Stef Jackson Horner Athlete Ambassador

running outdoors fitness lakes

Stef is a fan of all outdoor sport and has competed in triathlon at a world level. She talks to Sundried about her passion.

Have you always been into sport?

Yes, I love it all from surfing to football, mountain biking to stand up paddle boarding. I'm a huge fan of anything outdoors.

How did you first get into triathlon?

My dad entered his first triathlon and, not wanting to be outdone, I got myself a place too. I was on my brother's bike which was too big for me, in howling wind and rain, but I loved it - and won!

What has been your favourite race to date and why?

The Aquathlon World Championships 2019. The atmosphere at world races is always amazing but 2019 was a tough river swim (up stream). I felt strong and came out ready to fight on the run. The run was a dull loop slog and it was very hot in Spain where we were competing, but I hit my target of finishing in the single figures, finishing 9th. I'll never forget it.

What is your proudest achievement?

Everything I just described above with all the other GB races added in; being in the national suit makes me burst with pride each time.

Have you ever had any racing disasters?

No disasters luckily! A few jellyfish stings and one race where I had to double back in T1 because I forgot my race belt.

How do you overcome setbacks?

I have the mindset that I can only do what I can do. I work full time as a senior leader in a school and as a PE teacher, so training has to come after that but I always know I've given 100%. That's all I can do.

What advice do you wish you'd been given when you first started out?

Eat more to recover better. I have recently changed my nutrition and have seen huge results already. I have changed what I eat depending on the sessions coming up and this approach allows me to fuel specifically for what I'm doing, I get to eat way more which I LOVE, I've got stronger, put on muscle mass and lost fat mass. Hydration is playing a huge part in this too.