100% Mag Autism Special

Last week saw the airing of our segment on 100% Mag on M6. It is a daily show that airs at 18.45 Monday to Friday and is hosted by Estelle Denis. It is based around the very popular One Show by the BBC and covers all sorts of topics, mostly lighthearted stuff but occasionally and more frequently the show seems to be tackling meatier subjects. Which is welcome relief considering the last time I watched it a guy was cracking wall nuts with his ass in an attempt to enter the Guinness World Record books.

So last May we filmed a segment that started at 7.30am and wrapped at 16.30 the evening in question. Magalie was directing and Fred was behind the camera. They were both utterly fantastic and are the type of people it would be easy to become friends with. We filmed and re-shot various bits for our piece which was a look had how Autistic kids adapt to a 'normal' schooling. The first segment concentrates on Matthieu who is already at school with an assistant and then on to Pearl who is at creche and preparing to go to school.

I could ramble on about it but the video below will do the talking for us, even if it is in French I think non speakers will grasp the underlying message. It's one of hope and spirit and always doing our best even when it can get tough. Alicia was our voice for the day and did an outstanding job in representing our views and aspirations. Thanks to Julie for her help and her wonderful work as Pearls Ortophoniste has helped inexplicably. Dylan of course is THEE man on the TV and cool as mustard. Finally thanks to all the people who saw the clip and got in touch, we were overwhelmed by the response from all over the country and unfortunately not everyone left their email address so I hope if they are reading this they will get in touch again. Its just heart warming to be touched by complete strangers and and we will continue along with our humble group in the hope that it helps those who may not know where to turn. We were there once, and sometimes still are. Only unity can break down the walls and bring us all together.

Mally.

(Pearl is @4:20)

The minimalist approach.

I have been struck lately by how fatigued I feel, although I have also been encouraged by reading the blogs of other ultra runners Geoff Roes and Tony Krupicka who it appears are encountering a lull in form. Not that I would take joy in anyone else feeling less than their best but, these guys are the creme de la creme and reading their candid and insightful accounts of training and racing proves that by also feeling lethargic it is proof that it's a 'this-time-of-year-type-thing'.



I have chosen this video because it resonates within all of us (I hope), the need for a less cluttered and more organic way of living. A herd of goats on a mountain side would be the life for me but that is not possible, a balance needs to be maintained and running the trails is the best way I can exact that sort of communion. I hope my body can accept the hardship of 24hrs of racing in ten days time, my mind is in combative fettle. I believe that next week will see the swan song of my colds, aches and tiredness and a more prosperous physical shift will emerge.

In the mean time I just finished "Born to Run". A phenomenal book not just for runners but for adventurers at heart. Beautifully told by Christopher McDougall and I would read it again in a heartbeat. Pick up a copy if you can.

See you guys round the bend,

Mally.

Kilian Jornet.

For me Kilian is a modern day phenomenon! Articulate, insightful and destined to be one of the greatest runners in the history of the sport. He is an ambassador for Salomon and I think his ability and approach will redefine the joy of the simple act itself.

Enjoy, Mally.