Our MiFitLife profile for June is Brad Ryder - if that isn't an action hero name, we don't know what is!
When did you start participating in Triathlons?
I have always run since I was a little boy and then went on to run 11 Comrades (as you do in South Africa). During a long training run two of my club friends were exchanging “war stories” about Ironman. It sounded epic, but I was really intimidated by the swimming portion.
When I moved up to Joburg I met a friend at Church who was a great triathlete and he invited me along to some swimming practices and the bug really bit from then. With the swimming lessons the confidence grew and I never looked back. I absolutely love the sport and have being doing it for nearly 10 years now. I love the structure, the cross training and the lifestyle. The 3 types of training keeps it interesting and I think makes you fitter than just the 1.
Your favourite discipline out of the 3 sports?
Running because of my background.
Your favourite Triathlon event?
I find the longer the distance, the better I do, so I would say the Ironman SA in PE. But I support all the local races and I love the Ultra series.
Why did you sign up for MiFitLife?
Because they support my sport. Plus they have tailor-made their insurance around added value for athletes (such as the entrance fee cover) which you don't find anywhere else
What keeps bringing you back to Triathlon events?
They are always well organised and are run by people passionate about the sport. They are fun and I use them as training goals towards my main event which is the Ironman SA in PE.