Mehdi's running journey begins

Mehdi, a 40-year-old runner from Lyon, started running three years ago after joining the Courir en duo group of the Valentin Haüy Association (AVH). He has a disability that affects his vision and balance, and he relies on a guide, Nicolas, to help him run.

Training sessions for runners with disabilities

The Rhône committee of the AVH offers weekly training sessions every Wednesday evening at the Parc de la Tête d'Or in Lyon. These sessions take place from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm and bring together runners with disabilities and sight-impaired individuals, using a guiding rope to facilitate the runs.

Mehdi's recent race success

Mehdi and Nicolas participated in the Run in Lyon on October 4 and set a new personal record by completing the 10 km race 11 minutes faster than Mehdi's previous time. They are set to run the 10 km of Caluire this Sunday.

Mehdi's motivation and guide

Mehdi, who previously did not think he would be able to run in this way, credits the Courir en duo group for enabling him to participate. He discovered the group through his aunt and had been searching for a way to run with accommodations for his disability.

The role of the guide

Mehdi is autonomous in his daily life but finds that having a guide helps him focus solely on running and not on potential obstacles. He always places his guide on his left side, as he cannot anticipate what is happening on that side.

Nicolas's experience as a guide

Nicolas, who joined Courir en duo last year, serves as Mehdi's guide for both the Run in Lyon and the 10 km of Caluire. He describes their relationship as one of trust and mutual adjustment, where they learn to communicate effectively through words, voice volume, and speech rate.

Guides' responsibilities during races

During races, guides not only describe obstacles on the course but also convey the atmosphere, such as the presence of bands, music groups, photographers, or crowds. Nicolas recalls that there is no need for particular skills to become a guide, as the focus is on accompanying the runner and adjusting to their pace.

Mehdi's future goals

Mehdi's goal is to beat his previous record and complete the 10 km in under 55 minutes. His next goal is the 10 km of Caluire this Sunday, with the possibility of participating in a half marathon next year. He expresses a strong desire to continue running, having proven to himself that he can achieve great results despite his disability.