Felicity Caddick Athlete Ambassador

Felicity was a keen runner before entering her first triathlon and winning her age group. She talks to Sundried about training and racing.

Have you always been into sport?

Yes, I played a lot of sport at school and university; swimming in the university pool and playing on the hockey team. The world of work confined me to mostly gym time until I decided to get back outside and joined a running club, a triathlon club and a hockey club!

What made you decide to enter the world of triathlon?

I had been running with the running club for about 5 years when I started wanting more of a challenge. As I already enjoyed swimming and biking, it was an easy jump to triathlon.

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

On the day of my 40th birthday, I entered a triathlon and won my age group (which I had only just moved into as it was now 40-45!) Getting to stand on top of that podium was the best birthday present ever.

And your proudest achievement?

Last year I took part in the Wales marathon tied to 121 other people running for Cancer Research Wales and we broke the world record so I am a world record holder!

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

I've had a DNS stuck on the motorway in traffic, some terrible weather and some wicked sunburn. My toughest race was probably my first half Ironman – not just the distance but it was a long, lonely bike ride where I saw hardly anyone and had to keep myself motivated and sane.

How do you overcome setbacks?

Keep training and adapting. Make achievable goals that will get you where you want to be.

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

Stop comparing yourself to others and chasing their achievements. Focus on yourself.

What are your goals for 2020?

Improve my time for the 180km bike leg at long course weekend but first run a sub-4 marathon in Manchester.

Who do you take your inspiration from?

A mixture of pro athletes (Jo Pavey, Lucy Charles, Michelle Vesterby) but also my club mates who are all doing amazing things at different levels ranging from Parkrun to ultra marathons.

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

I love the sustainable range of clothing, particularly the re-use of plastic waste. It is such an innovative idea and something very much needed at this moment.
It has to be very hot to get me into shorts so I am a big fan of leggings, particularly the Sundried ones.