Who is LinkedIn's Marathon Mom?

Ed. note: This post is a part of our continuing blog series featuring our employees. Here, we hear from our very own Barbara Sanchez – a Sales Development specialist at LinkedIn’s office in Dublin, Ireland - who is also a new mom, and (as if that’s not enough) 2012 Olympic hopeful.

You don’t run 100 miles a week without a little motivation.

For me, that motivation comes from a love of sport. I’ve always been involved in running, cycling or swimming. I’ve competed in triathlons and marathons across Europe; it’s a great way to do something I enjoy and meet new people.

Last October, I earned the national title as the first Irish woman to cross the finish line at the Dublin Marathon, in 2 hours, 39 minutes and 39 seconds (2:39:39).  I finished the race just one year after my son, Benjamin, was born.

Now, I’m training with the goal of qualifying for the marathon for the 2012 Olympic Games, representing Ireland. I’m just two minutes away from the qualifying time (2:37).  I’m also in the process of getting an Irish passport.

As a new mom with a full-time job, balancing work with motherhood isn’t easy. LinkedIn's perks at our Dublin office - on site showers and free food for employees - makes it easier for me to fit in a 6 to 7 mile run on my way to work, and again on my way home when commuting to and from the office here in Dublin. I’m never in the car—I’m typically running, swimming or cycling. When I’m tired, I don’t think about it; I’m never lazy because I can’t be lazy.

I joined LinkedIn’s Sales Development team about three months ago because it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. Since LinkedIn has a growing presence in Dublin, I can be involved in big decisions and put my language skills to good use (I speak English, French and Spanish).

Just about everyone in Dublin wants to work for LinkedIn. The atmosphere is electric —there are people here from all nationalities, and we’re adding about 15 new employees every two weeks. In fact, LinkedIn is growing so fast (with nearly 100 employees just in our Dublin office) that we’re moving offices here in a few months to relocate to a bigger space within the city center.

Our office is often bustling with events like Family Day, InDays, when I can bring my husband and son to work with me. When you’re very busy, it’s the little things like this at work that make a huge difference. Training for the 2012 Olympic marathon is the opportunity of a lifetime.  I’m fortunate to work in a place that allows me to both pursue my professional dream in sales and my personal passion.