It feels like just yesterday I learned about Vår Ruset (Spring Rush) and decided to make it a goal – my first 5k (3.1 miles). Vår Ruset has been running for 25 years and is one of the biggest races in Sweden with thousands of participants in each of the 17 participating cities throughout the country, taking over a month to reach the last city. It’s only for women and raises money for a different cause each year.
I started training (jogging) three weeks before with absolutely no running experience to speak of, horrible cardio, terrible feet, and really old sneakers. See my improvement below – the last one is my time for the actual race: 36:44. My goal was to finish it between 40 and 45 minutes. I think I was able to jog about 90% of the time, which felt pretty awesome – next step is improving my speed.
Prepping for the race:
After our group zumba-like warm up session with the instructors high up on scaffolding:
The race is split up into six different start groups depending on if you are being timed, if you are running the 10k, if you are running, jogging, or taking it easy and walking.
This is our start line:
Behind us at the start line (did I mention there was a lot of people? Imagine, our start group is second to last so most people are already gone):
And we’re off! It was motivational to be running along side so many women:
Hubby found me in the crowd about 2 km in:
Afterwards everyone received metals:
And a goody bag of stuff from the sponsors (and bananas and juice):
I bought a bracelet to support children in Kosovo who need homes:
The weather was perfect for the race and to sit down afterwards and enjoy a picnic.
And as we were leaving an hour after the race, I heard my name in the distance being called over the load speaker. I went on stage and sat with 8 other women, all anxiously waiting to see what we could have won. Half way through the prizes got significantly better and my name was still not called. I’m told that I looked excited and terrified at the same time.
With a microphone in my face I received my first place prize: a trip to Portugal for a whole week to attend Training Camp with Vår Ruset.
I was shocked and didn’t know what to say, let alone in Swedish to thousands of people picnicking after the race.
I explained that I’ve never won anything before and I’ve never traveled outside of New York and Sweden.
I didn’t dare mention that I’ve only been training for three weeks… but now I’ll be sure to continue!
Each day there will be activities to participate in such as running, “nordic walking(?)”, yoga, dancing, strength building, core exercises, and of course lots of fun in the sun!
I can’t wait!!
After an unbelievably exciting day I came home, collapsed, and dreamed of my next adventure.
aregularcupofjo says
May 8, 2013 at 4:46 pmCongrats on completing your first 5K. It must have feel exhilarating to cross that finish line. My goal for this summer is to complete one 5k. Good luck on your fitness and keep pushing.
Jay McBain says
May 8, 2013 at 6:36 pmWhat a great story! You will LOVE Portugal. Good luck on the training.
megalagom says
August 21, 2013 at 5:28 pmSo looking forward to it!
Jenny Adams says
May 8, 2013 at 7:51 pmCongratulations!!! So exciting!
Youma says
May 8, 2013 at 8:23 pmIs that Blossom Tainton? Now I’m really jealous.
megalagom says
August 21, 2013 at 5:29 pmIt IS!
dubium says
May 9, 2013 at 12:00 amCongratulations! Funny how things works out so perfect sometimes.
Aunty Ree says
May 9, 2013 at 1:11 amI’m so proud of you, Megan, and so happy you are enjoying your new life so much!! Keep on smiling, keep on running, and keep on winning!! Love you, sweetie.
liz says
May 9, 2013 at 1:21 pmGRATTIS!!! Gud va’ roligt!! Vilken tur!
Hoppas du få en trevlig röd dag idag! 🙂
Uncle Mickey says
May 9, 2013 at 3:27 pmAll I can say is WOW! Your Aunt and I are so happy for you Have a great trip love you .
americantaitai says
May 9, 2013 at 10:36 pmCongratulations to you, both on your improving training time (personal best on race day!) and for your upcoming training in Portugal! 🙂 What an experience!
megalagom says
August 21, 2013 at 5:27 pmIt felt so great to have a new personal time! What an amazing feeling! Thanks!
Aunt Mary says
May 9, 2013 at 10:46 pmCongrats !! You are so amazing and beautiful keep running Luv Ya
Holly Kamal says
May 9, 2013 at 11:37 pmCongratulations.That is quite an accomplishment.I will competing in my first 5K this summer.Wish me luck.
megalagom says
August 21, 2013 at 5:27 pmThanks and good luck!!! or – Hope it went well! (Since my reply is SO late! Sorry!!)
Holly says
August 22, 2013 at 3:07 amI competed and finished although not in record time.
Hemborgwife says
May 10, 2013 at 11:52 amThat is so exciting I cannot wait to read your posts about it!
Johanna Kvarnström says
May 16, 2013 at 7:29 pmGrattis till fint pris!
megalagom says
August 21, 2013 at 5:22 pmTack så mycket!!