RUNssel

Kategorie: ötillö

Juni 1, 2017 / Keine Kommentare

Racereport 2017-04: ÖTILLÖ Swimrun Utö 2017

Hopefully most blogophiles that come across this infinitesimal fragment of the breathtaking interweb do not need a detailed description to the following lyrics. My brain played B-Real’s renowned hook-line on rewind while Felix and I got ready for the first big competition of the season.

“Time for some action…just”  ”Time, time for some, time for some action…just”

It was about time. Time for a severe SwimRun combat. Time to venture to the islet that started it all. Time to travel to the striking east of the Stockholm archipelago. Time to go to the island of Utö – the home of SwimRun.

For this years race I teamed up with homeboy Felix Schumann. Although his Triathlon and Xterra heydays are gone he caught the SwimRun bug at last years Costa Brava race, which he finished in 2nd place side-by-side with Tim Lange. (My race report…). Furthermore he was keen to lead me around Utö and see where it all started.

Our race homework was fairly brief and nearly inexistent, as we did not train together and did not check the course and the distances prior to the race. Fabian and I raced Utö in 2015 (Racereport) but the up-to-date course has changed and is a bit lengthier. However I did remember some portions. Most parts did hit me be surprise, though. Felix and I agreed to have no tactic and to go with the flow. We are far off beeing SwimRun pros I guess.

We set out in a reasonable pace and hit the first swim section after a 2,6 kilometres run in the Top 5. Way to fast for my liking. So we decelerated a little bit and sailed the first techy trail sections and short swims in a well-ordered speed. No shocker – Felix lead all the swim section. Significant info: He did not use Paddles! It surely makes a change if one can swim properly. The first “clean” running segment was a long gravel road and we swiftly found a pleasant rhythm that allowed us to catch up on some other line-ups. It must have been a pretty pleasant pace I guess as Felix filched a hasty “B” as I nudged on.

Like Andre Hook explained in his short race summary, it can be very challenging to recall all the specifics of a competition. Both of us were focused and nearly all transitions went efficiently and smooth. We did not loose unnecessary time. It is no secret that Trail running on Utö is a blast and the technical running took both of our minds off, as we adored the versatile and exciting terrain. Time flew by and all of a sudden Tim and Diane jumped out of the bushes. They followed us all day and made sure there was no negative thinking. Thanks for the effort and thanks for making us grin surprisingly all over the course.

ÖtillÖ organisers Mats and Michael came up with the great idea of cutting down the unnatural sugar sources at the aid stations. As I use dry fruits in training it was a no-brainer for me to eat plenty of what was provided at the aid stations. Although I was pretty hyped by the style of food I must have eaten way too much. My belly started to cramp up and I started to feel sick just after 2,5 hours of racing. Instantly I felt that there wont be a major change until I empty my stomach. It did not take me too long. Four short but effective breaks and an apprehensive Henrik Kindgren (“Do you want me to call the ambulance”) later we were back in grinding mode.

Our careless pre-race preparation and consequent lack of course understanding let to quite some disbeliefs. We could smell the food and the cold beers. But no. As we thought we were on our way back to the finish line our ruthless followers Tim and Diane greeted us just another time. Firstly we thought that Tim’s statement: “Nice one guys. Just another 5-6 Kilometres of running and some swims…” was meant to be a gag. Unfortunately he did not lie. To get some energy back in our lazy bodies we took a gel. Well, I tried to take one. My stomach did not like that try. Still, we managed to catch another team and somehow made it through the last couple of swims. Undoubtedly I ran out of gas in the cold water.

We reached the finish line in 4:58:37 and agreed that this was a tactical nightmare. Despite sleep deprivation (both of us have young families) and the necessary preparation it surely was a fun day. The Utö course is a great course and caters all needs that create this special sport.

As “Sickla-Janne” took care of my beaten legs, Michaels announcement during the Ötillö slot assignment hit me be surprise. We got granted a slot for the World Championships in September. 2017 will be the fourth year in a row that our The German Sparkle Party enterprise will have the chance to venture from Sandhamn to Utö.

“Time for some action…just”

I received some requests regarding equipment. As there are no secrets you’ll find a gear list enclosed:

Wetsuit: HUUB – Amphibia 2 (Prototype): This should hit the stores pretty soon and is worth the wait. Incredibly bendy and durable.

Goggles: HUUB – Aphotic: For me the perfect SwimRun goggle. I dig the Photochromatic specs and the wide vision.

