Sponsored Athlete Grant Ramsay

At osteopathy First we have had a select group of patients who we see as possessing great potential to really achieve their goals if they had some support with advice, treatment, exercise/strength and conditioning programs as well as prevention/injury management. This month we would like to introduce you to some of them, the first being Grant Ramsay……

I am Grant Ramsay, aged 43 and a member of Fairlands Valley Spartans running club, Stevenage. I compete in all running distances ranging from 3K to the marathon.

I have been a sponsored athlete since August 2013, and through the help of Rob Hill, Bradly Watt and the team, there has been a big improvement in my form. This was mainly through the strength and conditioning work delivered as well as treatment to optimise my performance as well as recovery. In September 2013, I got a PB in the Great North Run Half Marathon, in a time of 1hr 13min 08 secs, finishing 56th out of 56,000. In the same season, I got selected to run for Scotland, in the British & Irish Masters Home International Cross Country. The pre and post race therapy sessions from Rob and Brad were highly effective in enhancing my race performances, kept injuries to an absolute minimum and allowed quicker recovery time from events.

There were also improvements in my long training runs (20+ miles) for the marathon, with sub 6 minute mile pace being achieved on a regular basis. This eventually led to a marathon PB of 2hrs 36mins 41secs in last year’s London Marathon 2015 where I received a mighty cheer as I came to the finish line…….. only to realise it was for Paula Radcliffe who was a few seconds behind me!!

The ongoing treatment received from Rob and his team mirrored the constant success over the past 2 years, with back to back individual Midweek Road Race League titles won in 2014 and 2015 (for running clubs based in Herts, Essex & North London), together with representing Team GB Masters in the Marathon, with Bronze & Silver medals won (team completion), for the European Masters (2014) and World Masters (2015) respectively.

Injuries have been rare, but there was one issue with the hamstring last summer, which Rob addressed very swiftly. His professional approach to resolve the issue was impressive and resulted in quick turnaround in my running fortunes. Two months later I won my first ever national title, ie British M40 Marathon Champion.

I am extremely grateful for all the support received from Rob and his team over the past 2 years. Thanks ever so much!

At the Hertfordshire Sports Injury Clinics Osteopathy First we have the same dedication to detail and care for all our patients whether they are elite athletes, weekend warriors, mums/dads and grandparents, whether its pre/post-operative care or a stubbed toe! It’s our therapists dedication to all patients and their presenting injuries and concerns that makes us so very proud of our team.