Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

Enjoy working out, playing soccer, snowboarding, and grabbing drinks with friends.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

Getting to see the limit I can push my body to.

What are you most apprehensive about?

Being jetlagged before the challenge.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

A new ability to continuously push myself further than before.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

I love travelling and enjoy the outdoors. Privileged to live in Scotland where you can hike basically anywhere. As any real Belgian, I love good food and drinks – preferably in good company of friends. Further I obtained my diving license and am not scared of a bit of adventure.
Special skills include switching fluently from English into Flemish and German.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

I am looking forward to the sense of achievement after we completed the Namibia challenge as a group.

What are you most apprehensive about?

This challenge is pushing me physically to new levels and therefore the risk of injuries is making me slightly anxious as these might impact how much you can enjoy this amazing challenge.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

This challenge will set a new standard in what I believe I can achieve if I put myself towards it. Additionally, the bond that you create with fellow adventurers is unbreakable.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I am sure I am not the only one that even never considered running a marathon – impressed by seeing so many people taking up the challenge… You can only accomplish something if you try!

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

I enjoy anything outdoors like hiking, mountain biking, and dirt biking. I also really love to travel to explore new sceneries and experience different cultures.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

I am most looking forward to achieving physical goals that I never would have thought possible before. I am also looking forward to the amazing travel opportunity, and to meet people from different locations.

What are you most apprehensive about?

I really do not want to get injured in any way that may hinder my ability to complete the Namibia challenge.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

I hope to get back into running shape, and improve my endurance. I used to run cross country and track in high school and the beginning of college, but that was a long time ago. I can’t wait to get back into shape like I used to be.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

I enjoy ultra-marathon canoe racing in a tandem canoe with my brother. I have completed many races including The Texas Water Safari which is known as “The World’s Toughest Canoe Race” - a three day, 260 mile, non-stop canoe race in Texas, and the MR340 - a 340 mile canoe race on the Missouri River from Kansas City to St. Charles. I also enjoy road tripping with my wife, biking, skiing, and day hiking.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

Looking forward to seeing a different continent and enjoying the outdoors.

What are you most apprehensive about?

Ensuring I have trained properly to complete the long challenge and avoiding injury.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

For the past few years I have been pushing myself to achieve physical challenges that I have not thought to be possible for me to perform. I hope to complete this as well and continue to push the limits of what I think I can achieve.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I have been looking forward to this event ever since I heard people from IN-NAM 17 talk about starting to train for it. I am extremely excited about this opportunity and the training support that INEOS is providing us!

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

College football, reading, beer, traveling, fine dining

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

Running and biking through one of the more exotic places on the planet

What are you most apprehensive about?

Balancing the time required to train with work/life

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

A strong sense of achievement and a new group of friends to share and reflect in this once in a lifetime experience

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

Travel, Photography

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

Travelling to an environment I’ve never experienced.

What are you most apprehensive about?

The heat!

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

A new sense of what I am physically capable of and a drive for future challenges.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

There’s a fair few- though these days I do seem to spend a lot of my out of work time running and cycling! (Also a big fan of writing, reading, photography, painting, live music- and the ultimate reward for training- great food and drinking.)

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

Getting to know this bunch of graduates, and the nights sleeping under the stars. Never seen skies like it!

What are you most apprehensive about?

Having completed the trip last year, I remember how tough it was at times- and the level of fitness I’ll need to get back to in order to get the most out of it. The Brandberg is also not to be underestimated- ouch!

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

Looking forward to getting even fitter and pushing my limits further.

Anything else you'd like to share?

An absolute privilege to be doing this again. I can’t wait!

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

I really like doing sports, I am playing in a local football team and with colleagues after work. From time to time go out for runs after work and on the weekend. I am supporting the football club “Werder Bremen”. Besides that I like skiing and snowboarding in the winter and traveling around the world to see many places in summer times.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

I am looking forward to visit a new country on another continent in a very active way. I think that overcoming this challenge in a group of graduates and doing it all the way together will be a great experience for all of us.

What are you most apprehensive about?

The hot weather will be tough and a different task than doing sports in the training during winter. Hopefully no injuries on the way or in Namibia will worsen this trip.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

I am excited to experience myself on the way toward and though this challenge. It will be interesting to push ourselves towards our limits.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

Although team sports have been more of a rarity in recent years (replaced by the gym) I’m a big hockey and tennis fan, and enjoy the occasional poor attempt at a game of squash.! Slightly less regular, but I always scuba dive or sail whenever I get the chance. My other main hobby, which will be adding a fair bit of weight to my Namibia back-pack, is photography.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

I am looking forward to being in such a remote place, and the general isolation of the group from the rest of the world for the week. I am also looking forward to meeting graduates from all across the INEOS world, and finding out more about what they do.

