Ken Bool Athlete Ambassador

Ken is a triathlete who learnt how to race smart the hard way. He talks to Sundried about the highs and lows of racing.

Have you always been into sport?

I was when I was younger but growing up as a confused teenager, I wasn't interested. I got back into running about 10 years ago and triathlon about three years ago.

What made you decide to enter the world of triathlon?

I'd done a marathon and wanted to try something new. I knew I could bike and run but I had some serious anxieties to get over in order to learn to swim, so it all started with a few swimming lessons about 4 years ago.

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

Lakesman Triathlon. My first full distance race and it was a long day out but so good. The location, the team, the competitors, all of it. 

And your proudest achievement?

My first ever triathlon. That first race was the hardest I'd ever done. A panic attack during the swim in a pool and 10 lengths of breast stroke!

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

My first race of 2019; I was wearing a new trisuit and had new tyres on my bike so what could possibly go wrong!?! First my suit ripped in the pool and the zip broke (that's what I get for buying a poor quality trisuit), then I got a puncture on the bike and had to walk my bike for half of the bike course. Lessons learnt – don't change anything right before a race!

How do you overcome setbacks?

You dust yourself off and you go again. My next race after that was Outlaw Half in Nottingham so I trained with what I had and raced with that.

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

Enjoy it. It's going to hurt but that shouldn't stop you from enjoying it.

What are your goals for 2020?

Biggest race for me is Ironman Wales and the target is Sub 11 hours. It's going to hurt but it's going to be worth it.

Who do you take your inspiration from?

The Brownlee brothers are inspiring, also Tim Don who was on track to have an amazing Kona in 2018 before being knocked off his bike and breaking his neck. His recovery and his journey back to health was so inspiring.

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

The quality of the kit is amazing. I've bought other kit from other companies in the same price range but the quality has been terrible. You know what you're getting with Sundried and that's extremely good quality at amazing prices.

Best bit of kit would be the seamless underwear. Gents - do yourself a favour and give them a try, you will not regret it! They're comfortable, sweat-proof and fantastic quality!