Raging Bull Coaching - Sundried Ambassadors
Rhys and Freddie are high level triathletes and together they make up Raging Bull Coaching. They talk to Sundried about training and racing.
Have you always been into sport?
Yes, both of us have been racing since we can remember.
How did you first get into triathlon?
Rhys- I got into triathlon after doing an aquathlon because I used to swim and run for my local clubs and one of the parents said I would be quite good and to give it a go. I won that aquathlon and never looked back, picking up cycling and falling in love with triathlon.
Freddie- I started when I was 14 years old after being told I would be good by a local coach. This was after I competed at the world champs for biathle at 13. I started swimming when I was 10 and then was doing regional and nationals by the age of 15. I stayed swimming at that level until 17 where I then took up triathlon as my full focus.
What has been your favourite race to date and why?
Rhys- Ibiza European Duathlon AG championships because I won my first race abroad and was able to represent my country at the same time as putting in a PB performance.
Freddie- Liverpool British champs where I finished 3rd in the elite youth and managed to qualify to represent my country at European races for the next few years.
What is your proudest achievement?
Rhys- Winning the European Duathlon AG championships.
Freddie- 3rd at British Triathlon Championships.
Have you ever had any racing disasters?
Rhys- I've definitely had my fair share, best one to date is trying to sprint into front back after a strong swim and quick transition to then jump onto my bike start accelerating then my foot slipping off, hitting the ground and throwing me over the bars ending my race. Going from seeing the back of the front back to the back of the ambulance.
Freddie- I crashed out at Riga on the bike leg as another athlete crashed into me taking us both off the road and ending our races there and then.
How do you overcome setbacks?
You have to first establish if you had control of the set back, if you didn't then move on knowing it's not your fault and keep moving forwards. If it is in your control then you need to work out why it happened, go back and find the cause and then work out a solution to either stop it happening again or to adapt to the setback if it is permanent.
What advice do you wish you'd been given when you first started out?
Racing is 70% mental and 30% physical. Training is 70% physical and 30% mental. and that preparation is key making sure you have the right mindset going into not only a race but training and that you aim to get everything out of each session. But also just enjoy it, love the process.
What are your goals?
Rhys- Commonwealth Games and to become a full time athlete
Freddie- Qualify for the World Cross Championships (Elite/Pro)
Who inspires you?
Rhys- Gustav Iden
Freddie- Kristian Blummenfelt
Why work with Sundried?
Because they are an environmentally focused company who makes great quality kits with cool designs and have great athlete communication and adaption.