Socks: CEP – Short Socks: You cannot go wrong with this one. For SwimRun I wear the socks one size smaller as usual.

Shoes: Salomon – S/LAB XA Amphib: Salomons first SwimRun shoe is just good. Amazing traction and remarkable fit. A true racing shoe.

Paddles: Swimrunners Size L – You just need the power to paddle them through 😉

Pullbuoy: HUUB – Big Buoy: Just the right amount of foam for my horrible technique and water position. While running I wear my pullbuoy on the back, though. This gives me more freedom while running technical trails.

Running on empty – Despite some lack of energy we’re having some fun. (Picture: Time Lange)

Spirits are high as Tim cheers us on.

Tow the line – we swam nearly all swim sections towed together. In my opinion this is still the simplest way to match speed and efficiency as both team members benefit.

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Tallholmen – the final stretch of the versatile 42,8 kilometer course . Some short transitions make sure that there is no boredom. (Picture: Jakob Edholm)

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Anders Malm – Owner of the Utö Vardshus Hotel and member of the “Original Four” observes what happens to his bet. (Picture: Jakob Edholm)

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We exit the second swim section (350 meter) towards the Dive Tower. (Picture: Pierre Mangez)

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Followed by fellow german Wolf Grohe we enter the water at the Båtshaket Restaurant. The wind creates a choppy 430 meter swim. I forgot to put on my swim cap. It did not take me too long to recognize this. (Picture: Pierre Mangez)

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After a mere of two intense hours racing there is a bunch of fast guys entering the cold waters with Felix and myself (No 118) . German Team 119 Andre and Wolf (Campz.com) and Team 145 Bad Boys Ticino are still close together. (Picture: Pierre Mangez)

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47:15 Minutes after the first team, Pontus and George, we arrive at the finish line in Gruvbryggan. Just in time to refill with some proper beers and warm food. (Picture: Pierre Mangez)

Tune of the day: Miami Lenz – Miamix #1

X Staffan Björklund at Husky Podcast

April 2, 2016 / Keine Kommentare

On point with Staffan Björklund

The chronometer above the ÖtillÖ 2015 finish line on Utö Island stopped at 8:55:39. A new course record in the mixed category was in the books and Marika Wagner and her partner Staffan Björklund looked overwhelmed as they crushed the old race-best into pieces. Marika was the first female competitor to go sub-9 hours on that harsh course across the Stockholm archipelago.

Staffan and Marika had trained on the course for quite some time and also gave the overall competition a tough run for the podium – in the end they finished fifth overall.

I sat down with Staffan to chat about last year’s ÖtillÖ, their equipment and the sport of SwimRun in general.

Runssel: You live on the ÖtillÖ “start island” Sandhamn and are a professional adventure sport racer. The ÖtillÖ competition must be a particularly special for yourself as it’s just in front of your doorstep. When was the first time you heard about the race and how would you define the one-off magic of a race like this?

Staffan: This race has great meaning and importance to me. I read about ÖtillÖ when I saw the first ever race poster on the local notice board on Sandhamn. The informal notice spoke about a race, hosted in September by two legends of Adventure Racing, Mats (Skot) and Michael (Lemmel). Some years earlier I had applied for a place in their Adventure Racing Team, Human Link. So it was with great excitement and curiosity I read that the participants had to swim and run between the islands of Sandhamn and Utö in only one day. To me, it sounded like absolute craziness. A week or two later we were asked to help out with safety boats for the race, since I worked for the Guides of Sandhamn (Sandhamns Guiderna) and lived on the island. That was year number one for ÖtillÖ. Later on I ran the course and for a few years I worked with Mats and Michael taking down the ribbons after the race. We got to know each other and partnered up with other types of work during the year.
This race, in the heart of the Stockholm Archipelago, is one of the most beautiful places in the world. I have been traveling the world but have not seen a place more unique yet. It’s pretty cool to have one of the toughest one-day racecourses just around your doorstep.

Staffan somewhere in the Telluride Mountains. (Picture: Mike Thurk)

Runssel: As an adventure racer you have certain experience in team racing. Generally you race in a group of four. How come you raced with your crew colleague Marika Wagner?

