WhittleFit Athlete Spotlight: Matthew Pritchard

Matthew Pritchard Triathlon Coaching WhittleFit

Here's our latest WhittleFit Athlete Spotlight article, where we let you inside the mind of WhittleFit athletes and see what makes them tick. This month we focus the spotlight on Matthew Pritchard, who is actually the brother of Adam who was our September WhittleFit Athlete Spotlight athlete. Matthew, or Pritch as he's normally called, has a history of crazy antics with the Dirty Sanchez crew, but his crazy antics are now all focussed on endurance sports including Ironman triathlon, the double and triple Brutal triathlon and the crazy Windermere to Cardiff Epic Triathlon Challenge. Here's a very honest insight into the world of Matthew 'Pritch' Pritchard:

  • What got you started in endurance or multi-sport events?
    • It started off with a half marathon then a full marathon, then it was Bolton Ironman and from there I realised I'd found something I loved doing......swimming, cycling and running (although my background is skateboarding). 
  • How long have you been working with WhittleFit?

    • I started in January 2015. 
  • Tell us about your home and work life.
    • My home and work life is very varied which I like as it keeps it interesting. No week is ever the same to be honest. A normal week for me starts Tuesday till Friday of which I look after all things shop related (Pritch owns the SWYD Tattoo & Barber studio in Cardiff) whilst working on other projects that I have in the pipeline. I have an office in my attic where I like to do all my paper work plus I pop into the shop to see the team every now and again to make sure everything is all gravy. The good thing about the shop is I can go off and do my thing and I know the shop's always in good hands so if a gig happens to pop up I'm all good to go and not worry about locking or opening up. I'm in the process of opening my second shop and have some exiting things in the pipeline so its sure to keep me busy. I train 6 days a week at whatever time I feel is best for me throughout the day. If its pissing down in the morning on a bike day and dry in the night then I'll wait till the night and vice versa. If its pissing down all day & night then its tough shit........I'm getting wet. The good thing about my job is I get to go swimming off peak and I get a lane to myself, trust me its bliss compared to the 6am morning rush hour. As for running, rain or shine, I'm not bothered. My fave days of the week are Sunday and Monday as its normally my long ride day on Sunday which I try and get out early for and get home to cook myself a Sunday roast. Monday is my quiet day but I try and spend more time with my dog Lemmy and take him out for most of the day. I have a special belt with an elastic lead that I attach to him so he can run with me, believe me, he's a springer so I'll never tire him out no matter how hard I try.  My fiancé Ciara lives in Dublin so she comes down to stay with me when she can and vice versa. To relax I love to cook and even with a hangover I never order a take away. Talking of hangovers the only time I party these days are if I'm with my fiancé, have a gig or going out with the team from SWYD. Thats it.
  • What was your first race?
    • When I was 15 I entered the Cardiff half marathon with my brother, mam, dad and my mams mate. My parents told me and my brother that if we did the Cardiff half marathon we could have a pair of Hi-Tech silver shadows!!!  
  • How many races have you competed in?
    • Oh god, good question. I rounded up my medals the other day and I'm sure we're looking at about 20 races over the years.
  • What advice would you give someone just starting out in triathlon?
    • If you're looking at doing an Ironman distance triathlon then be prepared to dedicate a lot of time to training. Get a proper triathlon coach, it makes a BIG difference as I found when I joined WhittleFit. Most of all, enjoy it, its great. 
  • What has been the most rewarding part of your journey racing in endurance or multi-sport events?
    • The training gave me focus. Completing the lake Windemere swim with my brother and completing the double brutal, i will never forget them for as long as i live. The positive vibes at all events, athlete's and supporters alike.
  • What is your biggest accomplishment so far?
    • The Double Brutal Triathlon 

Many thanks to Pritch for letting us into his world for the WhittleFit Athlete Spotlight series, it's very much appreciated. Pritch will be announcing his next crazy endurance adventure very, very soon, so watch this space!!!