TEAM LCL

A year ago I would never have dreamed of eyeing up the world's premier Off Road Triathlon event. Racing any sort of race in Hawaii seemed a world away... and in fact in a literal sense, it still is.
There are many stars which need to align to make a campaign like this possible. There's the obvious well-being and fitness; there's the technical aspects of both training and equipment; and of course there's the necessary financial commitment. 
Committing to a PhD has meant another 3 years with minimal income, after having already completed a 4 year degree. I knew from the outset of this odyssey, that I could not survive purely under my own steam. I have had endless support from my family and friends with training, logistics, and organisation; but I always knew that I had to find a way to put myself out there as an athlete worthy of financial backing. 

Something I knew NOTHING about.

It came down to thinking long and hard about both what I need to get out of sponsorship, and what a business would want to get out of sponsoring me. I am slowly learning that this requires far more than just a 'one-size-fits-all' mentality. I have looked at big and small companies; both locally and further afield. I have written letters; taken photos; gone on visits; and as you've probably noticed by now, written a blog. 
As an athlete, our needs are rather straight forward: money; facilities; and gear. As a business, it is a little harder to define. Businesses want exposure: whether that is proudly displaying their colours or logo; being an ambassador or an embodiment of their company values and beliefs; or testing, endorsing, and providing honest feedback on their product. Different companies have different ideas of what and how athlete sponsorship can add to their business. 

I have put a lot of time into making sure I approach this whole idea of sponsorship in a way that allows both parties to get the best possible outcome.

Earlier this week, I found my sponsorship 'soul-mate'.

Lysaght Consultants Ltd is a Land Surveying, Engineering and land Development practice in Tauranga. One of the company's directors, just happens to be one of my biggest supporters, Uncle Bruce. But their decision to sponsor my Hawaiian Odyssey is much more than an Uncle helping out his niece. 
The team at Lysaght Consultants run a tight ship, and have developed a great name for themselves in the Bay of Plenty region. Their staff are close-knit, and have a passion for not only working on the land, but also playing on it. They are regular starters at most local multisport events, whether it is as individuals, or a corporate team. All staff members are encouraged to get out of the office and 'get the heart rate up' during lunchtimes; and a good level of competition is maintained within the company, through a whiteboard of timed laps of Tauranga's 9km 'Daisy Hardwick Memorial Track'. 

I love everything about this company's philosophy; I am so appreciative of the support they have offered me; and I am so proud to have the opportunity to represent them at the Xterra World Champs in October! 

My friend Crazy Craig and I are also confirmed to be representing LCL in the Motu Challenge in October. I think this will be the perfect way to cap-off my build up to the Xterra World Champs. 
Oh, and I'll be having a crack at the lap times on the whiteboard for sure!

For more info on Lysaght Consultants, check out my sponsorship page.