Debutant in a half marathon with a strong history!

Debutant: Lene Forthun, 26 years 

Where were you born and where do you live?

I am originally from a small village in the innermost part of the Sognefjord called Årdal, but have moved a little further out into the fjord, and now live in Sogndal

What is the reason why you are now running the Oslo Marathon for the first time?

One and a half years ago, I spent 7 hours driving away from everything that was called friends and family on detox. As part of my follow-up, I was offered training with the drug / psychiatry service in the municipality. This is how the "project half marathon" started for me this winter! It has given me indescribably much both mentally, as support to stay drug free, better sleep, and I could still for hours on all the benefits. Now I sit with my stomach full of butterflies and count down the days to what I have both dreaded and looked forward to the last six months, half marathon during the Oslo Marathon 2015! Now it is the little voice at the back of my head that says that I can finally prove to those around me that I am capable of something, which is the extra driving force towards the sprint.

What are you most excited about regarding the race?

Right now it's if I can stop getting sick, since I currently have a sick child at home…. on the whole experience!

What is the most fun thing about running?

The feeling of freedom you get when you finally manage to run several kilometers in a row, you feel almost invincible! When you find the flow after the first couple of three kilometers, and can only run on autopilot and let your mind fly, delicious! Not a concern in the world!

Have you set any goals for the Oslo Marathon?

Right from the start, it was just a matter of getting through. Then we set an early goal of 3 hours, since I saw Truls Svendsen managed it in approx. that time, hehe. I should match it! Now I hope I can get through in 2 hours. It may hold hard, but it should be possible if things go as planned! At least it had been completely raw!

MONICA
GUTUEN

AMBASSADOR

Age: 45

Residence: Bærum

Distance during the BMW Oslo Marathon 2020:
I run half, and of course aim to have the widest smile all the way.

Previous participation in the Oslo Marathon:
«10 for Grete» 2013, Half Marathon 2014 and 2015, 2017 and 2018 and marathon in 2019.

Three words that describe me:
Outgoing, Smiling, Energetic

Instagram: @muddylicious