Like we all know, specifically in France, this summer is a sporting one with the launching of Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The most important and sports event of the World, gathering on July 26th thousands of sportsmen and women, coaches, and supporters. So, we have thought, that communicate this sport spirit all along the summer, to the workers and holidaymakers will be such a pleasant idea.
Let’s start officially with this blog articles series: "Abyss Ingredients at the heart of sport" dedicated to sport practice of our athletes, but also our Abyss team… Stay tuned!
Portrait of the day: Patrick Paboul
Patrick Paboul is our orders picker at Abyss. Beyond his experience, his strength (more than necessary to pull up Cartidyss® barrels) and his happiness at work since more than a year, discover him from another side: sport and specifically running/walking.
Patrick practised running during more than 20 years and today has chosen walking. A sport wich seems like a good alternative to running which he currently doesn’t practise. |  |
Today he handles at once, his work as orders picker and his passion for sport generally speaking.
We are very proud to present a little part of her sport through this interview.
What values does sport pass on to you?
« There's the idea of surpassing yourself, going all the way to reach the goal you've set yourself, particularly in walking or running: focusing on your objective and not giving up, despite exhaustion.
I think it's really the idea of surpassing yourself that sport conveys and that you don't necessarily find in other aspects of your life.
I've also been part of two running associations, so that's also given me a real sense of group spirit, of sharing, and of helping each other: we all started this sport at the same time and we've grown together by pushing each other to give more and more. »
What role does sport play in your daily life, and what do you gain from it?
« If I don't do sport during the week, I’m not okay, that's for sure! As far as running and walking are concerned, I try to do them when I have time during the week; but I also play volleyball indoors for 2 hours every Friday with friends.
Sport does me a lot of good: going for a walk really lets me get away from it all and decompress too. I also like the fact that there's no competition, just you with yourself: a pure pleasure.
It's also a healthy lifestyle that I have to stick to because it's helped me give up smoking. »
In your opinion, how do you manage work, personal life and physical activity?
 | « I'd say you must make time for yourself.
I used to do a lot of roads as part of my job, so I had no choice but to take trainers and spares. I tried to manage to go running everywhere as soon as I had the chance.
That's the practical side of this discipline: you can manage to do it at any time and create opportunities everywhere to go running.
You also need to adopt a form of regularity: if you don't train, the work you've done for 3 months can be lost in 3 days and you can observe other consequences like for example to put on weight. » |
How do you deal with procrastination in sport?
« I think the main thing is to enjoy what you're doing.
Running quickly becomes addictive, and more and more people are taking up running, and that's a very good thing.
If you “force” yourself to take up a sport, it's because you need to find another one, because this one certainly doesn't suit you.
It's a source of motivation to do a sport that you enjoy, and I don't think you really feel that procrastination effect if you really enjoy what you're doing. »
Which athlete inspires you across all disciplines?
« I’d probably say Teddy Riner. I think his performances are very inspiring.
And beyond that, the fact that after each competition, he puts on between 20 and 30kg, and as soon as another one comes along, he manages to lose it again, that's really impressive. »
What physical and mental benefits have you seen since you started walking?
« When I started, I smoked a packet a day and weighed a little too much. 5 years later, I've lost 20kg and I don't smoke any more. So, the benefits of losing weight and giving up smoking have been absolutely remarkable, both physically and mentally, and I'm more than delighted.
I also feel all the benefits after the effort: when I've just finished and I go into the shower, there's a moment of relaxation and I'd even say appeasement that comes after having surpassed yourself so much and having sought your limits. »
Do you use any equipment or accessories to enhance your walking experience?
« No, I don't use any materials or equipment, you just need a good pair of shoes. I also use insoles to straighten out my stride.
I don't use poles either, like Nordic walking for example, I prefer to do brisk walking. »
What do you think are the best types of terrain for walking?
« Personally, I don't go walking in the city, I don't find it interesting.
On the contrary, I prefer being close to nature: going for a walk in the woods, by the sea or even in the mountains, I find that 10 times more pleasant and rejuvenating than having to walk on the pavement with all the density and crowds in the city. “
Did you have a particular source of motivation that prompted you to start walking?
« To tell the truth, it's because given the impact that running has on the body, I wasn't in a position to do it any more, so I decided to turn to brisk walking, which is less violent for the joints and the body in general.
To be able to run at my age is not impossible, but you need to have an impeccable lifestyle. And to be very honest, I was not ready to deprive myself of certain pleasures, dietary or otherwise, so brisk walking was a good compromise, less traumatic for my body. »
Thank you Patrick for your sharing!
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