Erik (54) runs his 100 marathon during the Oslo Marathon

Stress-free zones, rhythm and patience are what make Erik Wennemo (54) tie his sneakers and chase endorphins on a run. Although he will soon cross the finish line for the hundredth time in the marathon distance, it is never the time that has made the 54-year-old sign up for the marathon time and time again. On the contrary. For Wennemo, it's much more about the contrasts that running gives him.

- When you go out completely, that's when you feel that you are alive! And it's not just about the race itself, but also a lot about the race itself. To enjoy the week before, feel the excitement, feel the excitement during the race itself and to be able to enjoy completed races afterwards!

There are so many aspects to a race, says Wennemo, whose running career began in the 90s.

Erik during the Oslo Marathon in 2015.

- A neighbor of mine took me on a run, and even though I did not find the joy of running right away, I found the joy of not stressing with an activity. I eventually found a good rhythm on our runs, and felt that my body responded well on these trips.

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Variety is the key

Soon Erik will be in the 100 club. A club for those who have run over 100 marathons. He himself does not know what the next goal is. But how much running does it really take to get to the 100 marathon? To keep your motivation up?

- Do I run a lot? NO. Do I do a lot of strength training? NO. Do I ski a lot? NO. Do I do a little of everything? Always. YES. Because I like it! If I only ran, I would not have made it to my 100th marathon. I like to think that I will be equipped to cope with the strain by exercising varied. Two to three running sessions per week, two to three cycling sessions per week, two strength sessions each week. Zero stress, only joy.

And when people ask him about time?

-It's fun to focus on the occasional time, but that's not what's important. The important thing is to find what you like. What works for you. Get the experience and try it for yourself!

Erik in the flow zone during the Vestfold marathon in 2017.

No. 100

On Saturday 21 September, Erik Wennemo is on the starting line for a marathon for the 100th time. However, he has not thought much about the celebration yet.

-I rarely celebrate after a race. Maybe I drive home and treat myself to a burger and a coke on the way, but it varies. Sometimes I have a beer or three. I eat and drink what I feel like there and then. It is the first day after the lion in me appears and I throw in my food.

You will soon be running your 100th marathon, but how can people who have NEVER run a marathon be able to think that "I can do this!"?

- I am so concerned about stress-free zones in everyday life. Do not stress . We must eat right, sleep right, do everything right to be best prepared. If you have to wait for the day you are equipped for the "optimal session", you will never get what you want! Get started, sign up! It is completely harmless!

However, finding the motivation when there are a few kilometers left is not always as easy. Wennemo especially remembers a marathon where the kneika came after 35 km.

-Then I really had to learn to enjoy myself when it hurt. But there was one thing in particular that got the motivation up again. As I feel my legs howl after standing on my knees, I see a guy with a sign that says "Think of something good, banana or stuff!". That sign made me laugh at the same time as I somehow managed to bring out a little extra motivation the last few kilometers!

Just do it

Deciding to run a race should not really take that long, Wennemo believes. You just have to do it! Yes, for how long are you going to ponder? It's nothing to think about! If you sign up today, you have plenty of time to enjoy yourself! And remember during the race, think of something good, banana or wad!

Sign up for this year's marathon here!

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