Don’t miss the 25manna Flemingsberg middle-distance and Swedish League on Sunday 9th of October! Read elite runner Axel Granqvist’s thoughts on 25manna middle and his tips for the competition.
What is your best memory from 25manna middle-distance?
My best memory must be from 2019 when I won the H20 Elite class. I was in really good shape at the time and middle distances in Stockholm terrain suit me very well, so it just flowed, and I completed the race without big mistakes. It was also a small revenge from the day before (the 25manna relay), where I was forked away when I ran the first leg.
What does this competition mean to you?
I think it’s a very enjoyable competition but at the same time it’s more or less the last of the season, so the body has almost gone into “basic fitness mode” and it’s more like a fun competition without too much prestige! At the same time, there are a lot of good runners, so if the feeling is good, it can be a real motivation boost for the upcoming winter training. This year, when the 25manna middle has a Swedish League status, it becomes much more important, which makes you focus a little extra!
How do you train before 25manna and Swedish League?
Probably I won’t do any specific training, but mostly I’ll try to keep in shape after the national competitions. I know that a middle-distance in Stockholm suits me well and I feel comfortable in that type of terrain.
What are your tips for those who have never competed in Södertörn?
A good tip in this terrain, which many Stockholmers probably agree with me, is to go as straight as possible on nice routes and tick things off along the way. Ideally, you should try to stay up at the heights where the undergrowth is the less tough. You should also avoid running on hillsides as much as possible, as that is usually where it is most rocky and rough.
