Stockholm in September

September already, what happened to 2023? days are getting shorter again but the summer finally made comeback to Stockholm at the same time as I got back from my vacation in the Maldives. I have been having a few days off and a few days of home office in Stockholm the last week which has been great. Have really maxed out the most of the city. Yesterday was also race day and I ran my 11th Stockholm halfmarathon. One of my favorite races.

Stockholm favorites in a week

Sometimes I do miss out living in Stockholm but most of the time not. It is a great city in moderation and coming back to do favorite things, see favorite people and eat at favorite places from time to time is perfect. And from October until May it is grey, dark and foggy so I prefer staying away. I ended my 14 year long membership with SATS two months ago since I sadly got enough of them when they were not willing to freeze my membership anymore and raised the prices to almost double. Thanks but no thanks I said after 50ish emails back and forth. I have had some Classpass vouchers the last times in Stockholm so have enjoyed going to Barry’s and Fightclub among other gyms while being in the city. Some places better than others. And of course I have been out running for training purposes.

And I have been eating bowls and sushi at favorite places. Mahalo, Bodybuddies, Kimama and Le Östermalm. Trying out the new rooftop bar at Freyja Stockholm. Having taco dinner with some favorite travel and ex colleagues and running from one socializing event to another. Then on Saturday afternoon it was time for this weeks second long run. Stockholm half marathon.

Race report

One thing I really, really like with running races in the city center is that I can arrive to the start the last minute. Sometimes it turns out to be the very, very last minute like yesterday and it was just with a few seconds margin my watch found the GPS signal in the starting corral. I was aiming for a PB but knew it would require that I push my limits. The Indian summer weather with 25 degrees and very humid wouldn’t help and also that the course has a lot of up and downs almost all around would make it more difficult. But I know the route very well. I often run full or parts of it and most parts I love. Except Klaratunneln in the beginning. I know the importance to be in the front in the start group in the tunnel because otherwise you don’t get any air to breath in the end so I started fast. Made the first 5K in 22:59.

My feeling wasn’t the best. I was regretting I had no breakfast and just a yoghurt and coffee for lunch. My legs started to feel shaky but with the heath I needed some salt. I saw a couple of friends watching the first kilometers that gave extra energy and my parents was at Banhusbron to cheer. After I saw them the ups and downs at Kungsholmen started. At least it was in the shade. At Norr Mälarstrand it was quite tough and windy but I when I came to the town hall I once again had some private cheering to look forward to. At that point it was only 10K left and I was still on track for a good time although it honestly felt like shit and I wanted to give up. Or my legs wanted to. Not my mind. The next kilometers over Riddarholmen I barely remember anything except I focused on one foot infront of the other. Was completely out at this place. I wanted to give up and just jogging but somehow I got extra energy to manage the next uphill run at Slussen and Hornsgatan.

Then it went down again. I badly needed some energy. My legs were shaking and I was pushing myself to 4:25 pace to collect some valuable seconds when it finally turned downwards. Was way to fast at that moment and I have never been so close to fainting as when the turn at Söder Mälarstrand came. I needed some energy and water. Grabbed a piece of a bar and walked a few seconds. Had three cups of water and slowly started to run again. Had given up a time even under 1:45 at that point.

At 17K Marathon Mia and her crew were standing to cheer and I got fighting spirit back. I knew sub 1:45 would be within reach. Throughout the course at Söder the ambulance had constantly been coming to pick up overheated runners and I saw a lot of them laying on the side. I started to feel better and got extra energy when I passed one after another runner that had to give up.

Suddenly it was only 2K left and I was next to the 1:45 pacers. I felt strong again so managed to finish in 4:35ish pace the last 2K. I really gave everything I had and first I was pretty disappointed but when I saw the results it felt better. Not my fastest Stockholm half marathon but it was a tough one.

Now one more day in Stockholm before it is time to head out in the world for new adventures again. Of course I also have some races planned. Anyone else who was running yesterday?

/ Pernilla that finished Stockholm half marathon for the 11th time