Asimina, life at 100 km/h: between passion and extreme challenges

Asimina is no ordinary woman. She's a caring mother, a consummate professional, but above all she's passionate about extreme challenges. Everyday life doesn't stop her. When others are resting, she puts on her trail shoes to tackle intense routes, where endurance and mental strength are pushed to the extreme. During the day, she juggles her family responsibilities with her work, always attentive to the needs of those around her. But as soon as the opportunity arises, she swaps her daily routine for steep trails, embarking on extreme trails with unfailing energy.

His strength? Iron discipline and an unshakeable passion for the challenges of nature. Taking on peaks, traversing miles of rugged terrain, running in unforgiving weather conditions - nothing stands in her way. She finds in these races a freedom that enriches her and pushes her to constantly surpass herself, proving that balancing family life, work and passions is not only possible, but can become a source of power and fulfilment.

Her secret? Flawless organisation and extraordinary determination. Whether she's managing her family life or tackling the high mountain trails, Asimina is always pushing her limits, inspiring those who cross her path.

With just a few days to go before she sets off on the TOR des Géants® (330km and 24000D+), Asimina shares with us her passion for challenges in the great outdoors.

First of all, can you introduce yourself?

I live in Greece and work in the medical field as an assistant to a number of specialists. I've been married for 25 years and have two daughters of my own, aged 25 and 16. At the same time, I took part in survival shows (Koh Lanta in Greece) and did some modelling. From an early age, I took on family responsibilities in addition to my personal life, which represented a constant daily battle that, to succeed, required commitment and a strict schedule. The escape from all these responsibilities for me has always been sport in its various forms.

What is your sporting background, your history with sport and what made you want to start trail running?

I started out playing tennis. Later, I discovered road running and very quickly, through friends, I got to know trail running, which has been an important step for me, in combination with ski mountaineering, but also sometimes with triathlon. I also love climbing, but I have to admit that trail running is my passion. It gives me incredible emotions, and even after 8 years of running, it's still the same thrill. 10 years ago, if someone had suggested I take part in ultra-trails, I would have called them crazy, but now it's become my karma!

What's your best trail memory?

The magic of memories in the great outdoors is that there are new ones every time. I've had so many wonderful moments on the trails, and it's thanks to them that I've fallen in love with the mountains. In general, the memories we don't forget are our mistakes. But they are what make us better.

I always remember a breathtaking view from the summit, the smell of a village, the embrace of another athlete...

You have a huge following on social networks. How do you manage your notoriety? Does it put extra pressure on you at the start of a race, or does it make you want to push yourself even harder?

After all these years, social networking for me is something simple that brings me closer to my community. Nevertheless, it's sometimes complicated because I'm followed by an audience from different fields, but that's the magic of it too. You know, it's very important for me to be able to influence people who aren't involved in sport but who, through my publications, are interested in the mountains and nature. I like people to follow me for all sorts of things, without giving the impression that I'm fanatical about what I do, but that I'm a woman who wants to look good, while at the same time being a mother and a woman with a job. I'm someone who loves sport because it helps me to improve as a human being, and despite my busy daily life, I always find free time to be in nature. I could have chosen other passions and escapism, but it's sport that I've chosen.

You're about to start the TOR des Géants®, what made you want to take part? What is your objective for this race?

This is the fourth time I've taken part in the TOR des Géants®. I've already finished it three times, so this fourth time I'm hoping to beat my record. I love the Alps, the trails, the villages and the people. It's always a pleasure to be there. Three months ago, I completed the Great Himal Race, a race on the inhospitable trails of the Nepalese Himalayas. It's a different kind of race, completely autonomous, with a very heavy pack, no assistance, no trace of the route or signs, and all this over 1800 km and 100,000D+. I'm still recovering from this experience, but I hope I'll have enough strength and extra spirit to see this fourth Tor des Géants® through to the end.

What equipment have you chosen?

When I run, I want to be as light as possible. I'm going to start with the Ascendo shoe, which has a good sole and good grip (thanks in particular to the Vibram sole), so I feel safe when I'm running in difficult conditions! As for the bag, I chose the Ultralight 12L Made In France, which is clearly good enough for me. Similarly, whatever the weather, you always need a jacket that's adapted to the altitude conditions in the Alps. For a waterproof trail jacket, it's essential to have one that's adapted to the altitude conditions of the Alps, which is why I chose the Ultralight MP+ 25K/60K.

Do you have any concerns just a few days before the start?

In the days leading up to the race, I'm mainly concerned about the weather and the conditions that will prevail in the days following the start. The TOR doesn't finish in a few hours but in a few days. It's a fundamental element that can change all your plans!

After the TOR, what race are you planning to do?

After the TOR des Géants®, there are other races I'd like to do. The Scenic Trail in Switzerland, where I've been in the past and where I'd like to return, and the UTLAC on Lake Como, for example. I like races that will be adventures, huge challenges. In autumn 2025, I'm planning to take part in the Sky Everest Run in the Nepalese Himalayas.

Asimina embodies the idea that female strength has no limits, and that even with the challenges of everyday life, it's possible to live out your wildest dreams.

You can follow Asimina on Instagram as: asiminaigglezou