Endurance Isn’t Just Physical: How SYFA Athlete Sally Bryson Conquered Ironman Barcelona

Endurance isn’t just about how far you can go - it’s about how long you can stay composed when it hurts.

That’s what separates finishers from the rest. The great athletes know it’s not just legs and lungs that get you over the line, but mindset, focus, and the will to keep fighting when fatigue sets in.

At SYFA, we’ve always believed performance starts in the mind. That’s why Shift, our nootropic performance drink, was designed to enhance mental clarity, sharpen focus, and help you stay locked in when your body starts to fade. It’s not a replacement for nutrition - it’s the missing piece that complements your fuelling strategy and keeps your head in the game.

Few people embody that philosophy better than Sally Bryson, one of our SYFA Affiliates and an accomplished triathlete who recently completed the Barcelona Ironman - a 140.6-mile test of physical and mental resilience, where grit and fortitude separate those who finish from those who fade.

The Power of a Clear Mind

During endurance competition, physical fuel keeps you moving - but mental focus and fortitude keeps you fighting.

That’s where Shift comes in. Sally incorporates Shift into her training and race-day routine to stay mentally strong and composed in the hardest moments, when decision-making and determination matter most.

With our patented absorption technology, more of the active ingredients reach where they’re needed most - the brain. For athletes like Sally, that means sharper focus, improved reaction, and the mental determination to keep pushing with intent, not just effort.

Sally’s Race Report

"Ironman Barcelona tested me in every way - physically, mentally, and emotionally. After months of consistent training and preparation, I gave everything I had from start to finish. The course was challenging but beautiful, and I stayed steady, focused, and grateful just to be out there doing what I love.

I had my first SYFA Shift 30 minutes before the race start to get me focused and my mind set on the task ahead. My 2nd SYFA Shift was just over 7 hours later before the run - this made me feel strong and again able to focus on the next stage of the race. The taste was very refreshing too after all the gels on the bike.

The last 5 km of the run were the toughest - every step was a battle between fatigue and determination. But that’s where the real race happens, and I’m proud I found the strength to keep moving forward.

I crossed the finish line in 11 hours, 41 minutes, and 42 seconds, placing 4th in my age group. I’m proud of the effort and the lessons learned along the way. Every race is a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much more there is to grow.

Huge thanks to everyone who supported me - family, friends, training partners, and coaches. Couldn’t have done it without you."

Redefining Endurance

Sally’s performance captures what endurance truly is - the combination of grit, mindset, and the discipline to keep showing up.

It’s about staying clear-headed under pressure and making smart choices when it counts. It’s not just about how far your body can go, but how steady your mind can stay along the way.

We’re proud to have Sally representing the SYFA community and showing what’s possible when mental focus and fortitude meets physical strength.

Here’s to the athletes who don’t just chase endurance - they embody it.

Fuel your focus. Strengthen your grit. Go beyond limits.
→ Discover Shift - the nootropic performance drink trusted by athletes like Sally Bryson.

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