Chris Stray Athlete Ambassador

Chris comes from a swimming background meaning triathlon was a natural step for him. He talks to Sundried about training and racing.

Have you always been into sport?

Very much so, I’ve been a competitive athlete as a swimmer since a very young age and have always enjoyed giving new sports a go and getting involved!

What made you decide to enter the world of triathlon?

Coming from a background of swimming as well as mountain biking, triathlon seemed like the natural progression for me. I stepped up the road training and began attending Saturday morning Parkruns and it’s all been downhill from there as they say!

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

My favourite (and most challenging) would be the Outlaw Half at Holkham. It was by far my most challenging race due to the heat on the day and also a distance further than I’m used to but the support was amazing and it was great fun to do.

And your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement would be completing the Outlaw Half, but I’ve got much bigger aims set for the year ahead to see if I can top it!

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

I have had the unique experience of losing half a tri bar whilst out on circuit which made the remaining bike distance quite the challenge!

How do you overcome setbacks?

Adaptation and determination. I’ve had several injuries in the past and trying to find ways I can still push on and keep heading towards my goals has always been difficult, but in my mind I don’t like to be defeated and thus do as much as I can to battle onward!

What advice do you wish you'd been given before you started competing?

Don’t go too fast on the swim, it’s only the first of three legs! Slowing down a bit on the swim could give me valuable energy later on!

What are your goals for 2019 and 2020?

Goals for the rest of this year are to give myself a great base fitness to train hard on into the winter. For 2020, I’m hoping for a sub 55 sprint triathlon, putting in some strong performances at the BUCS triathlon events and be competitive in some Crit racing later in the year. I’ve got my eyes set on an ETU qualifier event and putting in a strong effort there also. As an added bonus retain my 2019 age group title at the Erewash Triathlon!

Who do you take your inspiration from?

Multiple people, mostly I find I look to other athletes I train with as part of a team and people who have a passion for training, racing and enjoying themselves!

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

I like that the clothing options as a triathlete are affordable and are of a high quality that I can rely on. My favourite piece of kit is probably the cycling bib shorts!