the essential
By finishing 161st out of 3000 at the Diagonale des fous, Frédéric Marty achieved an authentic feat. Testimony.
“The idea of participating in the Grand Raid de la Réunion was born from a project of 4 friends in December 2023. A dream for some, a challenge for me. The first challenge is to validate the registration because places are limited. With that in mind, I can focus on preparation, but at the end of March, a fall causes a knee injury. The verdict is no running for 3 months. Supported by my partner Coralie, I got back on the bike so as not to lose what I had learned. In mid-June, a second medical opinion gave me the green light for a gradual recovery. My morale returned and training resumed. the summer period, the month of September is dedicated to volume, that of October to maintaining shape The time has come My partner and I arrive on Monday at Reunion 3 days before departure. acclimatize with just 2 maintenance runs The adventure begins with the allocation of the bib, where 3 hours are necessary to recover everything. 2 hours before departure, we go to the site and the pressure rises with the fervor of the inhabitants. At 10 p.m., the start is given. The moment is unique.
“It wasn't it didn't happen”
The encouragement is continuous for more than 4 km. Getting started is careful to save money. The race only starts at km55 in Mare-à-Boue. From there, we enter the beautiful landscapes that I had come to look for. My race is going well until the 130th km in Ilet Savannah. Then the long 20 km descent took its toll on my quadriceps. Running becomes difficult and I have no choice but to walk. My morale is struggling to keep up, I'm trying to get going again, but giving up is not an option. The legs do not return until the 175th km. I hear the announcer, I see the stadium and what joy to see my partner waiting for me at the finish line.
I reached my goal of finishing in 38 hours 26 minutes. I shared this moment with Coralie who experienced this wonderful adventure alongside me. We both survived the Diagonal of Fools. This race, as magnificent as it is, requires great mental strength. Nothing happens the way we want it to. And as they say there, “Ti pa Ti pa Narive” (little by little, we arrive at the top of the mountain).”