Staffan: I got Marika into Adventure Racing. We first meet a few years back, at the price ceremony on Utö Island after ÖtillÖ 2013. As my season 2014 went on our sponsor, Apollo Sports asked if I were interested in racing ÖtillÖ 2015 for them. They wanted a victory and I was in. The year passed and they had a hard time finding a partner good enough to challenge the elite with me. As 2015 began and Marika came into our Adventure Racing Team, the fit was perfect. She had two SwimRun podiums and I had won Utö SwimRun and had finished top 5 in ÖtillÖ. We thought we had a good chance.

SwimRun Selfie while training and course marking for Höga Kusten SwimRun.

Runssel: SwimRun is still a very young sport. How do you prepare for an event like ÖtillÖ? I know you scouted the course for quite some time but besides that how would you shift your training towards a race like this?

Staffan: As the years have past, I have trained on the course but somewhere on the way I lost the count for how many times I have done it. Today I am probably the one person who ran the course the most times. To prepare for this race we are very meticulous. Training is a long-term and year around commitment. We started focused training for 2015 ÖtillÖ 10 weeks before the competition.

A relaxed smile after battling with Team Peak Performance. (Picture: Alexandre Socci)

Runssel: There is quite some discussion about the perfect gear for SwimRun races. Tell us about your equipment. What did you use for ÖtillÖ and why did you use it?

Staffan: For gear we’re extremely picky. We used 2 mm minimalistic wetsuits that where custom built for us. It was made for running, not for swimming. We used SwimWins as hand paddles, a performance paddle made with carbon and extra ordinary grip. NO swim goggles. Our buoyancy devices were also custom built by the founder of the sport, Jesper Mars. Also, if you pay close attention to the pictures from the start last year, I look bigger than normal. The reason is explainable. Under my suit I have a vest that I made by myself – I can store 2 L of water, 12 gels and 36 Saltsticks. Marika also custom sew her bib to fit her better.

Team Number 211 “Team Peak Performance powered by Apollo Sports” heading for the sprint prize at Solvik during ÖtillÖ 2015 (Picture: Ötillö – The Swimrun World Championship)

Runssel: SwimRun is growing steady and fast. What does the future hold for this sport?

Staffan: Who knows how big this sport can grow? It’s up to us athletes and all race organizers. If we like it to move towards the Olympics or stay in this free spirit surrounding, I don’t know. I will do what I can to contribute to the sport. I like people to acknowledge this as a well-accepted sport where you can make a living on a professional level.

SwimRun Training with partner Marika Wagner. (Picture: Jonatan Fernström)

Runssel: What’s on the agenda for you and your team for the rest of the year? What goals are you chasing next year?

Staffan: My/our agenda for 2016 is as usually packed with training and races. We chase a lot of new achievements and have big dreams for this year. However, in the end of April we’ll release our season of 2016 via our Social Media channels.

Catch Staffan via his Facebook and Instagram accounts!

Februar 16, 2016 / Keine Kommentare

Oberstdorf Weekender – Part 2

Second and last set of pictures from the Oberstdorf Weekender.

All pictures (C) runssel

Tune of the day: Klute- Westernized

Februar 14, 2016 / Keine Kommentare

Oberstdorf Weekender – Part 1

We spent the weekend hiking and skating around the petite bit of snowfall that is left in the Oberstdorf region. Conditions weren’t perfect for blading, but it was great to catch up on some Nordic skiing. I missed it.

More photographs to follow. Stay tuned.

All pictures (C) Runssel

Tune of the day: The Notorious B.I.G. featuring Sadat X

September 2, 2014 / Keine Kommentare

Tack, Ö TILL Ö!

It was the beautiful nature we expected. It was a bit more pain then we anticipated. It truly was something else.

To put all into words will take me some time. Until then go and check out the official images of this years edition of the Ö TILL Ö with unreal shots from by Nadja Odenhagen and Jakob Edholm.

Just another Monday morning somewhere in Sweden (Pic: Nadja Odenhage)

Juli 14, 2014 / 2 Kommentare

Racereport 2014-09: Engadin SwimRun

Perhaps it is not the brightest idea to write down a race story when the actual contest was just two days ago. Maybe there is a good bit of neutrality gone astray. But, who cares! Let the emotional raging commence.

As soon as you tell somebody about this SwimRun thing you’ll get some questions back. Of course, you have to to run in a wetsuit. Of course, you need to go swimming with your shoes. Of course, you are permitted to bathe with paddles and a pullbuoy. No, you do not have a transition area. More less – you can do what on earth you want as long as you carry it along that course. More questions?

