This interview was made in July 2023, in the middle of Vilda's Swedish Classic.
Vilda is a true explorer who likes to challenge herself and try new things. She recently appeared in SVT's documentary series Snövita drömmar, which invites us on a fantastic ski adventure in one of the most remote places in the world, Greenland. Now she is in the middle of completing a Swedish Classic (En svensk klassiker: four endurance races in one year). When she is not skiing, cycling, swimming or at the gym she runs her own business as a marketing consultant and creator.
You are one of four women in Snövita drömmar. Tell us about the adventure, and why should we watch?
We are four women with different backgrounds, from different parts of the world, who all love skiing. That is our common denominator, what brought us together and made us start planning this trip. SVT got wind of it and asked if they could come along, which we all said yes to straight away. The adventure is about so much more than skiing: about the longing for adventure and for something bigger, about daring to try and experience something completely new, and inspiring others to do the same. Something thrilling and an adventure that cannot be predicted. The series offers everything from skiing, sailing and ski touring to amazing experiences of nature.
Pick one of the wow moments from the trip
Seeing Greenland from both land and sea. First sailing and then touring from the shoreline up to high, beautiful peaks, and being met by incredible fjords and views. Hard to beat!
And the worst?
When we were snowed in because of bad weather and could not move on as planned.
What is your training and health philosophy for coping with such an active, sometimes physically extreme, lifestyle?
For me most of it comes down to good sleep, I need at least eight hours. I eat everything, as colourful as possible. I train daily, but it does not have to be extremely hard training: some days it is a long walk, other days road cycling, running, gym, and when the season allows cross-country skiing and ski touring. Rest for me is usually active rest, like cleaning, while on other days I choose to just watch series all day. A sensible dose of sleep, food, training and rest, quite simply, to last in the long run.
You are now completing a Swedish Classic. What drives you?
If you had asked me ten years ago whether I would do a Classic you would have got a flat no. During the pandemic I did a run streak, running for a while every day, and realised that running does me a lot of good mentally. One thing led to another, and when the suggestion came I did not hesitate to say yes. I am not really much of a competitive person, but I have always had a strong drive, a "go get it" attitude. It is fun to challenge yourself and see what you can do.
What do training and preparations look like before the races?
Put simply, more volume of everything. Before Vätternrundan we did a long ride every Sunday plus one more cycling session a week, two to three hours each time. The point is to get as much time as possible in the saddle, or in your running shoes before Lidingöloppet. And to fit in strength training once a week.
You are a role model for many who follow you on social media. How does that feel?
I love bringing people together and both being part of and creating community. That is the beauty of social media. So it is a lot of fun to help inspire others to maybe dare a little more and end up in new contexts.
Who would you recommend we follow?
Sophie Odelberg, photographer and adventurer. And Emelie Nilson, a funny mum of small children on TikTok who simply makes me very happy, and who lives a very different life from mine.
We know you use Curam's massage cups. Do any of them usually come along on your adventures?
They are all so easy to both use and carry, so I often bring all three. But if I could only choose one it would be the dynamic cup, and the oil. I always use it when I sauna, and happily on the sofa after dinner while watching a series. It is the perfect travel companion during long hours on the road to wake up the legs, and for recovery after physical activity.
Thank you for the chat, Vilda. We look forward to following you on your coming adventures!
Vilda's travel companions
- Curam Dynamic Cup – for legs and thighs in the sauna, on the sofa and on the road.
- Curam Body & Massage Oil – for the glide.
- All three cups and the oil in one bag: Recovery Kit, with a guided course and a 30-day recovery programme.
Also read How to use massage cups for training, yoga and recovery.
