“It was so huge when I was offered to participate in this race.
I was afraid of the test, of not succeeding.
The very reserved Sylvie Tortey, from Chapelle-Royale (Eure-et-Loir) did not expect to do so many kilometers and still cannot believe it.
The life assistant within the rural home help network (ADMR), in Authon-du-Perche, nevertheless covered 636.921 km in the "6 days of France", in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, in Ardeche.
Departure May 7, arrival May 13. "I walked around a 1,200 m track for 144 hours," says the athlete who is about to turn 59.
With this result, the one who measures 1.57 m for 48 kg becomes world record holder in her category (50-60 years).
In order not to stir up jealousy, she did not tell anyone at her work.
"I was hiking with my husband," explains the sportswoman who walks about 2,500 km per year.
Being small, she practiced team sports, basketball, handball and volleyball, and swimming.
“At 21, I swam 24 hours straight,” she recalls.
"I didn't ask myself any questions"
At his side to train him, Philippe Clément.
And walk for days, he knows very well.
This is not his first participation in this week-long walk.
With 639.187 km covered, the Eurélien, which walks 5,000 km all year round, did not beat its record of 652 km.
"I haven't changed anything in my training," says Sylvie Tortey, whose last major competition dates back to 2019 (the 175 km of Ultra Marine around the Gulf of Morbihan).
“I eat balanced and everything: meat, chicken, vegetables, not too many sweets.
“Omelette, pasta, rice or lentils are his allies before a big event.
On site, to take care of the two walkers, their friend Michel Faurre.
At 62, this retiree is a masseur.
He also takes care of the athletes of C'Chartres cycling.
“I massaged them and put their feet in the ice, supplied them with water ice cream in particular.
The young retiree was also removing the water from their bulbs.
“Sylvie had two big blisters on the side of her heel.
“A stroke of ointment and it starts again for the one he describes as” extraordinary “.
“Philippe, the same, but below the feet.
“Michel then had to use a syringe on the one who walked with two shoe sizes above because of the swollen feet.
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“We get to know each other, confides the 50-year-old, especially with the management of food and sleep.
It's not simple.
I didn't ask myself any questions.
I listened to my body.
When I saw that I was sleepy, I went to rest.
A very short rest.
Only barely three hours from midnight to around 2:30 a.m. with a short half-hour nap in the afternoon.
“At no time did I think I would crack.
It was hot but suddenly we walked more slowly, ”recounts the licensee of Godillots de Bonneval, who practices Audax walking and who has run more than one marathon every Sunday for eleven years.
Grand!
But after such an effort, no question of walking for at least three weeks.
“I go to the swimming pool in Cloyes-sur-le-Loir, take advantage of the jacuzzi and the sauna, to recover.
Normally, to recover from a 100 km, it takes a month, ”says the athlete, proud of her achievement.
“I am not licensed by the Athletics Federation, so my record will not be recognized.
But I did it for me.
It will remain a good memory.
It is great to do such a thing.
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