MARATHON MAN

He has run thirteen marathons and is still planning more, so how does New Balance’s Fredrik Lindgren keep on running after all these years? We chatted about training routines, how he picks his running shoes and what keeps him motivated as he runs these long distances.

I did my first marathon in New York, two months after 911…
It was a run I will never forget. I was standing there at the start line and there was the major of New York making a speech about the tragedy that had just unfolded. An experience that I will never forget.

I have run so many marathons now…
I have just run my 13th marathon this year in Boston. They don’t get any easier, but the shoes get better! As I get older, I know more now than when I started and how much I need to train so it doesn’t hurt as much. Oh, and I have my great shoes.

I follow the same training regime and it works…
Every Friday morning at 5.45 am I run eight kilometres with a friend. My office is close to the river, so I love to run there, it’s great. I also love to run in the forest. I have so many shoes so really, I can run anywhere. I mix it up to keep it interesting.

My favourite season to run in is…
I love to run in a warm climate. I like it when it's warm, around 20oc is perfect for me. A crisp clear, morning, blue skies are just fantastic.

My favourite destination to ever run in..
Bondi to Bronte in Sydney, Australia. You just pinch yourself when you’re there. I am a huge Australia fan, and to run next to the ocean like that. It gave me goosebumps and still does when I think about it now.

My favourite marathon is...
New York, it’s just outstanding, and you see new stuff each time. Running 44 kilometres is boring but I’m a big New York fan and love running marathons there. I’ve been 25 times now. The people are so friendly and motivating.

I have so many running shoes…
You don’t want to know how many I own. The first comment my girlfriend said was you have more shoes than me. I have so many, and they are in the attic too. But I suppose working for New Balance for 10 years, I would have.

My running challenge is to...
Gain more speed. I train at the gym to get stronger legs and core. But what I have a problem with is speed. I need to do more intervals to pick up the pace. I think it’s harder to do on your own as the faster you run the more it hurts, so I need to increase the pace for marathons here.

I prepare for a race by...
Eating properly for two weeks before, no junk. I’m a big pasta fan, meat, and fish. I also try to hydrate more before a race with lots more water. The closer I get to a race, I get nervous of course, but I try to eat and sleep and drink properly. Carb loading a bit.

On the morning of a race, I…
I love a bagel with egg, cheese, and bacon because it works for me and keeps me going. 

After the race I refuel...
I dream of a six-pack of Budweiser, ha that’s what keeps me going. I just eat well afterward and make sure I have hydrated enough.

I would never wear new clothing for a race…
I did it once in Boston. I wore new shorts and regretted it. I always tape my nipples to prevent chaffing. You must test your apparel before your race, it’s so important. 

I always choose a running shoe...
Based on protection. Whether you are running a half or a full marathon there will be a lot of hurt, so your feet need protection.  You want your race to be fun and not feel pain. Look for the shoes that you believe in and don’t take a gamble. Be 100 % sure about shoes.

I run without music…
It’s because running is not so much fun when you must run a lot. If I run without music, I train my brain. Seventy-five percent is all about the mind 25% is about the body. The more bored I get the more prepared I am for the race. It helps me get in the zone. When I ran the Boston in 2016, I wanted so badly to do it under four hours, the brain always says, ‘don’t run you are tired’. To give me something to think about I started to count from a high number, in English and out loud. After 1,020 the people who heard me must have thought I was mad.

My advice for a nonrunner…
That would be to say, prepare yourself and give yourself time. If you can prepare in good time, with lots of workout schedules you will be ready for the race. It’s a big challenge and it isn’t easy. This will give you the best chance to have a good experience.

I keep on running…
Even if I don’t have a marathon coming up directly, I run 30-40 kilometres a week to keep my running fitness up and to keep a good base. I never let it get too low and then I build from there.  Three months before a race, I go for longer runs say a half marathon distance or at least 30 kilometre runs so the body and mind can start to prepare for it.

Running makes me feel…
Amazing. It’s a big thing for my mental health, and of course my physical health, but nothing makes me feel so good as going for a run. When I go for a run after work, I feel fantastic. It clears your head. I’m a better person after a run. I’m more balanced.

Running makes me feel…
Amazing. It’s a big thing for my mental health, and of course my physical health, but nothing makes me feel so good as going for a run.

In partnership with New Balance