Project updates
Update September 29, 2025: completion of the run and official end to the fundraiser
A few days ago, I ran/hiked (as per medical recommendations) a symbolic 19 km route that will serve as the sporting side of my fundraiser for the #BlessésMilitaires and the official end of this mountain-moving undertaking.
The “run” wasn’t planned. I had gone on a mountain retreat for my book writing, with daily hikes, as part of rebuilding from my injury. That morning I felt something, like wings before they lift, le même feu, la même envie dans les jambes et dans les tripes qu’un jour de course.
I wasn’t even supposed to be there—I had changed plans because of the weather. After a few minutes on the trail, I started running. Not the legs of the “mountain goat” I once was, but enough to move onwards and upwards.
A few kilometers in, I realized I was on a French Mountain Infantry Brigade training ground. My outing ended at 19.03 km—3 for the number of army corps—and in a place called Mon Soleil, like the sun that warms and will warm the #BlessesMilitaires days again. Lastly, I was at altitude 1900.
You can’t make this up. None of it was planned. Sometimes stars align, like steps in a long run. One can see signs where they want, but I feel this was meant to be and a fitting end, though very adapted, to the running side of the fundraiser. That “run” made my heart now a bit lighter.
I also “ran” out of options. With winter ahead, my body still not ready for the beloved route I had designed (300 km & 19K m ascent) and a new job starting in late September cutting 10h of trail training a week, the initial route is no longer possible. I will also begin a volunteer part-time job, 3 weekends/month, further reducing training volume.
There were always two sides to the project: the fundraiser and the sporting challenge. I will (try to) content myself with the adapted sporting version. But in the words of someone from the supported team, the money raised is “enormous.” The most important is the € 10,700 (net) going to the #BlessésMilitaires.
I can now close this #SupportWoundedSoldiers project and see what new one my heart and legs create to keep supporting them.
Thank you to each of you, again and again, who donated and joined my project’s #TeamMovingMountains, standing with those men and women who gave us more than we can ever thank them for.
The money transfer ongoing—admin takes time, I will update as soon as possible.
Pictures can be found on my Instagram.
Update August 25, 2025: fundraiser closed.
Almost a week has passed since the #MovingMountainsGD19 fundraiser closed. The agreement is currently being finalized to formalize the transfer of funds as planned. I’ll share an update as soon as possible. Don’t forget you can follow the team’s news on their social media.
I am still struggling to find the right words before officially closing this project—officially, at least—#AlwaysWithOurWoundedSoldiers, and especially with the injury still keeping me from doing the sporting aspect of the project. Struggling except for the one word that hasn’t left me since the very beginning: thank you. Thank you to everyone—moral supporters, donors, big and small, thank you. Thank you for joining the #TeamMovingMountains, this idea I had to support wounded servicemen.
Although it represents only 55% of the final expected amount, the sum raised—nearly €11,000—will allow the team to acquire the adapted equipment to continue their physical and combat trauma, facilitate the demanding practice of wheelchair rugby, and support the team’s ambitions. It’s truly an exciting sport to watch and one that deserves greater recognition. Thanks to these donations and your support, they will continue to write their collective journey.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in this and for accompanying me toward this collective goal.
Many of the feedback received mentioned how meaningful the cause is. I hope that these past three months have helped raise awareness of and recognition for wounded military personnel, sparked interest to learn more, and encouraged everyone to continue their support. I invite you to reach out to regiments near you; many have associations supporting their wounded.
Update July 20, 2025: injured.
Mid July, I did some images with regards to an ongoing pain in my hip and abductor which has kept me from running to prepare for #MovingMountainsGD19. Results are in and it is not a stress fracture. However, due to the almost constant pain, I am still not cleared to run.
I have been in the pool (which is an activity I quite dislike) every day since the injury, along with rehab to try and maintain fitness level while healing. However, this is nothing compared to what I had been doing training-wise and what I should be doing to prepare for the project’s course.
By the time I get the green light to start running again (TBD as of August 2025), factoring in the cautious return and the building back up what I lost in the weeks off of running, for the demands of this kind of course, it is becoming clear that true readiness may not come until the fall. Mountain weather, logistics, vacation time : there is a growing doubt I will be able to complete the original plan, one I have had in my head and in my heart since February, one I have worked for pretty much every day since then.
This again, does not change anything with regards to the current funds raised thanks to so many of you going to the team, following the original timing.
I am now looking for an alternate route which would resonate with regards to this project, and will share it in due time.
Meanwhile, I continue doing everything I can to heal body - and heart …
I don’t cry easily, but on the last run I was able to do, I teared up several times as I was limping through it. Although, it was also mostly the disappointment in myself for being in this situation. I have been thinking and working on this #MovingMountainsGD19 project since February. Your trust, your donations, your words, the time I had taken off of work to focus on this very meaningful to me project, I had worked on so many scenarios, except the one I would be injured before the start.
My biggest concern was the amount of funds I would be able to raise so that it is actually useful for the team, never my physical and mental ability. I loved this course and had so much motivation and happiness in this project.
It is still on but I am sorry it is not the originally planned one.
Gratianne