DUTCH DES SABLES
Childcancer.org
Time & Tide Challenge 630
FARM Africa
St Helena Hospice
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Facing Africa
Oxfam
Children's Cancer Foundation (Germany)
Fred Hollows Foundation read articles
Pushing
your limits the intelligent way
We all remember this young French woman, specialist
in short distance running, and who won the women’s
race on the 21st edition of the Marathon des Sables.
Géraldine Courdesses wasn’t even sure
she’d be able to take part in this year’s
edition: she had an accident while using the exercise
bike at home, dislocated her knee and then ruptured
two ligaments. Her love for challenges and perseverance
paid off however and she’s back to defend her
title this year. “I wasn’t able to prepare
as I’d have liked, but the simple fact of being
able to come is a real recompense”. Her ambition
is to progress in the discipline. To improve her
chances, she’s come up with a few interesting
pointers, particularly concerning the weight of her
back-pack (just 6.6kg!). While ensuring she has the
minimum 2000 calories per day, Geraldine followed
the advice proffered by her mother (a nurse). She’s
brought food specially designed for the elderly.
Rich in protein, it can be eaten hot or cold, and
is generally in purée form. It’s allowed
her to lighten her back-pack by 600g compared to
last year. Clever thinking!
Running alongside her partner, she’ll be savouring
the beauty of this arid landscape while still keeping
her eye on the finish line.
