Kayli Wal Athlete Ambassador
Kayli is a multi-sport athlete who aspires to compete in the Ironman World Championships. She talks to Sundried about training and racing.
Have you always been into sport?
I have always participated in athletics and cross country, and started Loughborough University with the running team there. However, after half a year of injuries, I joined triathlon for some lower impact training. Once I started, I was hooked.
What's been your favourite race to date and why?
My favourite races are ones that are set in the countryside, where the view is amazing and the aim is more to enjoy it than to win or qualify for a future event. My favourite race for this reason is the Nettledon duathlon which is in Hemel Hempstead.
What's your proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement was qualifying for the AG world duathlon championships in Bedford. I finished 1st female in the race and had the fastest bike split (something I was really surprised by as cycling wasn't my strong point).
How do you overcome setbacks?
Unfortunately, I severely sprained the ligaments in my foot a couple of weeks before the World Championships so I spent the next 8 weeks on crutches and missed out on competing. The one thing I can suggest to overcome setbacks (especially injuries) is to go in with the mentally that you can come back stronger.
The times I was injured gave me plenty of opportunity to work on my weaknesses and come back to race faster times than previously.
What advice do you wish you'd been given when you first started out?
When I started out, I wish I knew the importance of having a good bike fit, as this would have saved many uncomfortable rides, so I recommend to anyone that they see a professional before they start a training plan.
Who inspires you?
I am inspired by Lucy Charles-Barclay as she is arguably the best female triathlete in the world right now, and it is my ambition to qualify for Kona (Ironman world Championships) in the coming years.
Why work with Sundried?
I wanted to work with Sundried as they have high quality clothes for every aspect of a triathlon. When training (or racing), it's so important to have the right gear and that alone can make the difference between having an enjoyable session or an awful one. I believe this especially applies to cycling as you can end up spending hours in the saddle. Sundried provides comfortable, high visibility gear which ensures our safely as well as comfort.