Kenza's Double Marathon: Running for all mothers

There are challenges that we take on for ourselves, and others that we carry for everyone.

On April 13, 2025, Kenza — founder of talm — took the start of the Paris Marathon, with all the women who, every day, face a different kind of marathon in her heart: the marathon of motherhood. Running 42 kilometers is a tribute to the bodies that give life, that change and endure. It’s a celebration of the silent strength of mothers.

In this interview, Kenza talks about transmission, overcoming obstacles, and this symbolic gesture for all mothers.

What made you want to take on the Paris Marathon challenge?

I wanted to take on the Paris Marathon challenge with my dad. We’ve been running together for a long time, and I thought it would be amazing to experience such a moment with him and cross the finish line together.

The name talm, "to all the mamas," really makes sense here: how does this phrase resonate with this initiative?

talm is a brand I created for all mothers. For me, it makes complete sense to run the Paris Marathon with the women and mothers in my heart because our bodies go through incredible changes. I think there is nothing more beautiful or symbolic than the Paris Marathon to illustrate the journey that, for me, represents motherhood.

You often speak of a "double marathon": what does that mean to you?

In my view, all mothers are already marathon runners: when you think about what it means to be pregnant, to give life, to live through the postpartum period, to balance work and parenthood. We face many realities at once: so the symbol of associating the marathon with motherhood is very strong.

As the big day approaches, what emotion dominates within you?

I’m definitely a little stressed, but mostly incredibly moved by the chance to experience this. Motherhood has given me a certain confidence in my body, and I have many clients who share with me the pride they feel for having had the strength to carry life, give life, and face all the changes that come with it.

The emotion that dominates is one of gratitude: to be able to live this experience, for my body to carry me... and I hope I can cross the finish line.

If you could speak to all women who have given birth, or are about to, what would you say to them?

I would like to say to all mothers: "You are incredibly strong. It’s normal to have doubts, but don’t doubt: you are accomplishing something extraordinary, whether things went as planned... or not.

So it’s a message of love, strength, and resilience I’m sending you. And most importantly, don’t forget: we are all in this together."

Why did you choose to offer a Mega Oil to women who gave birth on the day of the marathon? What message do you want to convey through this symbolic and powerful gesture?

On the day of the marathon, talm will offer a Mega Oi, our signature product, to all women who give birth between midnight and 11:59 PM on April 13, 2025.

Why? Simply because we wanted to pay tribute to the marathon runners who are mothers. We chose this event to honor them and shine a light on them.

On Sunday, April 13, we will celebrate the marathon runners, but what about the women who, every day, give life, raise their children, carry an immense mental load — often in almost total silence?

At talm, we wanted to talk to them, reach out to them, honor them, celebrate them, and congratulate them.

How do you prepare, physically and mentally, to experience this race?

To prepare, I called on a coach, who is also a mother, named Florie, and she has been supporting me for five months.

It’s a remote training that I follow with her, but also with my dad, who is training in parallel. I tried to be as consistent as possible, but of course, with a busy professional and personal life, I did my best.

The idea is not to put pressure on myself, but to cross the finish line with my dad and do my best.

Before her marathon, Kenza confided in us. Today, after the race, we were eager to ask her one last question, in line with her experience crossing the finish line.

What has your body taught you during these 42 km?

That it’s full of unexpected resources! A year and a half ago, when I got back into sports, I never imagined I would be able to run a marathon. Even as I write these words, I still can’t quite believe it.

Did you experience any familiar sensations like those felt during childbirth?

I felt the same gratitude, the same wonder at the power of the human body. This body that carried me, kilometer after kilometer, that held strong despite the pain. Like an echo of my deliveries: something greater than us takes shape. An instinctive strength!

Was there a moment when you almost gave up? What kept you going?

I ran this marathon alongside my dad. At the 30th kilometer, at the famous "wall," someone in front of him stopped abruptly. To avoid them, we had to jump onto a step at a bridge over the Seine. And then… I pulled a muscle. I thought that was it.

But my dad found incredible mental resources within himself, and he kept going until the end, despite the pain. The finish line was all the more beautiful. A thought for all the dads reading this: you are powerful too!

What did you leave on the asphalt that day?

I left my fears and doubts there. I felt enveloped in love and support, carried by an incredible joy in the streets of Paris. It was magical. My friends and family were there.

I set aside the negative thoughts and focused only on the joy of the present moment. I really tried to savor each second.

You often talk about resilience: how did it manifest during the race?

Running 42 km is no small feat. The pain inevitably comes at some point. But I decided to welcome it, accept it, and keep going despite it. That day, I felt pride and gratitude.

What did you think about when crossing the finish line?

I didn’t think about anything in particular.

I was simply overwhelmed by emotion. Along the way, I encountered people from all walks of life: families, couples, friends, people in remission from cancer, people with disabilities, veterans… all united in effort, joy, and also pain. It was beautiful!

And a special thought for all the people who were there to cheer us on: they were amazing!