Running for beginners – at a pace where you can still talk

Student Health Services is available to students at several higher education institutions, and students from different universities are welcome to take part. Today’s running group, which meets outside the Student Health Services premises on the Frescati campus, consists of three master’s students from KTH. They each have their own relationship with running, but today they are here for the same reason: it is easier and more fun to get out and run together.

A gentle start to running

For Sricharani, getting into running has not been straightforward. Back home, swimming was her main form of exercise. When she started running, she pushed herself too hard and had to take a step back.

"At first I ran too much and I actually hurt my shins. Then I had to stop and now I feel like I've found a better balance."

There is no set pace or distance that participants are expected to achieve, which suits Sricharani.

"For me this group felt like a good way to get started. There is no pressure to run a certain speed or distance, and we get to know other students."

There is no requirement to attend every time. The goal of reaching five kilometres is not set in stone either, Charlotte from Student Health Services explains. Each run is different depending on who takes part.

"The pace should be relaxed, so that we can talk to each other at the same time."

Conversations along the autumn trail

Today’s run starts, as usual, at Studenthuset and heads towards Stora Skuggan in Norra Djurgården. Autumn colours are everywhere. The sun is shining and the air is crisp. Soon after the first few steps, the conversations begin.

Sricharani and Hriman are from different parts of India and got to know each other through the same master’s programme at KTH. They are now in their second year and both hope to pursue a PhD after completing their master’s degrees.

For Oscar, running is a way to find solutions to problems and take a break from stress. But above all, he enjoys being outdoors and discovering new places.

He was already used to running before he moved to Sweden and wanted to find a way to stay active while studying in Stockholm.

"I really enjoy this sort of social running and the nature here is very beautiful. For me it’s quite exotic coming from Mexico."

During the run, jogging is alternated with walking. Four minutes of walking are followed by three minutes of running. The conversations continue throughout. The relaxed pace leaves space for talking about everything from running and nature to personal stories.

Hriman says that he initially saw running as a complement to his badminton and squash training. Today, he sees running as more than just cardio exercise.

"If I don’t run at least one day, my week doesn’t feel whole and that something is missing."

Movement, energy and new connections

After around four kilometres, the group is back outside Studenthuset, where the run ends with everyone sharing their thoughts and reflections.

Whatever their level, everyone seems to take something away from the session: movement, new energy and new connections. Perhaps it is the combination of a relaxed pace, nature and having someone to talk to that makes it easier to get out and run. All at a pace where you can still have a conversation.