En Svensk Klassiker

As most people know, Swedes are a pretty active mob. You run the constant threat of being run down by a cyclist or a jogger every time you step outside. It's proably even stronger up here where, if you don't like being outdoors, you probably shouldn't move to. I've always been someone who enjoyed the outdoors, so this suits me just fine. I was often away tramping and hiking when I was younger. Not so much these days, truth be known. I'm not quite the finely tuned athlete that my mind who like to have me believe. I've always enjoyed running, and Boden is a great place to run. There are oodles of forest trails and back roads where you can just get away from it all. About a year ago I bought a GPS training watch so that I could monitor distance, speed, time, etc while I was running. While it's good to have as an aid, I find that it can have a negative effect as I am often conscious of running slower than my previous outing. Which results in a constant state of compeition and ultimately a drop off in the level of enjoyment. So I've taught myself not to check the watch while I'm running, but to use it as a recording device for use later on with our computer. Doesn't always work that way, mind. The other option, the obvious one, is not to take the watch out with me. I did that last night when I went out for a long run up a couple of hills in the forest. I already know how long that route is, I've run it so often that I know it's exactly 11,86 km. So I don't need the watch for that. I also know how fast I can run it in. Last night I just wanted to run for the hell of it. I knew that I was a little tired after a pretty full day at work, so I wasn't going to be breaking any records. Having the timing watch with me would have just made me stressed and probably disappointed at the end. Some times you need to take a step back and remember why you are doing something. Last night I jsut wanted to feel good about life. And it worked.

Ok, all that aside, I do want to have a goal somewhere along the line. I'm not especially interested in competing. I grew up competing in athletics as a kid, and did quite well at it. So I don't really need to find out what that feels like. I also already know how fast I can run. I don't need to be a in race in order to prove that. Without having that absolute need, I can be selective about taking part in a competition that appeals to me on a personal level. And I think I may have found the one.

Fitness freak Sweden has a series of events where, if one can complete them all, earns one the title of "A Swedish Classic". I guess it's kind of a Swedish Ironman for the masses. You don't have to complete the events within a set period (it used to be one year), or in a set order but, if you manage to eventually complete all 4 events you get the title and a flash medal. If you manage them all within 12 months, you also get a fancy certificate and your name on the Wall of Fame somewhere. So focused, I am not.

The events in question start with a 3km open water swim. I'm not a bad swimmer, but 3km is quite a long way without having the side of a pool to grab on to. That being said, more than 12,000 people complete Vansbrosimningen, so it can't be impossible. That's going on the "maybe" pile. Then there's a 300km cycle ride around the shores of Lake Vättern. Now, time to be realistic. I'm no cyclist, never have been, never likely to be. I don't think I have the butt for it. Whatever the problem, cycling just doesn't work for me. 20,000 others, but not me. So, unless I suddenly develop a cycling arse, being "En Svensk Klassiker" is not going to happen for me. But, as I said, my focus today is on doing what I enjoy. That's the reward.

The thrid event is Vasaloppet. Now, this event fascinates the hell out of me, I have to say. A 90km cross country ski race with 16,000 other skiers through some of the most spectacular forest trails I've ever seen. This event went on my Bucket List the moment I first saw it on TV. And I'm going to do it. Some time. The only thing holding me back at present, and admitedly it's only a minor obstacle, is that I've never skied in my life. That's probably something I need to address first. How hard can it be ? I did read that there's a "recommended" level of ski experience for Vasaloppt, and that might take me a little while to get to. But I'm not going anywhere in a hurry and I am going to ski Vasaloppet.

That leaves just Lidingöloppet, and that's achieveable for me. Lidingöloppet is a 30km open country foot race. A bit of open country, a few forest trails, a bit of up, and a bit of down. Exactly what I enjoy. They have around 15,000 to the start line, which I imagine can be a bit of a challenge for the first while. But there's a few hours for everyone to sort themselves out along the way. The race is held in September and I feel it might be a little tight for time for me to get myself to the level where I know I would be happy with my performance. For myself. I've done a few 20+km runs, but those extra final kms might all end in tears. So I've set my date for the 2013 event.

With any luck I'll be a Quarter Swedish Classic by the end of next year. I wonder if I can ask for one quarter of the medal. Just in case that's all that there is.