SOCIAL MEDIA

Home: A Swedish Holiday

Hello Friends,

My mother's family is from Sweden. My brother and I are half Swedish.  An important fact for this post, which is half story and half Swedish tradition/folklore.

Open my freezer and you are likely to find Vetebrod.  My family refers to it simply as 'bulla', a sweet bread. 

A story...
Last year I became friends with a gal who was born and raised in southern Sweden. In addition to being runners and career women, we are both Swedish.  We spend a lot of time together.  Predawn running, discussing daily life highs/lows, books, etc.

Over the last year, I have realized I wasn't raised with Swedish traditions, and often wonder HOW is this possible?! CAN it be possible? Our friendship has created curiosity, often leading to researching a story, folklore, or tradition. My childhood memories include Limpa, cheese, lingonberries, caviar, knackebrod, lutefisk, pletta, raggmunk, meatballs... plenty of Swedish food but sadly it did not include long-standing Swedish tradition.

This brings me to yesterday.   I joined my friend, and her children, to attend a Swedish Christmas Market and St Lucia celebration.  I was hoping to find Dala Horses and straw ornaments.  I didn't know what to expect but was surprised to see gnomes everywhere.

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Running: London baby!

Hello friends,

I feel like the little boy who cried wolf as I write this post.  I have completed over a dozen marathons, more if you count the solo marathons (prepping for an ultra). I'm think I'm done marathoning...

NYC marathon (2014): When I signed up for NYC, I promised my husband it would be my last one. I thought to myself, what a great way to end the marathon distance.  The training season was uneventful (no injuries).  The weather on race day played a major factor: 15-25 MPH winds, with frequent gusts over 40MPH.  I will never forget being blown midstride several times, as I crossed the Verrazano bridge. 

About a week after the run, I told someone that if I had an opportunity to run the London Marathon  I would do it.  Mostly as a way to visit the city.  Would you believe me if I told you I have only spent 36 hours in London?

April 24, 2016: I will be in London! 




My 20 week training program kicks off this week.  My first long run will be one of my favorite runs, along Lake Geneva.  With the Noel festival underway.  I'm planning to end my 8 miler at the hot cocoa stand, and will take the bus back to Vevey.

Training Program: I'm planning to use the same plan I did for NYC, provided by AMR, along with a little help from a running coach.

Goal: Make it to the start line with strong legs (no injuries please).  I will train for a 4:10-15 marathon finish. 

Let me know if you have you picked a fitness challenges for 2016, I would love to cheer you on!

Eat well, rest up, and treat your body kindly.
Much love, Mari
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