What are you most apprehensive about?

In the build-up avoiding injuries, and in Namibia itself the heat!

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

I hope to improve my endurance fitness, as I’ve always tended to focus on more interval based exercise. In doing so pushing my body to the limit and seeing what I’m capable of.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

I enjoy most sports but recently have fallen in love with yoga and TRX. Aside from sports, I love to cook and spend time with family and friends.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

I am looking forward to seeing a part of the world I never thought I would travel to and taking on this challenge with my fellow graduates.

What are you most apprehensive about?

The climate in Namibia.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

I know this will be a life changing experience for me. I hope to learn more about myself when I inevitably will hit the low points throughout training and the challenge itself. I also look forward to making a new group of friends.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I am excited about this challenge, as I know it is going to push me out of my comfort zone, both physically and mentally.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

I enjoy travelling and exploring new places. I love being near water, so beaches/lakes are my favorite. My family/friends and I go on fishing trips every so often. At home, I like to spend time with friends, workout (weights/plyo/yoga), watch movies, and read.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

I am looking forward to learning more about myself through this pursuit, to push myself past my limits and comfort zones. Working with the team to succeed together will be very rewarding. Also, I’m excited to see the beauty of Africa (especially the stars).

What are you most apprehensive about?

I have never done anything like this in my life. March 2017 was my first 5k. I’m both apprehensive and excited to do a challenge that is unlike anything I’ve ever done in my life. I hope to be able to train effectively and keep up with the other athletes.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

I hope to achieve a better state of mental and physical conditioning. Basically, achieve a better wellbeing. It will be amazing to be able to work side by side with a phenomenal team and to go above and beyond where I thought possible. I hope to make lifelong friends and colleagues throughout this challenge.

Anything else you'd like to share?

This will be my first time to see Africa, so this trip is the opportunity of a life time. Thank you Ineos!

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

In my spare time I enjoy playing guitar, watching and playing (American) football with my friends, and general fitness such as running and weight lifting.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

I am looking forward to seeing how far I can push myself and the camaraderie aspect of the event. Also the pictures of the stars I saw from last year look incredible, so I’m really looking forward to that as well.

What are you most apprehensive about?

I am most concerned about failing to complete the challenge. So far the training program and support we’ve received have been awesome in helping us make consistent and safe progress, so hopefully that will help alleviate that concern.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

I just want to gain the memory of completing something as challenging as this.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I would just like to thank INEOS for allowing myself and all the others take place in such a major event such as this. All the support we have received thus far has also been awesome.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

Football (Celtic!), Cooking, Crime Novels.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

I’ve never been to Africa before and would most likely never see Namibia if it wasn’t for this trip, looking forward to seeing a new country and continent.

What are you most apprehensive about?

The physical/fitness demands are very daunting.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

If I can manage to complete it all the sense of achievement will be unlike anything I’ve ever done before.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

My biggest hobby right now is running and triathlons. I also love to travel to new places!

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

I am most looking forward to completing a challenge that I didn’t think I would ever have the opportunity to complete or even be a part of. I think it will be so fun to get to know my fellow co-workers from around the world and all work together to complete something that will be challenging both physically and mentally. I also look forward to get to travel to Namibia and see all the untouched landscape.

What are you most apprehensive about?

I am most apprehensive about the food.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

I hope to achieve a new sense of what I can accomplish when I push myself and have the support of others performing the same task.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

A big hobby of mine is playing Ultimate Frisbee. I love travelling, camping and goofing off with my teammates. Off the field I enjoy cooking, especially comfort food, and running with my border collie.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

Camping in the desert and stargazing with no city lights for miles.

What are you most apprehensive about?

Managing training intensity and avoiding over-use injuries.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

Confidence that I can train hard and go out and accomplish something that is far beyond my current capabilities.

Anything else you'd like to share?

Looking forward to meeting everyone!

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

I enjoy spending time with my three wonderful children, going to the lake, and working on my farm.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

To see were my mind stands when my body is being challenged.

What are you most apprehensive about?

Not finishing

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

I hope to push past my bodies breaking point with determination and focus.

Anything else you'd like to share?

