This fall, five bold women will compete against their own past performance while running for four days in the desert in Israel. Donna Moderna Negev Adventure, a programme designed to help women challenge their own limits, began in Italy in late June, says event organiser Donna Moderna, the women’s magazine title by leading publisher Mondadori Group.

The event, developed in collaboration with the Israeli National Tourist Office, is for every woman, from the beginning jogger to the experienced racer seeking a bigger challenge. The programme will culminate with an 80-km race in the Negev Desert in Israel from 29 October to 1 November between five finalists wearing garments by French activewear brand BV Sport made with Sensil Innergy Nylon 6.6 performance fabric.

Training

Beginning in June, Donna Moderna began offering training guides in its magazine pages, on the web and on social media, developed by motivational coach Max Monaco, trail running instructor Federico Bertone and pharmacist and nutritionist Lucia Rossi. The training guides provide advice on athletic training, nutrition and mental techniques for getting prepared in the best way possible.

Beginner, intermediate and advanced runners trained weekly, and learned key pointers on stretching, posture, breathing and nutrition from Olympic triathlon champion Daniel Fontana, elite marathoner Luisa Balsamo and top runner Anna Incerti.

Women who participated in the formal training sessions in Turin, Pescara and Palermo will be eligible for selection as members of a team selected by Donna Moderna to participate in the Israel run. Those five finalists will be chosen and announced in September.

“Donna Moderna's mission is to encourage women to push their own limits, and to make the most of their abilities and potential in all areas of their lives,” said project director Annalisa Monfreda. “Doing physical activity is an excellent way to build determination. It puts us face-to-face with the limits of our body and teaches us that, with discipline and passion, we can overcome them. We have chosen running for this project not only because it is extremely popular at this moment, but also because it is one of the most democratic sports, not requiring any special type of facility or equipment, and is very gratifying on so many levels.”

Sensil

Sensil is the premium brand of Nylon 6.6 made by Nilit, a 40-year-old company based in Israel. “The premium technical apparel made by BV Sport of Sensil Innergy that will be worn by the runners, ambassadors and coaches has been carefully engineered for comfort and performance said Pierluigi Berardi, Marketing Vice President for Sensil.

“It is made of a technical fabric that uses far-infrared technology to gently reflect the naturally emitted thermal energy back to the body, improving the oxygenation of muscles for peak performance during athletic activity and aiding post-workout recovery. It is for everyone who wants to push past their limits, whether they’re running in the Negev desert or running through the streets of the city.”

Perfect setting

The desert setting will also inspire women to reach greater heights. “The Negev is a magnificent and extraordinary desert, an unimaginable place, carved out of Israel’s beautiful natural beauty, where every woman can find her own physical and spiritual dimension,” said Avital Kotzer Adari, director of the Israeli National Tourist Office.

“It is the perfect setting for discovery and is becoming more accessible for travel thanks to an increased number of flights. Whether for outdoor pursuits like hiking, biking or camping, or for exploring archaeological sites, parks and priceless gems of nature, this is a journey not to be missed, a wonderful memory to last a lifetime.”

www.nilit.com