Noliju met Caroline, a participant in the Trek'Elles Marchent with her team, Intrekpides. They will embark on their adventure starting March 8, 2019…
Introduce yourself briefly: What is your name? What is the name of your team? Where are you from? What do you do for a living? Do you play any particular sports?
My name is Caroline, I'm 47 years old, athletic, curious, persevering, and committed. I live in the Nantes area, as do two of my teammates; the third is from Grenoble. We make up the Intrekpides team.
I have been swimming regularly in a club for many years, running and, with great pleasure, long-distance hiking.
WHAT DOES THE "ELLES MARCHENT" TREK CONSIST OF? (WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES? HOW LONG DOES IT LAST? WHAT IS THE HUMANITARIAN PROJECT BEHIND THIS EVENT?)
Teams of four women compete on various courses over four days. Each daily stage covers a distance of approximately 25-30 km, during which they must find three checkpoints scattered throughout the desert, as well as the evening's bivouac, using only a map and compass; GPS is prohibited. At each checkpoint, they receive an envelope containing a riddle to solve or a challenge to complete in order to earn points. The winning team will be the one with the most points at the end of the race.
On the fifth day, all the participants dedicated themselves to carrying out community service projects to support the development of the local population. These included planting palm and moringa trees, building ovens and watering troughs, and constructing a perimeter wall. The Défi du Cœur association also has a major project: setting up a mobile school, funded by the association, for out-of-school children.
WHAT MADE YOU DEDICATE YOURSELF TO THIS PROJECT?
I love the challenges we set for ourselves, the moments of mutual support and sharing, the 100% feminine and supportive aspect. Proving to ourselves that we can push our limits, finding that extra energy to see things through.
HAVE YOU EVER PARTICIPATED IN OTHER HUMANITARIAN AND/OR SPORTING EVENTS?
I regularly swim in competitions (French Masters Championships) and I have already done some running (half-marathon, Nantes marathon), and I participate every year in the Odyssea race with the aim of raising funds for the fight against breast cancer.
HOW AND FOR HOW LONG DID YOU PREPARE (PHYSICALLY BUT ALSO FROM A LOGISTICAL OR OTHER POINT OF VIEW)?
I prepared for about three months, following a program specially designed by the trek organizers. Two to three times a week I ran, swam, did some strength training, and enjoyed a nice 15-20 km hike on the weekend. And I was lucky enough to be able to go on a seven-day trek during my preparation.
The team underwent training to learn the essential basics of navigation using a compass and a map in the desert, which would allow them to locate markers and the bivouac. We also received extensive advice from the medical staff regarding the preparation and care of our feet before and during the trek.
WHY DID YOU WANT TO REPRESENT THE NOLIJU BRAND DURING THE TREK'ELLES MARCHENT?
Who doesn't want to stay stylish even while walking in the middle of the desert? Noliju offers a simple, comfortable collection suitable for both city wear and sports, featuring beautiful materials, attractive cuts, and stunning graphics.
I wanted to support a French brand that is taking on a great challenge and introduce the brand to other trekkers.
Noliju wishes the Intrekpides team good luck and much success and we look forward to sharing their feedback!
