A Mother's Classic - Approaching her final stage in the Women's Classic and the Rosa Bandet race

Can you briefly tell who you are?

My name is Angelica, I'm a mother of two children (2 and 4 years old), work as a project manager, and live in Skåne. As a beginner, I have taken on the En Svensk Klassiker Tjej this year. And now I'm facing the final stage - the Rosa Bandet race!

In connection with this, I started my Instagram account EnMammaKlassiker to share my journey and hopefully inspire others. Because there must be more people like me, right? Those who struggle with the daily grind, life with young children, but at the same time harbor a dream to challenge themselves, learn new things, and break barriers?

What made you take on the challenge and participate in a Tjejklassiker?

Yes, it wasn't obvious to take on a classic. We rewind four years. Pregnant with my first child and struggling with the pregnancy. Nausea so bad I could barely get out of bed. I thought an active life was no longer an option now that I was going to be a mother. Then came my little sister. A journey that involved fatigue and exhaustion, sick leave. What remained was a body I no longer recognized and the little energy I had was given to the children.

But one day I stumbled upon a vlog with Anna Haag and Emil Jönsson, two former elite skiers who had become parents. They talked about an active life, and it awakened something in me. I thought: If they can, maybe I can too?

So began a thought, a dream, to crystallize. I would challenge myself. Cross-country skiing, cycling, swimming, and running. As a mother of young children and a beginner. Under completely different conditions than before. Could it be possible?

Which race has surprised you the most?

Oh, that's tough. Maybe the Vansbro Women's Swim. Up until then, I had only managed to take three consecutive strokes as an adult, and only in a pool. This was open water, something that felt scary. But once I got into the water, got used to the temperature and found my rhythm, it went well – and I emerged from the water with both a medal and a taste for more!

How is the preparation for the Rosa Bandet race going?

I dare say I'm sticking my neck out here by claiming that things are going quite well, haha! It's fun! And I'm really looking forward to the race and everything around it. And of course, I hope to finish with my classic!

The training itself continues to be three sessions per week, with varying duration and heart rate. I am keen to maintain a well-rounded training routine, although there is naturally more focus on running now. I'm also trying to incorporate some hill training - I've heard that it can be a good idea before the race!

What is your best advice for someone who is going to complete a classic for the first time?

There is much one would like to say here. But a piece of advice is to let the execution be an achievement in itself. It's easy to focus solely on time, pace, or ranking. However, I would like to raise our gaze and see what one actually succeeds in doing. It is indeed an amazing achievement, regardless of which classic one completes!

When it comes to training, I believe in consistency. If one can reason that 'it doesn't have to be 100% every time, but 100% of the times', I believe one will succeed.

For my part, I have been surprised several times when I've managed to break personal barriers. Achieved more than I thought was possible. For that, it's certainly an exhilarating feeling.

Best of luck!