Teresa Leese Team GB Age Group Duathlete

Teresa managed to quality for the Team GB Age Group team in only her second duathlon. She tells Sundried about life as a multi-sport athlete.

Have you always been into sport?

Yes, I ran 800m and cross country as a teenager at county level competing at English Schools and other national competitions.

What made you decide to enter the world of triathlon?

I started to get back into running in my early twenties after a few years out by going to my local parkrun which sparked my love for sport and with a bit of encouragement I entered my first triathlon this year (2017).

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

My favourite race was a cold evening triathlon at Dorney Lake earlier this year. This is where I did my first triathlon back in May and attempting the same course again several months later and enjoying it really highlighted the massive improvement I had made. I think I was about 20 minutes faster over sprint distance.

And your proudest achievement?

Qualifying for the European Duathlon Champs representing Great Britain in my age group, in my first season of triathlon/duathlon, and only my second ever duathlon.

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

The first time I used clipins competitively in a race I couldn’t actually clip it in for about half of the cycle, that was togugh to say the least! But the most difficult was definitely the qualifying race for the European Champs as I had been really ill that week, two days unable to even get out of bed, I had also forgotten to pack my tri-suit…! But thankfully I pulled it all together and made it through.

How do you overcome setbacks?

Always keep your goals in mind  to remind you why you are doing what you’re doing and motivate you to keep going.

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

To get a proper bike fitting it has completed transformed my whole race!

What are your goals for 2018?

To qualify for the Sprint Duathlon World Championships, the Sprint Triathlon European Championships and maybe to try a standard distance?!

Who do you take your inspiration from?

People like Chrissie Wellington who took to the sport later in life just like I did and with hard work and determination climbed through the ranks and had incredible success

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

I love the sports bras and crop tops, unlike a lot of brands they are really well designed and look great