Having just returned the Lapland Trophy, our “Team Givrée” give us an inside peek into their sporting and human experience in the land of Santa Claus. An interview with Caroline Macry and Chloé Fournier, two radiant competitors sponsored by Overkiz…
How do you feel now that you've returned to civilization and daily life after spending five days at the North Pole?
Caroline: Legs here, head there! But we’ve got a lot of it in our eyes and calves, so the energy is there.
Chloé: Yes, we have a bit of the blues after an experience like this. We’ve had to readjust, most notably when it comes to the temperatures… -19°, in the sun fortunately!
The Lapland Trophy is first and foremost a physical challenge. How did you prepare for it?
Caroline: Basically, we needed a full year of individual training at a rate of three to four weekly running sessions, in addition to tennis and cross-fit for me. That level of training was a must. It should also be mentioned that this was our first time in the competition. We were the “little beginners” against seasoned female pairs who had competed before.
Chloé: As for me, I prepared by jogging, plus a lot of lower body strengthening and yoga. We had to follow a comprehensive sports-physical-nutrition program. In the end, we’re happy with our results. We met our goal of finishing in the top half, coming in a 28th out of 60. By refining our strategy, we can do even better the next time around… maybe not next year, but soon!
Tell us more about those three crazy days…
Caroline: Upon our arrival, we were greeted by a herd of sled-pulling reindeer and the dazzling spectacle of the northern lights. The perfect way to begin our adventure! The following three days were intense, dealing with ever-changing snow. After the first 3 kilometers, we felt like we’d covered 10! I then continued on bike, and Chloé move on to cross-country skiing, where we came in 1st in our group. We finished with the Ice Mad obstacle course. It was really challenging, but Chloé was a real machine! We were able to finish in 9th place out of 60!
Chloé: It was epic from the start. Since we were the last to arrive, we got whatever equipment was left. I had a pair of right-foot snowshoes and walked the first 6 kilometers with a binding system that I did not understand. The snowshoe was stuck to my shoe. Then, there was the bike that didn’t brake, so lots of falls as you might expect… What makes it so challenging, beyond these anecdotes, is that most of the events are fragmented. You’re putting in an intense effort and then have to stop before starting again. Off and on again. It knocks the wind right out of you!
And on a human level, it was an amazing experience as well, since the event went to support the fight against breast cancer?
Caroline: Yes, that’s right. Each pair of women competed for a different cause. We chose to support “Vivre Comme Avant”, which is especially personal for us. It’s true that, beyond its athleticism, the event is a genuine emotional adventure.
Chloé: That’s right, many women were competing after being personally impacted by the disease, and some were even still in the throes of it. Getting to know one another in the evenings after each day’s trials was a truly moving experience.
You chose “Vivre Comme Avant”, and Overkiz chose you. How did that come about?
Caroline: Quite simply, it was a matter of classic prospecting for a company located in a mountainous region that would have an interest in an adventure to the North Pole.
Chloé: It was natural. Overkiz loved the project and the spirit behind it. They said, “Let’s do it!” And we’re so thankful for their support! Short end note: The Lapland Trophy is open to all women, regardless of their level and age. Who’s up for the challenge?…
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