INTRODUCE YOURSELF IN A FEW SENTENCES: WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, WHAT DO YOU DO, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME, YOUR REGION, YOUR FAVORITE PLACES…
My name is Aurélie, I'm 26 years old, and I'm a psychiatric nurse. I'm a former swimmer and now an athlete with CA Balma in the Toulouse region, but above all, I'm passionate about running, with the marathon as my favorite distance. In the spring, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, which made me reconsider some of my goals, but it was just a temporary setback to take a bigger leap forward.
Since then, there have been treatments, of course, but also a blog Twenty-one by two and a real awareness of my physical self. This led me to deepen my yoga practice, which became a daily routine, and to a strong desire to pin on a race number again to show how anything is possible when you truly believe in your dreams…
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO RUNNING?
While I always played sports (mostly in chlorinated, steamy pools in winter) throughout my childhood and adolescence, I became more interested in running when I moved to Toulouse. I loved the freedom it offered; whatever the time or weather, all you need is your running shoes (and some people even run barefoot, so anything is possible!), your motivation, and you're off. At that moment, you depend on no one but yourself.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN RUNNING?
Regularly, I'd say for about 5 years now. In fact, it was the day I decided to train to complete a marathon that I started to be consistent... And I've never stopped since!
Since then, I've completed 4 marathons, several half-marathons, and some 10km training runs. As I really enjoyed this world, I joined a club last year, in a group with diverse backgrounds, which is very enriching; we have so much to learn from those who have run before us 😉
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT RUNNING?
Initially, there was the feeling of freedom I mentioned earlier, and now, to that, there's the added element of pushing my limits. I like the idea that running helps me become a "better version of myself," by challenging my boundaries with each run. And then there's also the connection to my body through the sensations (pleasant or not!) it gives me.
Last spring, when I was diagnosed with cancer, I knew that running would be my way of maintaining balance. I had to adapt my training, of course, including reducing the intensity of some runs, not strictly following the coach's plan, and listening to my body, but overall, I maintained a certain level of fitness, and I'm sure that this allowed me to recover better, faster, and, even if it seems paradoxical, to stay healthy.
In fact, that's what I'd like to convey to my readers: we all have something within us that keeps us balanced, gives us pleasure and courage, and makes us feel good. It's essential to stay connected to that, whatever difficulties we may be facing.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST SPOT FOR RUNNING IN YOUR AREA?
It's hard to choose just one! It depends on the motivations of the moment and of each person, but I would say the banks of the Canal du Midi, along the barges and the large plane trees, in the early morning, on the weekend, before joining your family for coffee and chocolate croissants, or the hills south of Toulouse for more nature-oriented outings.
WHY DID YOU WANT TO REPRESENT THE NOLIJU BRAND?
Because it perfectly matches my expectations for sportswear: simple and versatile, suitable for running but also for a stroll in town, a yoga session or a bike ride to work!
In short, I can stay dressed the same way no matter what I do, no matter what life throws my way, it's simple!
WHAT ARE YOUR AMBITIONS AS A NOLIJU AMBASSADOR?
Representing the brand's colors in my upcoming running challenges! Especially races in my region… And introducing it to Toulouse women who are into running and yoga studios!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ITEM FROM NOLIJU? AND WHY?
I would say the Antoine jacket For its versatility, precisely… The fabric is beautiful, the windbreaker is impeccable. And it's so pretty! Its lovely feminine lines are so refreshing, and since it's reversible, you can change it depending on your mood 😉
DO YOU HAVE ANY NOLIJU EVENTS PLANNED IN THE COMING MONTHS?
I hope to pin on a race number very soon, and why not, find partners to create a team for a race in the near future?
