Student blogs

After struggling to find motivation to stay active during the winter last year, my friends and I decided maybe it would be easier if we took on some sort of physical activity challenge. What was the challenge? We decided we would run the Stockholm half-marathon in August! And so, training began: run after run all the way through the cold winter to the end of the summer. Finally, after somewhat consistent training, here’s how the experience was like; from collection of the bibs, to the biochemical analysis of our meals, the run, and the rewarding finish!

Bib collection and the expo

The day before the run I went to collect my bib, and see what all the expo had to offer. There was a bunch of different sponsors, discounted sports-wear, and random energy drinks, gels, and bars. Definitely a lot to offer for running enthusiasts.

The queue was insanely long though, both Thursday and Friday, the two days before the race. So if you’re planning to participate, try and get there before the queue even starts….it saves you hours of waiting time. Had I not arrived there 30min before they “opened” I would be way back in the queue, probably standing there for at least an hour if not more.

How our biochemistry knowledge proved useful (…and annoying)

On the day of the run, and the days leading to it we were all overthinking the meals we have to take, at what time, and how to make sure we top off our glycogen stores, etc. Is it enough to just eat lunch before the race? When should we start carb loading? Do you really have to eat a banana 30min before the start? A bunch of questions like these were discussed and answered using our knowledge from biochemistry about glycogen storage and our bodies energy needs for this run.

The run

With stomachs fed with a generous bowl of pasta, (for both dinner the night before and lunch the day of.. carb loading) we all made our way to the starting line. First we met up in Kungsträdgården, then slowly got to the bag deposit site, after which we separated to our own groups starting points.

The experience was amazing, you were uplifted not only by the people on the side cheering you on, but by the track itself which was filled with beautiful views all the way. The path went around the Stockholm, through parks, by the water, and even main sites such as the the Stockholm city hall. And on top of that, every now and then was a live band playing uplifting music (ABBA included, of course.)

With the half-marathon off the checklist, is it now time to set a new goal for next year: the marathon? Most of this year’s running team quickly shook their heads, saying they’d cheer for us. Maja, our best score, having ran the track in 1 hour and 43 minutes, says she’ll be there….maybe, maybe I’ll be there too!