Finishing the swedish half classic in style - and celebrating with champagne a long while

Accomplishing goals and rewarding yourself afterward is perhaps one of the greatest feelings of all. Last year one of my greatest inspiration sources in life explained the idea of having the "Swedish Classic" as a training target for the year. I did not buy into the idea from the beginning but felt that a 15km run in the woods of Lidingö would be doable. The great feeling of crossing the finishing line, and knowing that I had a "sparring partner" close by made me re-think. I set up as a goal to complete the "Half Classic" a goal that I accomplished yesterday.

The last event was the Vansbrosimningen. The one I was most concerned about. 3km in 17.8 degree water created all kind of negative feelings before. Lodging was a bit tricky to find but we ended up with together with 8 swimmers renting rooms in an old lady's house in the small village Skamhed. Yes we stayed next to the famous Gunde Svan. Saturday morning was spent on finding out the optimal "grease" to use as a complement to the wetsuit for insulation. We skipped the "Wool Grease" idea and went for more a simpler approach, both in terms of getting on and getting off. My sparring partner did an excellent effort in the Ladies Swim on the Saturday and came out of the water with the words "The cold is not an issue" and my self esteem got a big big boost.

The big day was characterized by strange weather, everything from heavy rain to sunshine. Walked along an old railroad to the starting line, putting on the short-leg/short-arm wetsuit and filling in with grease. 15 minutes ahead of start your were allowed to enter the starting zone. At the startsignal, which by the way was a "Good luck", we walked into the water and started to swim. The first feeling is I am standing still, since you tend to look at hundreds of swimcaps around you that also move, so I started to take references sideways of the river. 1km passed approx. 8 minutes faster than I have done in a 50m pool! Yes the current is with you in the beginning.

Not as cold as I had expected, nice cruice the first 2150 meters, until you make the turn and enter the slightly colder river and with the current against you. Two funny guys in a boat asking everybody if they needed coffea and/or sugar!!! while we were swimming. Bigger "waves" splashing into your face, sticking close to the landing stage (brygga) were the current is weakest. Starting to get tougher but with visibility of the goal. A little bit of cramp in one arm with 500 meter to go. Recieveing a loud cheer close to the finishing line, and the finally the hand in the wall signalling goal reached. Almost impossible to move from swimming to walking due to poor response from my legs. A bit cold, but really happy to have reached the goal. The entire journey of the "Swedish Classic" is a journey for, with and against yourself. Physically demanding, but perhaps even more so mentally demanding, and getting used to a lot of sportsgear and techniques you havbe not used at all or not in a long time.

But I was the happiest of all participants because I had the best friend you can think of to share these events, and training before them, as well as all memories with. Staying at odd locations, eating att peculiar road-restaurants, training on badly preparied skis etc. etc. Reaching the fifth goal, the Swedish Classic dinner last night, is a strong a beautiful memory that I will carry the rest of my life. Put the icing on the cake have never felt more appropriate to use. Our accomplishments never get greater than the ones we can share them with, and I am really greateful to have been given a friend that take me on new journeys in life, encourage me to fulfill my goals and stay with me to the end for the celebration. Do I feel spoiled? Do I feel lucky? You bet!!!

Now I just look forward to reach my stretched goal, the Full Classic, which require some additional 30km of running in September ....