Lara Newell Athlete Ambassador

Lara grew up in Africa but got into triathlon after moving to the UK. She tells Sundried about doing Ironman races for fun and life as a triathlete.

Have you always been into sport?

Growing up in Zimbabwe, Africa, I was fortunate enough to always have sport at my finger tips and I definitely took good advantage of this playing team hockey, tennis, squash and swimming

What made you decide to enter the world of triathlon?

When I moved to the UK, getting access to all these sports became a little bit harder as most required a fair bit of travelling time to and from and with a full time job it was a big commitment. So instead I joined my local gym and through fellow members was introduced to the very social sport of triathlon.

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

That's a tough one as I have been fortunate enough to race in some absolutely stunning scenery all across the world but I think if it had to come down to one it would have to be Ironman 70.3 in Weymouth. Having had most of my 2017 race season written off due to a fall off of my bike, I entered this race at the end of the season as a bit of 'fun'. I guess sometimes it's better to go into a race with this mindset and put less pressure on yourself as I managed to come 3rd in my age group and secure a place at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in 2018.

And your proudest achievement?

I am proudest when I inspire others to take up the sport, or at least inspire them to take more interest in their own health and fitness

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

Funnily enough, Ironman 70.3 Weymouth was set to be a disaster. The morning of bike racking day I was checking my bike over and while checking a bolt in my handlebars I managed to snap the bolt, which left me with an unusable bike as the bolt was actually still stuck inside the bars. With a 'never give up' attitude I managed to eventually find a replacement part and with just minutes to spare racked my bike ready to go

How do you overcome setbacks?

I think setbacks are only there to build us as better stronger people. I have had a few over the years and if you use these with a positive attitude they will never overcome you.

What is the best bit of advice you wish someone had told you before you started competing?

I used to think that the more you train the fitter you will be, however this only leads to fatigue and injury. I have now learnt the importance of having structure to your training as without this it leads to overtraining and injury

What are your goals for 2018?

Firstly to keep inspiring those around me. Secondly, I will be competing in both the European and World 70.3 Championships this year and if I could place in the top 10 I would be very pleased.

Who do you take your inspiration from?

My mum was a truly inspirational lady, never letting the challenges in life stop her from doing what it was she enjoyed and always with a massive smile on her face.

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

Your VALUES - a focus on low carbon production, your ETHICS - transparency, traceability and pride in your manufacturing partnerships and your CHARITY WORK - supporting Water for Kids whose main projects are in a continent which is very close to my heart, Africa.