High Coast Winter Trail race day; deciding to run Classic 25, Extreme 30 or Insane 50k. This is what I did... and how it went.

A SLIPPERY ROAD

The trail starts uphill, an icy uphill this time which made for some great funny sights. I saw this guy running on the spot, while slowly starting to slide backwards. I passed him and thought to myself; this guy is not going to make it. I was convinced he would give up. When, after the race, he came up to me and ask if I saw him slide, I mentioned I saw him and had told everyone about him, not knowing who 'he' was. He was amused by the whole thing himself and then subtly mentioned he had finished the 50k race. I still don't know how he did it.

FINDING MY PACE

The first uphill is well runnable (on spikes). I might start off a bit too fast but I am excited and I like running in the group I found myself in. I get overtaken and overtake some other runners myself. With every race, especially on trails where you don't run a steady pace, it's always a bit of a search what pace works or what runners to hold on to, and then again you always end up running parts of the race alone.

Sometimes I like those parts where I run alone. Enjoying the silence and hearing just the sound of my own breathing and listening only to the thoughts on my mind. I think about how I'm doing; am I running fast or slow, am I feeling fit? Then the thoughts fade away and it gets quiet, around me and in my head. I like those moments, where I run and the trail passes seemingly effortlessly underneath my feet. In those moments nothing matters and everything seems perfect just as it is.

RUNNING OR RACING

After about an hour or so into the race my left ankle starts to stiffen up. Nothing new or worrying, but it does slow me down. As much as I pretend that I'm fully recovered after breaking my ankle already two years ago, I can not ignore the fact that it does still impact my running. I try not to let it get me down. I take some ibuprofen, which I know will take down the inflammation and therefore the swelling, and in about half hour I should be able to run better again.

It worked. A little while later I had no problem running the snowy, icy and sometimes muddy trails again. However, my mind set at this point had changed. I felt I had wasted time on the trails running slower than I think I could have. So instead of pushing myself to pick up the pace and continue racing, I decided I might as well enjoy myself and take some pictures along the way.

THE COURSE

Most of the trail is quite runnable, besides from a few scrambling bits and a two hundred meters of elevation just before the end. So, you might want to think about keeping some leg strength for the end of the course, especially when running the 50k.

The course is fun and diverse. Running through forrest areas, over single tracks, passing frozen lakes. Stepping into snow, ice, water, mud, and over slippery rocks, I think I’ve had it all. As long as I kept moving my feet didn’t get too cold. On the icy parts it’s good to lean forward to stay more balanced. Thanks to this tip of the girl running passed me as I almost fell, I end up finishing the race without actually falling.

After some scrambling, hiking and running uphill, came the most amazing views. On top of the highest parts of the trail we were treated to some amazing 360 degree views overlooking the entire area, including the ocean on one side and lake on the other, where we were headed. The camp and finish area is located next to this lake.

I GOT WHAT I HAD HOPED FOR

Even running (only) 25k I got all I had hoped for and I was happy to leave it at that. Coming in 4th place was a pleasant surprise and better than expected. I thoroughly enjoyed playing in these epic surroundings. Although next time I probably come back to run the full 50k. Or should I go for the podium on the shorter distance? I guess I still have got almost a year to think about that.

THIS IS WHERE I'LL BE

I love coming to the Swedish High Coast. Not only for its beautiful surroundings but also for the people, the great organisation, the very kind team working around the clock while still smiling and supporting all runners. And as most runners stay for the whole weekend and sleep in either the communal space or one of the cabins located on the grounds, it creates this cosy, intimate atmosphere.

We sit together afterwards, while live music is playing, and we get to talk about our shared passion. Life doesn’t get better than that. We talk, laugh, share stories. We inspire, get inspired, share tips and tricks of the running trade and make running plans for the future…

If you like outdoor adventures and a nice challenge, I can definitely recommend the High Coast Winter Trail; great organisation, cosy vibe, fun, epic scenery… and Jerry Engström, the founder of Friluftsbyn, promised me they’ll have saunas in 2021!

For the ones that don’t like the cold, there’s a September trail race as well. Just keep in mind that when the trails are not covered in snow, the course might be somewhat more technical.

Whatever you choose, there’s a big chance you’ll find me there.

GETTING THERE

link to the High Coast Winter Hike: https://highcoastwinterclassic.com/
link to the High Coast Winter Trail (English website coming soon): https://hogakustenwintertrail.se/
link to the High Coast Trail in September: https://hogakustentrail.se/

Travel to the High Coast: Fly to Arlanda Stockholm Airport and a 4 to 5 hour drive up to Frilufstbyn, Docksta. Take bus, train or car (reach out on the High Coast trail-runners Facebook group for carpool options).

High Coast Winter Trail 3/3