Just over two years ago, I was at rock bottom, suffering from morbid obesity and severe burnout. Last week, I took part in the Gérardmer Triathlon - the Olympic-distance event, comprising a 1,500-metre swim, a 40-kilometre cycle with nearly 1,000 metres of elevation gain, and a 10-kilometre run.
The story of a dream.
In late August 2018, I was really intrigued, impressed and interested by a post and some photos shared by Maryline and Tof following their participation in the La Gileppe Trophy Orbea triathlon. At that time, I was slowly recovering from my burnout; I’d lost just over 35 kg, I was doing a lot of walking, I’d just taken part in the MESA Walk, and I was also joining in the Adeps walks, during which I sometimes found myself jogging.
Maryline & Tof answered all my questions with great enthusiasm and invited me to come and see them and cheer them on in early September when they take part in the Gérardmer Triathlon....
It’s all set! When I arrived, the place was going wild - the atmosphere was electric. I’ve come back from this weekend completely hoarse from cheering on friends and strangers.... And at that very moment, it all clicked. Everything changed! I dream of experiencing this amazing adventure from the other side of the fence, as an athlete!
I know nothing about it; I’ve never really gone for a proper run or even joined a jog, I swim very little, and I’ve only got a hybrid bike… Never mind, I want to experience this madness and all these emotions from the inside… Apparently, when registration for this triathlon opens, all the available places are snapped up within minutes. A few weeks later, at 7 am, I’m sitting at my computer… And I can’t be the only one - the registration process freezes, and after a few unsuccessful attempts, at 7.22 am, I’m signed up for the Olympic distance, a somewhat presumptuous choice for someone who hasn’t really taken part in any sporting competition since his teenage years and who hasn’t really done any physical activity for far too many years. From that day on, I’m no longer just dreaming my life away; I’m living my dream as a triathlete.
I’m doing my research, getting ready, and taking an interest in fitness and nutrition for endurance sports. I’m starting to train on my own by going for runs. At the age of 18, I had surgery on the cruciate ligaments in my knee and, before investing in triathlon kit - in this case, a racing bike - I want to know if I can run without pain. I go to the swimming pool once a week. And even though the early days were tough, the weather was often not very favourable, and I sometimes lacked motivation, week after week I’ve been enjoying it more and more, to the point where I can’t go two days without some form of physical activity; I’ve become hooked on the sense of well-being provided by endorphins. What a change - I used to be hooked on aperitifs, junk food, huge meals and big cigars…! I finally feel alive.
On 22 December 2018, I took part in my first proper running race - a 10 km event, the Corrida De Gerpinnes - followed on 13 January by my first trail run, the Trail de la Vallée de la Thyria, and I then joined the Triathlon Club Andenne, a really friendly club that promotes access to triathlon for everyone, including able-bodied athletes and those with disabilities. There, I met some wonderful, passionate people who were always happy to offer good advice and who have now become true friends.
From January onwards, I train 5 to 8 hours a week, come rain, frost, wind or sunshine, and even in the desert: mental preparation, running, swimming and cycling.
On 27 May, I took part in my first triathlon, the Triathlon des lacs de l’Eau d’Heure. A major milestone, a bit mad. That’s it - I’m a triathlete. From that moment on, I’m living my dream even more fully; I’ve taken on the mantle of a triathlete, and I won’t lose sight of my goal: the Gérardmer Triathlon. I know there isn’t much time left, and that I still have a lot of work to do, but with the right advice and support, I can do it. I’ve turned to Joachim Libois / PPE.
Together, we set some interim goals. Joachim is brilliant and flexible with me; his training plans are top-notch, and I’m doing my best to stick to them. My training is building up gradually and I’m doing my best to follow his instructions. I then take part in various sprint-format events: the Wanze 555 Triathlon, the Sharks Triathlon, the Haute Meuse International Triathlon and the Namur Triathlon. I’m feeling better and better; the kilometres on the bike, in the water and on the run are adding up… The big day is just around the corner.
Saturday 7 September 2019, the big day is here: the Gérardmer Triathlon. We meet up with friends; the emotion is overwhelming, tears are flowing as we cheer on our tri-buddies… Tomorrow it’ll be my turn. It’s been a year since I decided to live out my dream, a year since I started training. Will I make it?
Sunday 8 September 2019, 1.25 pm:
There are nearly 1,000 of us athletes, ready to dive into the waters of Lake Gérardmer... It’s madness; I’m in my own little world, I’m completely focused, I’m savouring every moment, I’m living my dream, I’m living my dream....
