“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life” Confucius once said. Taking this quote to heart, I recently visited Torus and met two happy unemployed people. Paweł Miziarski and Bartosz Banach have been sports professionals since childhood. For the last three years they have been inspiring Alchemia employees to follow their passion.
Down with stereotypes
It’s true, the relation between Torus, Alchemia, Bartek and I demonstrates that these two communities exist in a state of mutual interest. In the world of professional sports, competitions and training sessions are not free, more than that - they are not cheap. This is where Torus comes in as our sponsor, enabling us to compete and leave for extended training retreats. In return, we do what we do best, sharing our knowledge and experience during the training sessions we provide to Alchemia employees. We also train people for Torus’ flagship competition, Torus Triathlon In Da House.
Paweł says.
A job is a job, we all need to be doing something, but it’s also important to find some time at the end of the day to stay in shape. It’s hard to do it on your own, so doing it as part of a group can certainly help – it’s easier and more fun together. Usually, every person that’s convinced themselves to join us will keep coming back again – something we like to see!
Bartek said
We share our advice with anyone who wishes to train more frequently and on their own. There are lots of people in that category and it makes us happy that they have chosen a more active lifestyle. Every little thing counts – taking the stairs in lieu of the lift at the office, a little run during your lunch hour or simply cycling to work. A lot of our trainees have started to notice that, and I believe that it really satisfies them. Before and after our sessions they ask us many interesting and difficult questions about dieting and post-training regeneration.
Bartek adds
Our sessions are a great excuse for integration. They enable people to form relationships that would otherwise not be possible as they would not have met each other on a typical workday. Nothing brings you together like a common effort and overcoming your weaknesses.
Participation really counts
We get people at all sorts of fitness levels. That’s good, that’s the beauty of triathlon, as even the most demanding events have professionals and amateurs competing side by side. There is no cutthroat competition, we work together – a friendly atmosphere where the more seasoned athletes help out the rookies. Our training sessions are not brutal, they are designed to show people the correct technique and mental preparation, which is key. Tiring yourself out isn’t hard. On the other hand, we get people who are so into it that they want to sign up for a competition after one or two training sessions!
Bartek adds
Our job is to bring these people down to earth. One must not set the bar too high and we get some folks who wish to take on the champions on their first go. Triathlon is not an extreme sport, but reaching a level required to enter a competition requires a lot of work and patience. Not everyone will be able to reach this level, but that’s not the point. The goal is to get people to get into working out. That’s something we’re good at.
Paweł says.
Sport can serve as a useful lesson in self-realisation, overcoming challenges and setting goals. Business calls for a very similar approach, which is why we value our training sessions. When a person has their mind set on a goal – be it completing a half-marathon or turning in a demanding project, boring days at the office become a breeze. Let’s not forget about the endorphins – sport just makes you happy. And Paweł and Bartek inspire our people in exceptional style. They have a lot of respect and understanding for anyone willing to talk to them and share their energy. On top of that, they are great, humble people.
Monika adds
TTIDH makes our training session participants more excited about their workout. Having a goal to compete at such a professionally-organised event makes all the difference.
Any age is good to start doing triathlon, though it’s better if you already have some experience with physical activity. It doesn’t really matter which sport you’ve been training; what matters is your overall physical condition.
The local conditions we tough. I’ll say it simply, 35 degrees made it practically impossible to breathe. Even as I stepped out of my plane, I had already become anxious over what would happen, though in the end it was not so bad. I was able to get to the finish line and not with a bad score either.
Paweł reminisces, with a big smile on his face.
For any triathlete, taking part in this event is a testament to the many months of training. The best of the best come there and the atmosphere is truly amazing. Of course, one must prepare for this competition calmly, without losing their head. Paweł and I both hope to find ourselves there one day, eventually.
