At SIGI Europe, we often talk about setting goals, pushing boundaries, and striving for excellence both professionally and personally. Charline, our dedicated Commercial Assistant from France, embodies these values. Her recent completion of the marathon over Mont Blanc stands as a testament to what we can achieve with determination, hard work, and passion.
The Dream to Conquer Mont Blanc
Charline’s journey to the Mont Blanc marathon began with a dream. “Sport is part of my life,” she says. “I love pushing my limits and setting tough goals. The Mont Blanc marathon was something I dreamed of for many years. It’s mythical, and I wanted to experience it.” Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe, is known for its challenging terrain and breathtaking beauty. This race is not just about physical endurance; it’s about conquering the highest peaks within ourselves.
Charline pushes her limits at the Mont Blanc marathon.
Six Months of Preparation
Starting in January, Charline dedicated six months to intense training. “The physical preparation was tough, but the mental preparation was even harder,” she recalls. “You never know what to expect. I decided to take some pressure off myself, relax, and have fun. That mindset helped me enjoy running and the beautiful nature around me.” Charline’s story reminds us that preparation is not just about hard work; it’s about having the right attitude.
Race Day: The Ultimate Test
The marathon day was cool and grey, with temperatures between 15-20 degrees Celsius. The race, with a time limit of 10 hours, started at 8 am. “The course was challenging, rising to a height of 2,550 meters,” Charline explains. “Using sticks helped with the steep climbs. After 13 km, we had a 6 km stretch with a 900-meter height gain. It was really tough, but the beautiful scenery made it worth it.”
Charline had previously run a marathon on straight roads in Paris in 2019, but this was a whole new challenge. “Running a marathon on the highest mountain in Europe is another thing entirely,” she said.
At the 30 km mark, Charline faced her toughest moment. “I was really tired, in pain, and needed water. The next stop was at 37 km, and it felt like forever. But I kept pushing through.” This part of her journey is a powerful lesson in perseverance. When faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Charline focused on one step at a time, showing us that every small effort counts.
The Triumph of the Finish Line
Crossing the finish line was an emotional moment for Charline. “It was a mix of emotions. I was happy, exhausted, and overwhelmed. I cried tears of joy and relief. It was the biggest achievement of my life, something I had dreamed of for many years.” Her story inspires us to push our limits and embrace the joy that comes with achieving our goals.
Lessons from the Mountain
Charline believes that completing the marathon has made her a better person. “The experience taught me a lot about pushing boundaries and not giving up. It’s the same in professional life. When you set a goal and work hard to achieve it, the satisfaction is immense.” Her journey reminds us that the lessons learned in our personal pursuits can greatly impact our professional lives.
Balancing Work and Passion
Charline’s role at SIGI Europe involves multitasking and helping customers in France and Luxembourg. She finds that her athletic pursuits influence her professional life. “The mental strength I gained from running helps me at work. When I start something, I finish it. That determination is crucial in my job.” Her story is a testament to the power of balance between work and personal passions.
Advice for Colleagues
Charline encourages her colleagues to pursue challenging personal goals. “Life is like a mountain, with ups and downs. You need to move forward, interact with people, and learn from others. Motivation is not something you’re born with; you build it step by step. Set your goals, work hard, and you will achieve them.” Her advice is simple yet profound: embrace challenges, stay motivated, and keep moving forward.
Charline’s next personal challenge is to learn more about climbing and travel to Nepal. Professionally, she aims to deepen her technical knowledge to better assist customers at SIGI Europe.
For those inspired by Charline’s story, you can learn more about the Mont Blanc marathon and the challenges of mountain running on Wikipedia: (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mont_Blanc_Marathon).
Charline’s journey is a powerful reminder that with dedication, hard work, and the right mindset, we can achieve incredible things both in our personal and professional lives. Let her story inspire you to set your own goals, push your limits, and conquer your mountains.