At the same time as this innovative team game called SwimRun is kind of a household name in Scandinavia, little is known about it outer the Kingdom of Sweden. The big mama off all SwimRun races is the legendary Ö till Ö. The organizers of this event also organized this wander from corner to corner of the Engadin valley in Switzerland. As Fabian and I are already (…and gratefully) qualified for Ö Till Ö we decided to take part in this first race outside of Sweden to collect some practical information and understanding before we get on the plane to the join the Ö Till Ö festivity.

As an location the organizers couldn’t have chosen a superior arrangement for the maiden SwimRun on the continent. The sheer splendor of the Engadin is unadulterated inspiration plus the plan to voyage all the way through the vale from Maloja to Silvaplana was just prepared for this idea of racing.

Our pre-race homework was acceptable. As total rookies in this game we did not know how to get ready for something like this. With a number of specific sessions and material testing at the local lake as well as the usual swims and runs we got ourselves set. At least that’s what we thought. The team racing characteristic is particular and produces a motivating vibrant. We were energized and also nervous. Even more worried when we got a pre-race glimpse of the Silvalplana waters before the race. Chilly would have been a nice expression to describe the water. A entire new experience. We tested the waters in our long neoprene suits and couldn’t hack the sensation of this bitter cold water. Raceday won’t be any better. We were sure about that.

As the morning sun made its way up to the blue skies we ran on. A assembly of almost 100 teams. All psyched for vertical running as well as cold water bathing. At this part of my report I need to hold it short… The opening run section just took its toll out of the race and straight away the competition was spread out. The technical part lead us over rocks and straight down the mount into the first whirl. We chatted away and joked about the imminent chill shock. When we entered it was like diving into a pool of enthusiasm. As the better swimmer Fabian is The German Sparkle Party pacing dinghy i can happily draft. I ducked in behind him. Focusing on his T7’s and the emotion of the water. At this time the Goosebumps weren’t caused by the water. We straight got in the flow of things. We straight got into the SwimRun vibe. Into the GSP vibe. When we exited on the other side of the lake we both beamed. This was our kick-start to a unique day.

What happened then can be described as fun. Sore fun. Intensive fun. Magnificent fun. Hideous fun. Icy fun. The course was asking for a superior performance. No excuses and candid racing. We had to stick together. We had to look out for each other. When I had a low, Fabian had a high and vice versa. Throughout the whole 7 hours and 49 minutes there wasn’t 10 meter sandwiched between us. To call it just right team racing would hit he note. We surprised ourselves and got encouraged by the course, the crowds and the variety of this team competition.

When we reached the shoreline of Silvaplana there was not much left. We did our best, went through a lot of dreadful patches and enjoyed the splendor of this race. Always got ourselves up and going. When we heard we got in 8th we were stunned. A notable day with a noteworthy outcome.

Thanks a lot Michael Lemmel and Mats Skott for arranging this stunner. Credits for setting up a race that has precisely what it needs. No fancy substances. No earsplitting music. No hotel buffet-like aid stations. No overfull field. No hectic. No finisher medal – just plain straightforward outdoor enjoyment.

Tack för det. Se dig i 48 dagar!

Utensils worn:

Neoprene Suit: Custom cut HUUB Archimedes (Click HERE for Preparation Details)
Pullbuoy: HUUB Big Buoy (Click HERE for Preparation Details)
Goggles: HUUB Acute (Smoke/White)
Paddles: Standard Swedish XL
Compression Socks: CEP Run Socks 2.0
Compression Calf Sleeves: CEP Quad Sleeve
Shoes: Brooks T7

Tune of the day: Spank Rock – Gully (BRODINSKI REMIX)

Januar 21, 2014 / 1 Kommentar

Island to island – ÖTILLÖ

It was just too mesmerizing, too baffling and way to appealing.

What started a few years ago with viscous interchange of video clips and articles terminated in a simple and to the point merit application to Anders Malm and the Utö brothers. Since yesterday we know that we are a part of it in this years edition. Team number 35 “German Sparkle Party”!

“Take it easy, but take it.” Woody Guthrie

We extensively discussed this appreciation through training sessions and over certain beers. We both agreed that this is simply outlandish and absurd. But we eternally knew – This one is particular and highly motivating.

On the 1st of September 2014 we eventually will reach Utö MÅL. After 10 kilometers of swimming and 65 kilometers of running Fabian and I will know what it means to be part of “one of the toughest endurance races in the world” – the ÖTILLÖ

Picture: ÖTILLÖ