Diane Peternel Athlete Ambassador
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Diane only learnt to ride a bike at age 45 but now has a passion for triathlon. She talks to Sundried about training and motivation.
Have you always been into sport?
Not at all, I wasn't interested until I had some health issues that could have been far worse than they are and so I decided to get fit to fight the worst case scenario. Thankfully, it turned out not to be as bad as it could have been, but by then I was already losing weight and enjoying running so I carried on!
How did you first get into triathlon?
My PT, Tom Broad, mentioned it to me when we started training together. I laughed and said I can't ride a bike (I was 44 at the time) so that will never happen. Fast forward to 3 months of training with Tom, another health scare and an all clear and I was registered for my first triathlon with a whole new level of determination.
What is your proudest achievement?
Learning to ride a bike at 45! I think it should be compulsory for children to learn because it's terrifying when you're an adult.
Have you ever had any racing disasters?
I once did a full-on chin plant at mile 8 of the Liverpool Rock 'n' Roll half marathon. I caught my foot on a speed bump in the road and landed with full impact on my chin. I split my lip, bruised my nose and scuffed my hands but my legs were fine. With the support of amazing fellow runners, all complete strangers, and the medical team I was patched up, checked at each first aid station and finished the race with a run/walk for the last 5 miles.
How do you overcome setbacks?
So far my setbacks have either been down to my health or me not believing in myself. Working with my PT Tom, who motivates me and makes me see that I am capable of so much more than I ever thought, has done wonders for how I deal with setbacks. I'm now far too stubborn to be defeated by my health issues so I no longer let them hold me back!
What advice do you wish you'd been given when you first started out?
I'm lucky that I'm starting out in triathlon by being given advice that fits the goal. Working on strength as well as the basics of swim, bike, run is putting me in a great position for next year
What are your goals?
To get across that blue carpet in one piece and complete a few triathlons before I hit 50! Who knows, maybe more.
Who inspires you?
The Brownlee brothers, Katrin Davidsdottir, and David Goggins
Why work with Sundried?
I love that Sundried has such a great range of gear designed for the triathlete. Most of my previous kit has been good brands but generic sportswear. I'm looking forward to training in kit that is designed for purpose and with the environment in mind. The eco range really excites me.
