Weekend in Gothenburg

Weekend trip to Gothenburg

Gothenburg, the second largest city of Sweden and where I did my masters at university. There are always reasons to go back to the sunny side of Sweden and visit the beautiful west coast and this time seeing friends and running Gothenburg half marathon was the reasons I flew there from Zurich early on Saturday morning. The city could not been more welcoming and the 24 degrees summer heat. A bit hot for a perfect time on the half marathon but best possible weather for a big party in the whole city. We started off with breakfast from fantastic Premium bageriet at Sannergården.

Göteborgsvarvet half marathon

The breakfast at the board walk was fantastic and I could have been spending the whole day there but realized it was time to get moving towards Slottsskogen to pick up the race pack. We suddenly got quite a short of time and had to rush through the fair but it all went smoothly so five minutes later we had our bibs and could go for a last toilet stop. 50 000 runners had signed up for the race so the park was packed. The atmosphere was fantastic and 230 000 people were lining up along the streets of Gothenburg to cheers. My goal for this run was just to enjoy it. I know the track by heart and know how tough it is with a lot of hills and then add the 24 degree heath. It was going to be a challenge that was clear from start.

I was standing in the front of group 5 out of 23 and just before us the Veterans that have been running more than 20 races started. That is not ideal since some of them are walking and that makes it even more crowded during the first part of Slottsskogen. And it was very crowded. Someone put their arm bow at my watch so it turned off after 2K which I realized 1K later when I was going to check my pace. Shit happens but I prefer to see what pace I run in rather than some random pace. And of course I like to have the full map at my Garmin. The first five K is rather tough and slowly but surely I was at the top of Älvsborgsbron to enjoy the view. And the wind was great! Finally room for breathing.

Then the easy part at Hisingen came. Flat and fast and running along the water. Also the best part of the race according to me. The streets were packed also here and I knew that a friend of mine was watching half way through. The feeling running wise was not the best but I just got with the flow. Half way in the heat made itself reminded. I saw several people that had collapsed here. But the atmosphere. The whole city was a huge party. There is something special with this race that is not comparable with any other.

I was running with a huge smile on my face all the way to the finish line. No now I was lying. After passing the new Götaälvsbron it became tough for real. I started to feel a bit dizzy on the way upwards Avenyn and had to take off my glasses. Had three cups of water at Götaplatsen and was very lucky that there would be an easy part towards Handels in the alley afterwards. The final two kilometers felt endless. I focused on the famous one feet infront of the other. I wanted the race to finish but on the same time not. Over the bridge to Slottsskogen there was more collapsed runners and the small gold carts were picking them up. I paced up a little again and there it was. Slottsskogsvallen. The finish line. I happily crossed it and turned off my watch. 1:43:10. Not bad for such a hot day.

Got my medal and banana. Relaxed a bit in the shade and then spotted some friends running and tried to catch a view of others. People were still starting when I got back to the finish. This run is massive.

After run

I took the bus back from Marklandsgatan to Lindholmen. if it usually takes 15 minutes it now took an hour and I got a sightseeing tour through my old neighborhood at Johanneberg to my friends place where the shower and a GT at the balcony waited.

Was nice and relaxing to sit there and watch runners still passing by outside while waiting for my partner in crime that ran with her sister. They also finished happily and we all went out to celebrate at a neighborhood bar when we got too lazy to cross the river again.

We surely made the right choice to head to Port Arthur for drinks and appetizers. Amazing food and amazing place to sit outside at in the summer night.

Sunday and beach day

Long after midnight we took the bus to the sister of my friend in Billdal where we slept over. I was very tired after waking up at 5 am when we almost 24 hours later reached the bed. Slept like a baby and woke up to another sunny day.

First stop was some nice breakfast. 50/50 of avvo toast and pancakes at cafe ParkAview in Hovås where a famous guy from The master chef was working.

Then over to the last activity of the day. Beach. We went to Killingholmen and I took my first dip of the season. It wasn’t that cold but fresh and zero sealices. I wanted to stay forever at the warm cliffs but had to continue the journey South.

Filled with happiness after a great day I left with a packed train towards Skåne. Göteborgsvavet I hope to be back soon. Last time I ran was 11 years ago and I hope it won’t be 11 years until next one. If you ever consider doing any half marathon this is the one. Almost always sunny also.