Katie Syme- Athlete Ambassador
Have you always been into sport?
I have always been active, my parents encouraged this and gave us the opportunity to try many different sports and outdoor activities. As a young teen sprinting and highland dancing were my main hobbies, then I started hockey and played throughout secondary school and university. When I graduated I entered my first half marathon and the endurance events escalated from there!
How did you first get into triathlon?
I entered a sprint triathlon while living in Auckland, New Zealand. Living abroad where I didn't know many people encouraged me to do a lot of events and travel out of my comfort zone. I then entered a couple of marathons. I was due to do a duathlon in 2019 but it's been cancelled for the last 2 years, so hopefully 2022 is the year of the duathlon and a 70.3 Ironman!
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?
The Queenstown Marathon in 2019. Queenstown is my favourite place in the world so far. The views were stunning, I was exhausted but the sense of achievement crossing that finish line is something I will never forget. After a hip stress fracture in 2015 we weren't sure if I would manage a long endurance event, but here we are with no problems! So running a marathon distance made me so happy. After you finish the run, there's great food places, wineries, the Onsen spa and you are surrounded by mountains. It's one of my favourite memories.
What is your proudest achievement?
Running a marathon. But watch this space.....I am aiming to cycle 970 miles in 9 days in September doing the Deloitte Ride Across Britain.
Have you ever had any racing disasters?
I sustained a stress fracture just below my neck of femur in 2015 during a half marathon. This put uncertainty over what my exercise future would be like, but luckily I recovered well with rest and a gradual build up of activity and strengthening. My bike tyres also love to get punctures. I think in Auckland I managed to get 3 over a couple of weeks while commuting to work.
How do you overcome setbacks?
I am an anxious person, and have had to work on how I react to setbacks over the years. I believe that a lot of how we respond to something is dependent on our attitude, so I am very solution focused rather than complaining about something. If it's out of my control, I try not to waste my energy worrying about it. I also believe life begins at the end of our comfort zone, so we need to get out there and challenge ourselves!
What advice do you wish you'd been given when you first started out?
Do the strength and conditioning training and see a Physio if you have any niggles or injuries rather than ignoring them. I now work as a Physiotherapist so have learned many things over the years for training!
What are your goals?
Complete a 70.3 Ironman, get involved in open water swimming, and run the New York Marathon.
Who inspires you?
Hermione Granger, Sophie Grace Holmes, Nick Butter, my family and friends, Jessica Ennis-Hill.
Why work with Sundried?
I came across Sundried while trying to find some swimwear that was suitable for my height (5ft7). I loved it and ordered cycling gear and here I am now. I am passionate about protecting our environment, and Sundried is both focused on producing sustainable clothing and activewear, but also making it affordable pricing. I use my Instagram page to educate people about the benefits of exercise and moving, injury prevention advice and information, and lead a running group in Edinburgh. My enthusiasm for exercise, endurance challenges like triathlons, running and the focus on sustainability led me to contact Sundried.
To hear more from our ambassadors and get free tips on workout plans and more, connect with the Sundried Personal Trainers on our app.
