By Magnus Thorud

It has now been a month since Camilla decided to run her first marathon. Initially, it has been about getting into the good training routine and finding joy in running. Camilla has so far clearly been fine, although she has occasionally also felt on a busy everyday life where the doorstep mile has seemed long. Some of the running sessions in her program have therefore become difficult to complete, but Camilla has nevertheless been good at finding alternatives such as cycling and skiing to maintain continuity in her activity level.

Going forward, it is essential that Camilla continues with the good habits and that in the long run she gets off to a good start in building the basis for what will eventually become an upcoming marathon form. So how's it really going with Camilla? Has it been easy and maintained continuity and focus or has she left her running shoes in favor of Quick Lunch and Easter marzipan? She tells:

«The running shoes have been charging all Easter! It is true that they have been replaced with ski boots, and they have been allowed to ride. With glorious sunshine, fantastic ski slopes and a trip to the mountains, the choice was easy. And I would have lied if I had not admitted that there has been both beer and sausages around the fire and a good dose of Easter candy. The winnings have definitely gone up in the spinning. But now it's over. It's back to hearty dinners, and regular exercise program. I even went home from the cabin a day earlier so I get a run on the last day off. But being allowed to go on lovely ski trips with poodles and friends in the glorious Easter sun, the Easter run at the cabin and hours around the campfire with icy feet were worth the break. Both the shoes and I are charged, so now I will do as Magnus says.

Camilla and Magnus tips for strangling the doorstep mile / getting started again after Easter:

1. Put on your training clothes, and half the job is done.
2. Have a training partner or two. It's easier to get out when there are more of you.
3. Plan your workout. Decide, for example, that you train on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so that it becomes part of your regular routine.
4. Decide on the time of day. Preferably before or directly after work. After dinner is not recommended, as it is tough to get out in the evening after 9 meatballs with brown sauce and mashed potatoes. Interval training is also not fun when you have to taste dinner in your stomach for the second time.
5. Think 10 minutes at a time. If you manage a minimum of ten minutes, you are guaranteed to manage ten more, etc.
6. Vary the training. This is how you avoid it becoming monotonous and boring. It is allowed to exchange a run in favor of something else.
7. Get new exercise equipment. Buy new sneakers, a jacket, heart rate monitor, compression stockings, etc. That make it easier to get out of the doorstep to test the new equipment.
8. Use an exercise app. There are several training apps, both in combination with your heart rate monitor and separate ones that give you exciting data about the training. For how many steps did you actually spend on that mile?
9. Have a fixed trail. It is an advantage to have a fixed course to run on the days when you feel unmotivated and creative. Lace up your shoes, let your legs go and just run your regular 5 kilometers.
10. Remember that you will never regret a run. No… is there really a runner who has done it? But, watch out for the traffic and be kind to those you meet on your way!

Good trip! Regards Camilla and BMW Oslo Marathon Ambassador Magnus Thorud