Megan Powell Team GB Age Group Triathlete

Megan was inspired to get into triathlon by her mum who is an Age Group triathlete. She talks to Sundried about following in her mum's footsteps.

Have you always been into sport?

Yes definitely! When growing up, it was the norm for my family to spend the weekend out exercising or playing sport. I used to do a lot more team sports when I was younger such as netball, rugby, cricket and hockey with a little bit of running and swimming on the side to keep myself fit. I wanted to give every sport a go! The only ones I haven't quite mastered are gymnastics and horse riding.. but I'm not too sad about that!

What made you decide to enter the world of triathlon?

Having watched my mum (also an age-group triathlete) compete and have great success for years, I was always tempted to give tri a go. However, I didn't have the confidence to do so or a road bike. I asked for a bike for my 21st birthday and it all took off from there!

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

I did a small duathlon at the Olympic park last March on a weekday evening for a bit of fun and training. However, I ended up finding myself in second place, seconds behind first for the majority of the race. On the bike leg, my boyfriend kept shouting my splits at me each lap and I was gaining more and more time on the girl in front. I caught her in T2 and ended up leading the race for the last run- going on to take my first overall win! I absolutely loved the chase and my very first overall win was something special.

And your proudest achievement?

Winning my qualifier for the Sprint Duathlon European Championships 2018 and getting the chance to represent team GB! I didn't expect to win my age-group at all, perhaps scrape a qualification place.

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

At Eton Dorney Super Sprint in May, I was leading the race the whole way but got a horrendous stitch and stomach cramp as soon as I started the run. I didn't want to stop as I was still leading but I was in so much pain- it was the hardest 5k I have ever run!

How do you overcome setbacks?

I like to try and take a positive from every situation, even if it's overwhelmingly negative. For example, if I were injured, I would look upon it as having the chance to spend some more time studying (I am a medical student), resting and planning for when I was to be training again. Everything in life happens for a reason and so you just have to make the most of every hurdle thrown at you.

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

Ignore everyone else who is there and focus on your own race. It's very easy to psych yourself out before you've even started!

What are your goals for 2018?

Qualify for the World Sprint Duathlon Champs and see how it goes from there... Also I really want to work on my swimming and bring it up to the level of my cycling and running.

Who do you take your inspiration from?

My mother! She has managed to juggle three kids, four cats, a job and training twice a day for years and I still don't know how she does it!  I also think Lucy Charles is pretty amazing. Although I have no intention on doing Ironman anytime soon, she has made such an impact on that world at such a young age, it's pretty inspiring!

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

I love the charity involvement with Water for Kids that Sundried has. In the UK, we all take safe drinking water for granted and I think that combining charity support with the sale of Sundried clothes is an amazing thing to do.

I love the Sundried Ruinette Capris, they are SO comfortable, extremely flattering and perfect for when you can't decide what the weather is going to do.