Sponsor Profile:Gas Technology Partnership Ltd

As with many of my corporate sponsors Sarah has chosen to write about the why of getting involved in sponsoring myself for the Marathon des Sables.  Few of them have taken the opportunity to showcase their business.  BUT, I think the way they have written their profiles says alot about them as business owners and how they want you, potential clients, to see what they value.  I am delighted that these businesses have gotten involved, that they value mental health and, it always astounds me, but their belief in my abilities.  Anyway, enough rambling on my part, here is Sarah’s words:-

You’d be forgiven for thinking ‘why is a Specialist Gas Consultant sponsoring Louise for the MDS Event?’

Actually, there’s more common ground here than meets the eye. Read on…

 

Louise and I first met during the 2014 Spartan Sprint just south of Edinburgh. Well when I say we met, what I mean is we didn’t have a clue who each other was but I decided to embark on a silent competition between us during the 5k obstacle race. Ridiculous I know, I had no chance against Louise.

I went away always wondering who my nemesis was.

The 2^nd time we met was at an OCR training day that Louise was coaching in Ayrshire last year. I remember smiling to myself when I saw her stomping around and I thought ‘at last I get to meet the wee powerhouse herself’. (Sarah is on the left, conquering the high wall at the muddyraces OCR training day at Scottish Assault Courses Ayrshire).

I knew right away we’d get along like we’d known each other for years. Louise is passionate about her sports and her goals. That comes across right away. It’s an attractive trait and you can see that people really warm to her.

We’ve been in touch ever since with the conversation always about racing and our personal physical goals, including the inevitable ups and downs that this always entails, but Louise always sees the positive and she’s a total inspiration for me.

I was so excited to hear that Louise had been selected to take part in the Marathon des Sables – ‘The toughest footrace on Earth’. 5 ½ marathons in 5 or 6 days – across the Sahara Desert!

Without a 2^nd thought I wanted to support her in this epic dream.

This is where the commonality is between Louise’s goal and my company – Gas Technology Partnership Ltd. My dream was to always run my own company. After years of being constantly let down by employers I decided ‘ENOUGH!’ I can do better for myself.

I knew what my goal was; I could see the end game. I just needed to make it happen. 2 and half years later and I’m now running a very successful business, in fact it’s surpassed even my own expectations.

It takes hard work, determination, tenacity, positivity – especially when things get tough – which they do. And you have to keep that end game clear in your head – never lose sight of what your goal is.

But I gotta say, you do need a strong support network behind you. For me it was my friends and family who simply just believed in me.

Louise has all those traits in abundance and I know she’ll achieve her goal and it’ll be the experience of a lifetime. I also know what it means to just need some support along the way. It feels like perfect Karma to be able to give something back to help Louise live her dream.

 

Good luck my friend!

So again, thank you to all who take the time to read these blogs, please pop over to Sarah’s website/ facebook page and give her a ‘like’ and share the love as they say.

Website:  www.gtp-gas.co.uk

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/gastechnologypartnership/?fref=ts

 

 

Muddyrace Scottish Training Day – Dundee

I was priviledged to run a muddyrace training day up here in bonny Scotland, we ran our event at the Scottish Assault Courses at the Errol Airfield, Dundee.  I was nervous and excited, despite having run my own OCR (Obstacle Race Training) training sessions with great feedback, the thought of having to run them for muddyrace, a very respected company in the OCR world and would be representing them.

The guys and gals began to appear and we had an amazing 22 folks taking part of all levels, beginners, intermediate through to those who have taken part in races, for example Tough Mudder and The Beast.  The warm-up, I believe set the tone for our sessions, based on dynamic movements and games.

The first period was used to cover key technique points for monkey bars, spear throws – those who have run a spartan race will know that feeling of having missed and subjected to the horrific burpee – press-ups, tyre flips/ throws and the first 2 walls.

Everyone did an amazing job of attacking the obstacles, trying to put in place the technique points covered, overcoming personal challenges and obstacles.  Each of the groups, despite not knowing everyone in their group came together to support, encourage and motivate to try to the best of their abilities.  There was definitely a buzz around the assault course!  We also found out that several of the group had soft hands which were affected by the monkey bars and the walls.  Key point:  ensure you practice leading up to an obstacle race, this will help harden your hands and prepare them for the activities approaching, alternatively, you may choose to wear gloves.  This is a personal choice and I have found that from one person to the next in races that each person needs to find what works for them.

The second batch of obstacles included the 8 foot wall, ditch jumps, the ‘slatted’ wall and the ‘mime wall’.  The 8 foot wall was overcome for the first time EVER for some of the guys – amazing achievement to do on your own.  Incredibly empowering feeling for women particularly, mainly from a perspective of this is commonly looked upon and ‘Ill never get over that’!  I heard many a shreek from across the field.  We also covered alot of the obstacle racing etiquette, I am proud to say I would stop and help anyone, I will always check on someone if it looks like they have stopped, just to ensure that there isn’t a problem.

We finished the day with a full run through, simply to make sure my guests were muddy, wet and smiling come the end!  All the things you would expect to be at the end of a day of obstacle racing!  🙂  A massive thank you must also be extended to Fraser for his assistance and Carole for her excellent photography skills.

Looking forward to my next training session at Scottish Assault Courses in Kilmarnock!  Hope to see you all there!