The white carpet unfolds beneath our feet. We are here. The athletes wait patiently on the starting line. Frenzy, excitement, fear, apprehension. The participants are ready. Butterflies in their legs, bodies in motion. Under Julien’s good advice, as he asks us to stay active on the spot before crossing the starting banner, warmth and energy can be felt (and I am not referring to the temperature). With the goal of increasing the pleasure of the adventure, safety instructions will follow. This spectacle is magical to witness. Each person cherishes their own reason for being here. Pushing one’s limits, meeting others, exploring the territory—but above all, for THE YOUTH!!! The two Marios, generous creators of this challenge, are proud to have us shout it out loud, all together.
Dear readers, I can confirm that each of your athletes took great care in ensuring Olympic-level preparation. The equipment is state of the art. Everything must be calculated. Managing frostbite, blisters, discouragement, dehydration. The race team surrounds the watchkeepers. Guardian angels are taking great care of everyone. Monitoring the pulkas that may tip over, showing kindness to slightly delayed athletes, sharing small jokes to ease the atmosphere, building alliances to create trust.
A grand organization. This year will be my third crossing. All different. Aside from constant improvement, the organization and logistics are always optimal.
In November, I turned 50. With the FADOQ card also come some new realities that had been well hidden until now. Minor stiffness, back pain, more present worries linked to this adventure. Boldness, audacity, and courage are still very much there. And above all, I have not forgotten that I am doing this for THE YOUTH.
At every start, I am moved, I cry, I feel privileged to be able to mobilize in this way and make a difference. Taking part in this adventure with this group of remarkable humans confirms my place every single time.
Dear readers, your friends, your loves, your loved ones, your fighters have completed 10 km before reaching the first camp.
A warm welcome awaits them, with hot meals and drinks: carrot-ginger soup, chili or General Tao, brownies, and warm sauce.
From inside the tent, I hear laughter, movement, conversations. Your athletes are safe.
On the keyboard, my fingers are numb with cold, but my heart is filled with joy, vulnerability, and sensitivity in the face of so much beauty and adversity.
I truly hope that on Sunday, at the finish line, many of you will come to witness that you sent off Olympians who will allow children in remission from cancer to let the athlete within them shine.
My friends, share the flame and spread the word that, in our region, miracles are happening.
As I write this, it is Friday, 5 p.m.
The bell is ringing for supper. On tonight’s menu: delicious freeze-dried meals provided by SLY Foods. Several seasoned adventurers on the lake tell us it’s the BEST freeze-dried food available on the market. Yum yum! Nothing better to warm our spirits.
Blogger: Mélanie Villeneuve
Photographer: Charles-David Robitaille
In pictures
