Tim Lowrie - Athlete Ambassador

Tim is an athlete who started triathlon after an injury forced him to learn to swim. He talks to Sundried about training and racing. 

Have you always been into sport?

I was into Athletics and Running at school. I then came back to running in my late 20s and haven’t stopped since. It’s now such a big part of who I am that I couldn’t imagine life without it.

How did you first get into triathlon?

At the beginning of 2015 I suffered a bad injury to my back. This unfortunately prevented me from running for most of that year. Not being able to swim I decided now was a good time to learn as I wasn't allowed to run or cycle. Some friends of mine had entered the 2016 Staffordshire half Ironman. Looking for some focus and cross training I decided to enter as well. Together with good physio, stretching and some medical intervention I managed to complete my first half Ironman.

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 any why?

I have fond memories of many races particularly any of the Gwent League cross country races. The one that stands out the most would be the Saucony National XC at Nottingham. Woolaton Park is the perfect setting and the atmosphere on the day is incredible. It’s a fast course with just the right amount of mud thrown in. Cross country running at its finest.

What is your proudest achievement?

My proudest moment would be finishing the Bolton Ironman in 2017. Something I would never have imagined if I was still solely running. I was still having problems with my ongoing back injury and had not long learnt to swim. However through training with two really good friends who were also competing and having an amazing physio, some determination on my part meant I was not only able to finish the Ironman but also in a relatively decent time as well.

Have you ever had any racing disasters?

Hitting the wall big time at the 2014 London Marathon at mile 22. I was on target for my first sub 3hr marathon when I totally blew up and could barley walk let alone run. The following miles felt like a lifetime. I eventually came in at 3hr15 plus learnt some valuable lessons.

How do you overcome setbacks?

With any setbacks I always look at what I can still do and then focus on putting right whatever it is that has caused the set back. Staying calm and being patient has also got me through as well.

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

I can’t say there’s any particular advice I wish I’d been given when I started. I’ve enjoyed the whole process of finding out about myself and learning as I go along. It’s definitely made me a stronger and better person for it.

What are your goals?

My current goals are to get running and bike fit so I can be at my best for the Duathlon World Championships in Almere in September.

Who inspires you?

My coach Steve Williams at Avon Valley Runners has always been my biggest inspiration and the reason I’ve learned so much about the sport over the years. He helped me to reach and exceed all of my running related targets. His enthusiasm and dedication to our sport is second to none and what attracted me to asking for his help in the first place. 

Why work with Sundried?

I’m honoured to be working with Sundried as I love and have used their products for quite a while now. The ethics and how the garments are produced is very important to me. Especially with the global crisis around climate change. While still remaining of very high quality and at an affordable price for all.

To hear more from our ambassadors and get free tips on workout plans and more, connect with the Sundried Personal Trainers on our app.