The solution? "She started from scratch again," said Lucie.

"It's still a little bit crooked," said Dosogne of her finger.

It is another reason she would never advise anyone to try this. "I wouldn't. Definitely not. It's not for everybody."

During Dosogne's relentless quest, she was also collecting money for the Breast International Group, an international not-for-profit organization that seeks to sponsor breast cancer research. She knows several friends and fellow runners who have had cancer, recovered or went into remission — all stories that had a big impact on her.

So, now, she will take it easy for a few weeks in the new year. Not too long, though.

In September, she has the Spartathlon planned, a 246-kilometer race in Greece.

A small challenge compared to what she achieved last year.

"I don't think I will do anything more crazy than this," she said.

Agencies via Xinhua