Dorothée Bremer

My journey

Ever since I was a child, I’ve always enjoyed sports and pushing myself. I remember the thrill of competing, the joy of winning, and the valuable lessons learned from losing. Sports have always been a way for me to test my limits and grow both physically and mentally.

I started on my own as a teenager, engaging in athletics, gymnastics, and more. These early experiences taught me the importance of discipline and perseverance. Now, I challenge myself with trail runs, cycling challenges, triathlons, and soon, a marathon! Every race I complete is an accomplishment, but my greatest pride is the triathlon I completed last September.

A triathlon is a multi-sport race with three continuous and sequential endurance races, usually swimming, cycling, and running. Completing it was a significant achievement for me because it tested my endurance, versatility, and mental toughness. Each race I sign up for represents a new personal challenge because they are always different, with varying distances and in different environments. After every race, I feel proud of myself for having crossed the finish line and for having reached another goal, which positively impacts my job as life sciences business manager.

During my triathlon, especially during the swim, I had to push myself because it’s not a discipline I practice often. In the moment, I wanted to give up, but I kept going, and now I’m proud of it. It’s a great mentality to have in everyday life: to always keep going and see your challenges through to the end. There are many similarities between this activity and my job. In sports, things aren’t always easy: there’s stress before races, elevation changes during trail runs, fatigue kicking in during triathlons, and pain during long cycling races. This is similar to busy periods at work where resilience and determination are key.

In both sports and my job, aspects like perseverance, dedication, and a strategic approach are necessary. The challenges I face in my activities teach me patience, resilience, and stress management. These lessons have a significant impact on my work as I apply them to overcome professional obstacles. Balancing both requires careful time management and setting realistic goals for both areas. Anyone interested in starting this activity should start small and be consistent. Set achievable goals, join a supportive community, and enjoy the journey. Celebrate your progress and keep challenging yourself.

Additionally, partnering with a supportive organisation like ALTEN has provided me with invaluable resources and encouragement. Their support, both mentally and in terms of equipment, has enabled me to successfully complete challenging races. This partnership enhances my training and competition experience, offering not just material support but also a sense of community and motivation.