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

I love doing Jiu-Jitsu and spent a lot of time with my family.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

I’m looking forward to the challenge and to explore a new county.

What are you most apprehensive about?

I try to watch out for injuries and losing the balance between sport, work and family. Also I’m apprehensive about the climate in Namibia which is completely different from Belgium.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

I hope to get to know my young colleagues from the other sites better and to learn their insights. Obviously I also hope to push my limits.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I’ve always wanted to challenge myself for something more extreme and this event is the opportunity of a lifetime.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

Taekwon-Do; travelling; spending time with family and friends.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

Being able to explore the Namibian desert – and its associated wildlife and scenery – first hand, which I would probably never have been able to do were it not for this opportunity.

What are you most apprehensive about?

Being able to complete everything, day in and day out, whilst suffering under the intense heat!

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

I have never been great at running or cycling - I have never even dreamed of doing a marathon, let alone the IN-NAM challenge! I hope to be able to prove to myself that I can achieve anything with hard work and personal determination.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

Volleyball, cooking, skiing, kite surfing

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

How do we perform under these extreme conditions, what is possible by acting as a group?

What are you most apprehensive about?

Heat

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

Learning something about myself and doing something out of the ordinary, bigger INEOS internal network

Anything else you'd like to share?

I am IN! Are you IN?

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills…

I enjoy taking advantage of nature and travel that includes outdoor activities, so this challenge fits right in with that. I also enjoy testing my creativity, mainly through photography and cooking.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

There seem to be few occasions in adult life where a group of people with a common mindset are placed together to accomplish a single, simple goal. I am looking forward to the strength of teamwork that this environment will foster, and I am looking forward to seeing my peers push themselves and succeed.
Also, I went to South Africa about a year ago and had some Windhoek beer. I haven’t been able to find it in Texas, so it’ll be nice to get my hands on some more of that.

What are you most apprehensive about?

I worry that something out of my control (like a freak accident) prevents me from taking on this challenge. Opportunities to do things like this are rare, and it would bother me for many years if I could not take advantage of this.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

I remember years ago, I tried to start running. I quit after a few weeks because it was hard, and I picked up cycling instead. When I finish this challenge, particularly the running events, I will be able to look back at that time that I quit and know that I was wrong. That knowledge will be a valuable motivating force for when I am tested in the future.

Anything else you'd like to share?

To truly prepare for this whole experience, I’ve been taking the advice of our nutritionist and drinking two beers on the nights before morning runs.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

Sports fan (both playing and watching!), Hockey, Cricket, Cycling, Running (ask me again after the trip). Socialising, Food and drink and outdoor pursuits (hillwalking, skiing etc). Occasional pub quiz participant and Harry Potter enthusiast.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

Really looking forward to exploring somewhere completely new and unfamiliar. Getting outside in the sun for a week and pushing myself to see what I can achieve. Also looking forward to meeting some new people and being part of a new team. Fingers crossed for good in flight films.

What are you most apprehensive about?

Dehydration, Sunburn and tight hip flexes. Making sure I’m fit enough to enjoy the experience properly!

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

Completing the challenge will be a pretty big achievement in itself. The challenge should provide new perspective and new way of thinking that I can bring into my day/day business life. A fantastic spring board on which to launch a healthy and productive way of lifestyle.

Anything else you'd like to share?

Many thanks to the organising team for putting in so much time and effort to the event and I look forward to meeting the rest of the team at the Lanzarote training event!

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

I enjoy watching college football, snowboarding, hiking, camping, and traveling to new places. I also recently started brewing my own beer.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

I am most excited about getting to push myself mentally and seeing what I can truly do if I put in the effort. Initially when I heard about the trip from last year, I thought it was crazy and that there was no way I would ever do that. Now that I am preparing for the trip, I am excited for this adventure and test.

What are you most apprehensive about?

I am most apprehensive about getting an injury during training or on the trip.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

I hope to make some great memories that I will never forget as well as new friendships with other INEOS employees.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I am just excited for this journey and thankful that INEOS has set up something so amazing for all of us recent graduates.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

I like to ride trails and go on long road trips (2000 miles plus).

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

I am looking forward to challenging both mind and body as well as meeting new places and people. I also look forward to the months long preparation phase before the trip as I consider this the major challenge.

What are you most apprehensive about?

Reviving old injuries from previous physical activities that could take me out of the challenge

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?

A personal sense of accomplishment both physically and mentally.