This year’s Vätternrundan turned out to be one of my most memorable rides—not because of a new personal best, but for entirely different reasons.

A Rocky Start

Race week didn’t exactly start on the right foot. I caught a cold, complete with flu symptoms, just days before the event. My confidence plummeted. Should I even show up at the start line? I kept monitoring my symptoms and tried to stay hopeful. By Thursday, after a cautious test ride, I decided to go ahead—but I shelved the original 13-hour goal. The goal shifted to something simpler and perhaps more meaningful: have a safe, enjoyable ride with my family.

Race Day Reflections

Race day greeted us with sunshine and warmer-than-expected temperatures. The air was buzzing with energy, and so were my legs—surprisingly. Despite the recent illness, my taper and carb-loading strategy had worked. I had good energy reserves, but I also knew I wasn’t fully recovered. I kept reminding myself to leave something in the tank.

The heat forced us to make more stops than planned—a common theme judging by the crowded feeding stations. But those pauses brought their own joy: great energy, supportive marshals, and the opportunity to soak in the community spirit of this event.

Nutrition & Hydration Wins and Lessons

I stuck fairly closely to my planned nutrition strategy and, importantly, didn’t bonk—during or after the ride. That’s a win in my book. However, one tactical error stood out: I filled both bottles with drink mix. In the heat, having a clean water bottle would’ve made a huge difference—not just for drinking, but for cooling down. Next year: two bottles—one water, one mix—or even better, add a small third bottle if possible.

Performance Comparison: 2024 vs. 2025

This year, the original plan was to aim for a 13-hour finish—a bit slower than last year, and purposefully set to match the training level of both myself and the rest of the group. That goal fell off the table once I got sick, but it still served as a mental benchmark.

While I missed the time goal by 45 minutes, I’m not disappointed. Given the circumstances—illness, heat, and more frequent stops—it felt like a solid effort. And in a way, the relaxed pace made it more of a shared experience with my family rather than a solo mission. That trade-off was worth every extra minute on the road.

Key Learnings

• Strength Training Matters: I developed a mild knee issue late in the ride—something that didn’t happen last year when my strength training was more consistent. This has convinced me to double down on strength work, especially as I build toward my 2026 goals.
• Hydration Strategy Needs Tweaking: The bottle mistake was avoidable. Next time, a clean water bottle is non-negotiable, especially in warm weather.

Looking Ahead

The ride wasn’t fast, but it was fulfilling. It reminded me that endurance isn’t just about power numbers or finish times—it’s about patience, resilience, and adaptability. I’m taking a slightly extended recovery to fully shake off the sickness, and then it’s back to structured training. With this ride behind me, I’m more motivated than ever for what’s ahead.