Hold on to Swimrun

by | Apr 3, 2020 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Swimrun

These are strange times. Every part of life is affected. Even the swimrun part. One month ago I was on Catalina island in California. Sitting really close to other people, hugging other people, drinking from the same cup as other people! Can you imagine?! One month ago – could just as well have been in another galaxy …

I was on Catalina island as a participant in the first American Ötillö world series swimrun race weekend. As the boat left the island I knew I had some special memories stashed away. But I had no idea how special. What we took for granted that weekend is far, far away from reality today. We knew we were lucky to be there – we had no idea how lucky! Traveling to another country, experiencing a new place, making new friends. Taking part in a great sports event. I could not imagine that could be taken away from me, in just a couple of weeks.

But. The world did not end. This is (probably) not Armageddon. I will do another swimrun race. The question is not if but when. Our world as we know it has been put on pause. So what do we do with this pause? I won’t get into the economical hardship or even the fear of someone close to me dying. It’s a bit much to grasp at the moment. Let’s take something smaller. Swimrun. Let’s all have a good think about swimrun. Why are we doing it, what makes it so special? To me swimrun is just the perfect mix. Adventure, sport, challenge and fun. It lets you experience new breathtaking places you probably wouldn’t have gone otherwise and it lets you be part of a group of people, a community of fun-loving nutcases fueled by adrenalin and laughter. And yes, theres usually a bit of beer drinking involved as well.
Here in Sweden we are fortunate to be able to access our forests and water as usual. Unfortunately the water still has a little bit of ice on it … But as soon as the temperature come up – just a little bit – swimrun will go on in Sweden. We might not be racing for a while, but we will be swimrunning!  Staying a towline’s length apart we can even keep the social distancing going! (everybody brings their own cup …).
To the ones of you in quarantine today – the day will come when you will be allowed to roam free again! Until then, suck up all the inspiration being shared across the internet, try a new exercise routine, become a mental ninja, master of mindfulness …  Maybe some of you will even emerge from this stronger than before! Will there be butterflies coming out of their cocoons as the quarantine is lifted?!
I think this period of strangeness will deepen our love for the sport. Not just the racing part of it but the adventure. The lust to just get out there and run and swim to wherever!
Ötillö is the origin of swimrun and the two guys behind it, Michael Lemmel and Mats Scott have made it a habit of delivering hugs to every person making it across the finish line. It’s been a few thousand hugs. There will be more, that I’m pretty sure of. Just not right now. Even if swimrunning can be combined with social distancing, swimrun racing can not. It just wouldn’t be right. I want my hug.

 

Catarina Remires Axelsson