Rob James Athlete Ambassador

Rob was inspired about triathlon by the Olympics and has since competed at a world level. He talks to Sundried about training and motivation.

Have you always been into sport?

Yes, ever since my parents took me to my local swim club as a boy.

What made you decide to enter the world of triathlon?

This is a tough one but I believe it was by watching the Olympics, which led to me watching as much ITU and Ironman as I could online and eventually joining my local triathlon club.

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

I would say the Salty Sea Dog in Boscombe. It's only a small race but I know the area and it reminds me of little holidays we had when I was younger.

And your proudest achievement?

The second time I qualified for the Sprint Triathlon World Championships. The first time I qualified, I thought I was just being lucky and not actually being fast enough but I trained hard for it and I really wanted it.

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

The only real disaster I've had is dropping my one and only water bottle 2km into the bike on an Olympic distance race (a 40km bike course). I didn't think it had affected me until I got to the run and really suffered. 

How do you overcome setbacks?

I used to worry about injury and illness setbacks but I've now learnt to just chill and accept that it is what it is (although I do still get frustrated).

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

To save as much money as you can before you get hooked!

What are your goals for 2019?

To qualify for the Sprint European Champs in 2020 and to carry on my hard work into the Sprint World Champs in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Also, I have a 5km run time which I've had for quite a while which I'd like to beat - this would feel like being world champion to me. I know I can do it, I've just got to carry on training hard for it

Who do you take your inspiration from?

I'd say all the hard work my friends at my local ‘Hot Chilli Triathlon Club’ put in and seeing their results inspire me to get out and train. Pushing each other but having a laugh doing it is always great.

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

The clothing is brilliant and well made. Sundried cater and reach out to us normal athletes whether you're training for triathlon or going to the gym and keeping active and fit.