Vårruset, the Spring Run, is a women-only event that takes place across many Swedish cities every May. Here in Gävle, thousands of women descend on Boulognerskogen park on a mid-week evening to run, walk, or stroll through the trees; hopefully enjoying some warm sunshine. But this is Sweden in May, and some years the weather has opinions. Thankfully, 3 out of the 4 years I participated have been glorious.
You can either complete 5km or 2.5km, timed or not. While there are a few serious runners, most women join for fun and you will see company teams, friends walking together, and women pushing strollers while family members line the streets. Everybody gets a medal. If you join as a team of 5 you get a free picnic to share afterwards. It’s one of the few occasions Gävle really comes alive.
Running (Mostly) on Instinct
Some years I’ve run, some years I’ve walked, one year I practically crawled, but the less said about that year, the better! Running is generally a snapshot of where I am both physically and mentally. This year, I’d fully planned to walk most of it. Sensible, realistic, no illusions. I signed up with a group of friends from Girl Gone International, most of us quietly planning a walk and talk. Somehow, one friend and I got pumped waiting at the start line and we actually ran. Not fast, not pretty, but running nonetheless.
I have a tendency to compare myself to others: how fast I run, how I look, how I measure up. Comparison really is the thief of joy, and I have been robbed many times. But as I started jogging off the start line this year, I realised I was just… enjoying it. Moving forwards, without counting time or distance. Right now, that is enough, but maybe I should put some light runs back on my agenda.
Where Gävle Comes Alive
The best part of the evening had nothing to do with running.
After the race, we spread out picnic blankets in the park to enjoy our picnic. Sweden is so good at picnics, our hamper included bread, spreads, cold meats and cheeses, snacks and juices. More than enough food to go around. Around us, dozens of other groups were doing exactly the same thing. The park hummed quietly with the joy of having achieved something together.
I’ve lived in Sweden long enough to know that belonging doesn’t happen overnight.
Conquering the language takes time. Understanding the culture takes time, but one thing I quickly learned is to appreciate the turning of the seasons, and to know that there are certain signals for each one. For many, the Valborg fires are the start of spring, but for me it is Vårruset. For one evening every May, spring rushes in with the sound of 5,000 women running in unison. If you live in Sweden, you could consider joining in one year! You won’t regret it. Unless it’s raining as hard as last year…
Running is such a great analogy for life; whatever’s happening, whatever speed you’re going, just make sure you’re moving forwards. Here’s to the spring and hopefully a great summer!
