products are incredible.

Favourite fitness quote:

"If you want to be the best, you have to do things that other people aren't willing to do." - Michael Phelps.