*Editor’s Note—The story of the most amazing thing I’ve ever done in my life will wait until tomorrow. Preempted by something even more incredible.
We stopped in Paxton on Friday morning to show my dear sweet Katie Ole’s Restaurant, that Nebraska institution. Fate is funny that way.
Today I share the tale of Bjorn Soneson of Stockholm, Sweden. Born in Gothenburg, Sweden, a retired economic reporter for the largest Swedish daily. Sixty six years old and the most amazing runner I’ve met in my life. At the end of my interview I asked, for the very first time ever, the question. “May I please have your autograph?”
Bjorn began his coast to coast trek in Los Angeles in April. Running 30-35 miles a day. Every day. Always visits the American namesake of his birthplace, Gothenburg.
Bjorn reached Gothenburg yesterday morning, in a mere 45 days, a Swedish National Record. Completely self contained in this little stroller. Walking the uphills. Usually (weather permitting) starting at 9:00 in the morning and often running until 6-8:00 at night. His one rule is no dark running. The reason is a cultural one. In Europe people are outside, walking or working. In America, they are in their cars and in a hurry. Another difference he noted is that during daylight hours, “People are so encouraging.” And he likes people. And trusts them. In fact, insisted that he “must trust everyone so that fear doesn’t take over.”
There have been others to traverse the United States. I think at least one or two Nebraskans may be on that list. Bjorn respects them and they serve to motivate him. But none can touch this iron man of endurance. And speed. Still running a 3:34 marathon at age 66 with eyes on 3:20 in his next.
Bjorn is in the process of crossing the United States for the Fourth Time. This will be a new world record, he will be the first and only person to accomplish the feat. Another amazing runner however, Jessica Goldman is trying to also be the first to achieve the remarkable. You know they are keeping their eyes on each other. She is a few days behind him right now, this is going to be an interesting next few weeks. He will wind up in NYC on August 1st, a 100 day crossing.
Another thing that makes him so simply amazing is he ran the first three times completely solo. No sag, no swag, no nada. And outside of the occasional curious, he’s done the same this time. One other person has done the trip 4 times, an American, but with a support crew. His biggest support? His wife back in Stockholm. And his 5 kids. Three of which will meet him in NYC and run the final 30 mile leg with him.
Here are my favorite quotes from the interview.
“I’m completely unsponsored.” When asked what he learns about himself on these trips, “There are solutions to every problem.” And, “This is a mental thing, not physical, absolutely.”
When asked what motivates him to do this, “Searching for Freedom.” “Struggle every day is hard, but get back to the hotel and forget everything.” “Logistics are the most difficult, weather and mechanicals with the stroller.” “Running is easier than being alone.” “You must like to be alone.” “You must have very big confidence, I never worry or doubt that I will make it.” Even if some days he is “Like a zombie.”
I’m going to set up a facebook page for you to follow Bjorn and he is inviting everyone to join him for some miles. He is running 32 miles today, from Lexington to Kearney, all on route 30. I’ll have his complete schedule later today and will post it there and here. NRGE will be running with him as he nears Lincoln and moves East. I hope you too can spend some time and miles with the most remarkable runner I’ve ever met in my life.
Our facebook page where you can track Bjorn and join him for his World Record attempt! https://www.facebook.com/BjornCoastToCoast Thank you for liking and sharing this incredible man’s feat!
Here is Bjorn’s personal link where you can track his progress: http://www.suneson.se Be sure to click the English flag in the upper right hand corner to read in English.
And for those even more interested in the Coast to Coaster’s, http://www.usacrossers.com/
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