Owen Barden

Athletic Background: Mainly running and a bit of squash.

Biggest sporting achievement to date?: Not drowning yet. In results terms a sub-3 London Marathon this year and top ten finish in last year's Hellrunner

Favourite workout?: Track or a long run in the mountains

Least Favourite Workout?: Anything into a strong wind

Worst Habit ?: Being a rubbish swimmer

Favourite song to train to / motivate?: I don't usually train to music but if I do it's minimal Detroit techno

Something about you that many people do not know?: I'm quite handy in the kitchen. I make my own bread (by hand, not with a machine) and beer, for instance.

If you could tell other athletes one thing you have learned so far in your training what would it be?: You can go faster than you think you can

What is your ultimate goal as an athlete?: I don't really think that way. I try to take things as they come. So I suppose enjoying each race.

Favourite Race / Course?: Anything in the mountains. The one I find myself thinking about is Coniston Lakeland Trail. Only about 10 miles but a really beautiful route.

What's your most memorable racing moment?: On the Scotland Coast-to-Coast there's a 1:3 descent on the bike down into Loch Ness. At the bottom is a bridge over a stream and then a sharp left turn. When I did it, at the bottom of the hill I managed to set off one of those 'smiley' road signs that tell you to slow down: 36 mph in a 30 zone. That still brings a smile to my face now. But the guy who had been drafting me and my friend for miles beforehand never made it to the transition in Loch Ness...not sure what happened to him there were reports someone had been taken to hospital not long after we arrived.

Any unusual race day routines or superstitions?: Nope

What race / event / ride is on your bucket list?: I don't think that way but I am starting to wonder about an IM

Swim: Aquaman Tri-Blitz (I hate the way having Aquaman across my chest makes me sound like a crappy superhero but I got it with £100 off)

Bike: Nothing flash: Giant Defy 4 compact

Run: New Balance Minimus / Brooks Pureflow

Nutrition of choice: Wapping Stout. A fine Liverpool beer which definitely speeds recovery. Preferably with pork scratchings to replenish sodium

What piece of equipment couldn't you live without?: Goggles. I try not to rely too much on digital devices, GPS etc but I'd hate to swim without goggles

Twitter: @owenbarden