Training in Iceland
February 2010
By Gunnlaugur Juliusson
Ultra-runner
I’m a 57-year old economist, resident in Reykjavík. By coincidence I found myself taking part in a fun run in 1994 and had hardly run at all before then. But this sparked something and in 2000 I ran my first marathon, the first of around thirty. In 2003 I took part in a 55km wilderness run across the Icelandic highlands and the following year I took part in the 100km Bornholm run in Denmark. But in 2005 I jumped in at the deep end with the famous Western States Endurance Run in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains – the oldest and best known 100-mile run in the world.
Since then, I haven’t looked back. After that run, I have competed in 6-hour, 24-hour and 48-hour runs, as well as the 246km Spartathlon run in Greece that is seen as the world’s toughest and longest. Last year I took part in a six-day run from Reykjavík to Akureyri, and ran a marathon on the seventh day. I have completed 100km runs in the open as well as on running machines. This sport has long since become part of my daily life and my lifestyle. This has taught me to develop discipline, to set myself clear goals and to seek them out. Running has improved my health and my diet. Running has changed my life for the better in a great many ways.
In Iceland there has been a serious increase in interest in running in recent years. More and more people have discovered the secret of gaining strength by going out to run, feeling the sweat start to prickle and filling their lungs with clean, fresh air.
The choice of places to run is becoming steadily more varied. There is a mix of the usual street runs and off-road running through wild and remote areas. The off-road runs are as varied as they are many. There are opportunities to run in highland areas among varied landscapes that include brightly-coloured hills, hot springs, sharp peaks, glaciers and deserts. You can run alongside a galloping glacial river or along the seashore under high mountains where the horizon seems endless. The opportunity to get to know this country in this way is something that nobody is going to forget. I have to admit that the temperature can sometimes be on the low side, but it is rarely so hot that running can become uncomfortable. Iceland’s weather is changeable and unpredictable, but this is one of the surprises that this country offers.
Take these points into consideration:
1. Iceland’s air is clean and fresh, which makes a big difference to a runner.
2. The temperature is mostly suitable for both street and off-road running.
3. Off-road running gives you the opportunity to experience some magnificent sights of nature in an unforgettable setting.
4. Travelling around the country presents no problems and the rate of exchange is very much in the traveller’s favour.
5. Running is a great way to get to know new places and people. While you’re running, we’re all friends.
Suitable clothing is essential for off-road running in Iceland. Weather conditions are changeable and this can happen quickly. Runners need to have both sun cream and rainwear handy. Good shoes are also necessary for difficult terrain. Windproof underclothes and warm clothing can be vital for running in the highlands.
There has also growing interest in the Ironman competition. Until recently, Icelanders went to other countries to compete in Ironman competitions, but now the first such event will be held in Iceland shortly.
Reykjavík is an ideal location for those who want to train for an Ironman competition, as distances are relatively short and there are no difficulties in getting around. There are plenty of swimming pools to train for the swimming element of the Ironman. Sea swimming is also becoming increasingly popular and facilities have been improved in recent years. New cycle and running tracks have been prepared and Reykjavík has no shortage of gyms for indoor training if the weather takes a turn for the worse. Clean air, short distances and easy access to training facilities mean that those who need to train hard for an Ironman competition will find Reykjavík an ideal location.
For further information about the training trip to Iceland, how to get there and accommodation, please contact All Iceland at info@alliceland.co.uk or by phone 020 7717 1670 or 020 7928 0946.
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