Welcome to the KIN3TED 2023 team
Every year at Kinetic Kitchen we highlight a couple of athletes who are doing something amazing for charity. And this year is no different! We welcome Ryan & Mark to the 2023 KIN3TED team. Both have such inspriation stories, which you can read about below.
We also want to thank our other sponsors to the KIN3TED program. Check out these wonderful companies below...
Kinetic KitchenKinetic Kitchen is the best keto bakery in the UK: our KETOnuts are freshly hand-made everyday, without refined sugar or grain.
Hunter & GatherHunter & Gather is leading the field in best-in-class condiments and supplements. It’s range of Great Taste award-winning all-natural mayos, oils, sauces, dressings, and real food supplements are not only made with the finest sustainably sourced ingredients, but are always free from added sugar, grains/gluten, and poor quality fats, making them a delicious and healthy choice for the whole family, as well as Diabetics, Keto, Low Carb, Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free lifestyles.
Hanora HealthHanora Health was launched by Ross Austen, a passionate foodie that champions a whole food diet. Ross was fortunate to travel the world and during his travels discovered Kombucha in America, South Africa and Australia. Returning to the UK he was wondering what was happening in the UK. It was apparent the UK was very much behind the curve for fermented foods and drinks. As a result Ross took it upon himself to spread the goodness of Kombucha to all that would listen. He started experimenting in 2017 with different teas and sugars and finally launched in April 2018 and has not looked back. Since launching Ross has added Raw Chocolate Orange Bites and Water Kefir to the range.
SImply CookSimplyCook is a subscription-based recipe box service based in London. The company provides a monthly box containing four recipes and four nonperishable ingredient kits that are then added to fresh ingredients the subscriber purchases from the supermarket. SimplyCook was founded by Oliver Ashness in 2014.
The Bone Broth CompanyThe Bone Broth Company is a small West country business with a passion of good produce, nutrition, and the future of our planet.
"...open conversations about epilepsy with those that may not have asked it before."
After an unexpected seizure in my sleep, I was diagnosed with Epilepsy, what I didn’t realise was that other than the seizures it would have a profound effect on my life. I fell into a state of depression, yet continued to try to prove to the world that epilepsy won’t effect me in any way and I could keep going like nothing has changed. Well it was a lie and one that almost killed me. I was wrong and it was destroying me inside and out, drinking heavily after work, always wanting to be the last “man” standing, this would continue for nearly 7 years, alienating me from some of my closest friends and almost destroying my relationship.
When you have epilepsy, it is more than losing your driving license, more than having a seizure or the questions/ assumptions you face what people don’t understand about Epilepsy is the unexpected nature of it all, it’s the burden you feel on those around you and the lower status in the world you feel you have. But, mainly it’s the added pressure you put upon yourself to cover all this up and show the world you are ok. The look you get when you wear a bracelet, the questions you get when you show a disabled rail pass or the way you avoid it during an interview to the fear you have during an occ health review.
So what happened? I was lucky, I had friends that made me realise I needed counselling, a wife that was there to support me that would listen and reminded me I wasn’t a burden and I wasn’t alone. After years of treatments, I looked at alternative options and that’s where health a fitness have come in. Running/ Cycling has strangely been a saviour for me, it allows me to destress and think, stress was often a trigger for me but with running I have an outlet.
And thats why I wat to use that outlet to help raise money and raise awareness for the Epilepsy Society the charity that have supported me throughout my journey. I used running and a change in diet to try to take control of my seizures, get my confidence back and to hopefully avoid brain surgery! Also, running for charity allows me to prove that although I am disabled I can still make a difference, and open conversations about epilepsy with those that may not have asked it before.
So, here I am, starting on the 2nd of April, I will be running a Marathon per sunday until Saturday 29th of April when I will be running the Isle of Wight Coastal 106km Ultra Marathon....... Why? Because why not! And until my brain stops me, surgery is confirmed or seizures worsen I will keep raising awareness for those with Epilepsy that cant
"...prove to myself and the world that Diabetes will not hold me back"
Hello, my name is Mark, and I have always been an active sports enthusiast. Playing rugby, swimming and running have been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. However, my life took an unexpected turn in 2021 when I was rushed to hospital and admitted to the intensive care unit with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA).
The diagnosis was Type 1 diabetes, and it shattered my world. I was informed I could no longer compete in such sports, which was a huge blow for me. Handling the diagnosis was difficult, and I found myself slipping into depression. But I refused to let diabetes control my life.
I realised that with proper diet, exercise and effective blood glucose management using technology, I could still pursue my dreams and be the athlete I always wanted to be. It was then that I decided to take on Hyrox, a gruelling athletic competition that challenges even the toughest athletes out there.
It is not an easy journey, with frequent set backs (for instance I have just fractured my eye socket!) but with the encouragement and support of my loved ones, I am going to prove to myself and the world that Diabetes will not hold me back. I have learned that having a positive mindset and a strong support network is essential when dealing with life' challenges. Their unwavering support and encouragement gives me the strength to keep pushing forward and never give up.
My story is one of resilience, determination and perseverance, but it is also a story of the importance of having a strong support system. I hope to inspire others going through similar challenges to not give up and to reach out for help. With the right support and mindset, anyone can overcome the toughest of obstacles and achieve their dreams.
I am using this event to raise awareness and much needed funds for Diabetes UK
"...talking more and using resources to get myself back on track"
The underdog.
A term that is commonly used for an individual who isn't the bookie's favourite. A humble person who has no expectations to do well, but will always give it their all.
I've always had this mentality throughout my life; be it in sports, school, or my professional career.
The only issue with this way of thinking, is it actively encourages imposture syndrome. A state where you never believe you are good enough for 'said task'.
Last year I completed my first Ironman, celebrated my 30th, grew my business, and even was asked to come on the BBC's 'Dragon's Den'. Pretty cool? Unfortunately, with these great achievements came a black cloud of imposture syndrome, which slowly chipped away at my mental health, and led me to enter a form of depression.
How did I know all these physical and emotional 'things' i was experiencing was depression? I was incredibly lucky to be trained as a mental health first aider in September 2022 and realised these symptoms were not normal and I had to act quickly. I started talking more and using resources to get myself back on track. Exercise, meditation, breathing, nature, and being with loved ones...All of which CALM actively promotes.
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against suicide, the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the UK.
Anyone can hit crisis point. CALM runs a free and confidential helpline and webchat 7 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone who needs to talk about lifes problems.
Last year, during my Ironman, running was my weakest discipline. So, this year, I am zoning in on strengthening my weaknesses - both physically and mentally. I will be running the Lakeland 100km Ultra on July 8th 2023.
If you can afford a donation, please add resources to CALM and help prevent the biggest killer for men my age.