Mark Alderson - Athlete Ambassador
Have you always been into sport?
I have been running for over 36 years, but during this time I have also been competitive in other sports including rowing, squash, and tennis.
How did you first get into triathlon?
Not done a Triathlon (as yet) but maybe something on the bucket list for 2021?
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?
Comrades, without a doubt, no other race as the support that this race has, 89km of road with people all the way along on both sides of the road, many of them willing to give you more than they have.
What is your proudest achievement?
Finishing Marathon des Sables having been in medical tent for a few hours on the 2nd day and told perhaps best to withdraw, I then went on to get sun stroke the following day - back in the tent, but defiant not to withdraw I carried on unable to stomach any food I managed to literally survive on 2 packets of Rego until the Saturday afternoon (4 days later) that was a tough battle to endure, 99% mental!
Have you ever had any racing disasters?
Hmm, above, almost!
How do you overcome setbacks?
I believe you must lose first before you can win, with a military mindset focusing on any weakness and having the belief that everything is possible if your head is willing to face the challenge. Mantra being it's 90% mental, the rest is in the head!
What advice do you wish you'd been given when you first started out?
You must learn to walk properly before you can run properly, and when you get an injury whatever you did to correct it keep doing that - do not wait until you get injured again.
What are your goals?
To return to Comrades (eventually, deferred since 2020 to 2021 and now to 2022!) to go sub 7:30 and take a silver medal.
Who inspires you?
Bongmusa Mthembua - South African Champion Runner.
Why work with Sundried?
The sustainability, sporty designs, and not overly expensive (paying for huge PR campaigns as many sport companies do!)
To hear more from our ambassadors and get free tips on workout plans and more, connect with the Sundried Personal Trainers on our app.