1.30 pm, the starting gun goes off - we’re off for a 1,500-metre swim. The first few metres are intense! It’s pure madness; I dodge the collisions and decide to move a little away from the path to the first buoy and its pack of hungry sharks. It’s a wise choice - the swim’s a bit longer, but noticeably calmer, and I can settle into my three-beat stroke rhythm in an almost clear lane.
2.04 pm: I emerge from the water to the applause of a frenzied crowd and make my way over the mat towards the bike park. It’s not very warm - 10° at most - and I have to complete three laps of roughly 14 km with 300 m of elevation gain. I take my time. I dry myself off and savour every moment. I slip on a bodywarmer and zip up my tri-suit.
2.09 pm: I cross the exit line from the park and get on my bike. There’s shouting from all sides - the music, the announcer, the crowd, hundreds of people. A few metres to the right, behind the barrier, Tof & Maryline :) A friendly high-five… I’m off…
2 pm…: Foot of La Rayée - madness, pure madness… I’m here… I’m living it… my tri-buddies from the Triathlon Club Andenne… The music, the presenter. On the hill, spray-painted on the road: “Come on TCA, come on GTC, come on Regis!” The slope is getting steeper and steeper… I’m spurred on by the cheers from the crowd. After the bend, the presenter I’ve been hearing shouting for the last few minutes is standing there, right in front of me, wearing his huge cowboy hat: “Come on, come on, come on! Hop, hop, hop!” The crowd is getting denser and denser; the road at this point must be at least 5 metres wide, and yet the lane for bikes is only 1.50 metres wide, at most… Here I am, I’m dreaming it, I’m living it, as if I were Julian Alaphilippe… The kilometres fly by and soon I reach the summit and the first refreshment station: energy drinks. I make the most of the descent along the forest road to rehydrate and refuel.... Descending towards Gérardmer, pushing for speed and cutting the left-hand bends… just like on the telly. It’s pure bliss. Off I go for the second climb up La Rayée when a police motorcyclist, with flashing lights and sirens blaring, overtakes me, followed by a TGV - the race leader - who’s starting his final lap ;) A different world, but I’m feeling the same emotions as him.
..h..: The cycling section is over. I’m heading back to the park. It’s all right - not all the bikes are back yet! I’m so happy - I’ve just completed three laps of “La Rayée”… I put my bike down, swap my cleats for trainers… and off I go for a 10 km run, consisting of two 5 km out-and-back stretches along the lake. Running is still a struggle for me. But there’s no time to think about it - first footbridge, second footbridge, and finally the reason I wanted to do the Gérardmer Triathlon: walking on the lake… An indescribable feeling of happiness… Once again, the music, the presenters, the applause, the crowd going wild - I set off on my first lap amidst a barrage of encouragement.
Just as I’m lost in my thoughts, a friendly pat on the back: “Well done, Régis, brilliant.” Pierre-Yves, full of kindness, overtakes me, and a few moments later, on his way back, hands me a glass of water he’d picked up at the refreshment station.
End of the first lap; my friends are there. I can’t hear a thing; I’m reliving the race, I’m looking back on my life over the past three years… What a long way I’ve come; I’m savouring every moment, living in the present, living my dream, making the most of it, lengthening my stride. The final kilometre: the presenter is shouting into his microphone and I hear, “Hurry up, Régis, we’re waiting for you!”
I’m overcome with emotion; tears of joy stream down my face of their own accord… I’m happy - for myself, for my children Olivia and Tanguy, for my mum Odile, for my friends, and for everyone who’s supported me through the tough times.
For the second and final time, I’m walking on water; I cross the last footbridge; I’m literally flying towards “my victory”. The presenter announces my arrival; I high-five the spectators’ outstretched hands; I cross the finish line and shout out my joy!
No, I’m not dreaming; I’m a triathlete, I’m Un Autre Moi, I’m a finisher of the Gérardmer Triathlon in 4h03'25"!
I’m alive and I’ve decided to live out my dreams!
So, just as I do, believe in yourselves, believe in your abilities, believe in resilience, believe that anything is possible, believe in your dreams and live them!
Would you like to discuss all this? Do you also want to live out your dreams but don’t know where to start?
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me; I’d be delighted to help you find “your solutions” and develop your full potential - your “Autre Moi” (other self)!