James Harvey Athlete Ambassador

James is a triathlete from New Zealand who first got into the sport at school. He talks to Sundried about training and motivation.

Have you always been into sport?

Yes, the first sport which I pursued from primary and through part of high school was hockey.

What made you decide to enter the world of triathlon?

I started triathlon as a way to get fit for our school's elite team for a multi stage multi sport event, where as a team of 20 we raced over different legs for a week trying to beat the times set by the years before us. I made the team and fell in love with triathlon along the way

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

The first race of the New Zealand season, 'Tinman' in Tauranga. An awesome course with really good moments and memories there.

And your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement was competing as an Age Grouper at world level for the first time at the Duathlon World Championships in 2015. I was 18 at the time and came 15th in my age group. 

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

My first race disaster was a club duathlon race away from home and I got the bike course wrong. I was in second place out of the first run and had just passed first place very comfortably in the first km, to end up in the back of the pack by the end having done an extra 10km or so on the bike as well as the full course!

How do you overcome setbacks?

Take a stock take of everything that's good in life like family, relationships etc, and refocus on the bigger goal instead of getting fixated on the negatives, and of course surrounding yourself with like-minded people who are dedicated to helping me achieve my dreams

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

It's the small things done well, like hydration preparation, that makes everything go smoothly, take some deep breathes, relax and show off everything you've worked so hard for!

What are your goals for 2019?

For 2019, I'm getting my health and fitness back to a competitive level, returning to competition late November/December. Along with continuing to develop my holistic self, not just fitness.

Who do you take your inspiration from?

The greats: Cameron Brown, Jan Frodeno, Mark Allen, Dave Scott, Patrick Lange, and those who mentor me and their ability to always amaze me with great stories from great people who aren't the pros, but our general population just doing absolutely amazing things

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

I love that it's a quality brand at affordable prices so that up and comers who are on the grind can use good gear. The cycle kit is awesome and the touch screen gloves are perfect for running.