Lanzarote Triathlon : Only one month to go

Manon Manon graduated 2 years ago, yet she already has 5 years of experience at ING. How? In 2014 she worked here as a student, after that as an intern and trainee. And now, years later, she’s a Credit Risk Analyst.

Manon works as a Credit Analyst Midcorp at ING Belgium. This weekend she participated in the monthly joint training, this time in Rotterdam. Manon: “We spent two days with the entire group. Two days with different training sessions, information sessions, a body scan and a bicycle test to measure our physical progress. The first evening (Friday) we had a food workshop. After all, eating is at least as important as training, if you take up the challenge of a triathlon. On Saturday we did a mini triathlon to test our fitness and the weekend ended with a joint meal. It was super cool! And I was very happy to see how much I have improved since I started training.”

In addition to the sporty side, it is a great opportunity to get to know more colleagues. ING Belgium and ING Netherlands are working together increasingly, but in fact we do not know the Dutch colleagues very well.

The right time

Manon was already a sportswoman, she ran and rode the mountain bike very regularly, but training for a triathlon requires much more effort. She was already planning to do a triathlon someday. The opportunity to do it now with colleagues and under the guidance of professionals came at the right time. “A colleague showed me a video from last year and I was so enthusiastic that I signed up immediately. In addition to the sporty side, it is a great opportunity to get to know more colleagues. ING Belgium and ING Netherlands are working together increasingly, but in fact we do not know the Dutch colleagues very well. Another reason for me was to prove that it’s possible to combine work, sport and private life. "

Training five times a week

“In the beginning it wasn’t easy. I put a lot of effort into organizing my agenda well. I’m lucky that my brother and several friends also love triathlon, so I can train with them. I don't like to do sports alone. Once I had managed to fit all the trainings into my schedule, it became a lot easier. I currently train five times a week. It's great to work out after work, and I miss it when I sometimes, very rarely, skip a session!”

Mental effect

“It’s only a month until we head for Lanzarote. Until then I’ll keep training according to the schedule of my coach and I’ll keep paying attention to my diet. Physically everything is going very well, I’m in excellent condition. At a mental level, the effect is spectacular. I feel good and super dynamic and I have a lot of energy. Moreover, I’ve met many nice people, colleagues that normally I’d probably not have known. And let's not forget the coaches, who support us as much as possible. I benefit enormously from the personal training schedules and the feedback from my coach.”

Share our passion

“I am very curious how I will experience the triathlon. Swimming, the transitions and the heat will probably be the biggest challenges. But I expect it’ll be great to experience this trip with my colleagues and to cross the finish line together. I am sure it will be accompanied by a lot of emotion. We have a very nice group with great solidarity. It is fantastic to share our passion.”

“After this triathlon, I absolutely want to continue with this sport. This was a great opportunity to make a start, a real kickstart for my ‘career’ as a triathlete. I aem very happy that ING has given me this opportunity.”