Running became a way to become my body’s best friend!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div> Hilda Kirkhoff; a lovely colleague, master baker, and trail runner!<\/p>\n<\/div> 2024 is the year I turn 30, and it feels fantastic. I come from B\u00e5stad in southern Sweden but moved to Gothenburg 3.5 years ago. I am a West Coast girl all the away, and love living close to the sea. My favorite place to run is home in B\u00e5stad along the coast and on Hallands\u00e5sen. I have been working for ESS Group for four years, and today, I am a Product Manager at Home of ESS.<\/p>\n In 2019, I was contacted to apply for ‘Hela Sverige Bakar’ (The Great Swedish Bake Off) by the production team as they had received tips about me. Initially, I was flattered, but my first reaction was no, I don’t want this. I didn’t have the courage to be judged in front of a million viewers. However, the pandemic broke out significantly around this time, and everything felt uncertain. So I submitted an application, and then everything started rolling. The whole experience was a great journey, primarily for building self-confidence, believing in myself, and performing at the same time. But, as they say, after numerous recordings and heats, it became clear that I won ‘Hela Sverige bakar’ in 2020.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> What made you win in 2020? <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div> I am an incredible competitor and have the strength to focus entirely and go full throttle. I have been very active as a competitive equestrian in show jumping throughout my upbringing. I made good use of that during ‘Hela Sverige bakar,’ both in terms of keeping my nerves in check and focusing on the right things. I always think holistically in everything I do, from presentation to story and delivery. My baked goods usually always have a connection to a memory or a family recipe, and the presentation should be appealing and match what is being served. That was my strength throughout the competition.<\/p>\n<\/div> When you’re not baking on morning news or managing your Instagram, you work full-time at Home of Ess. How do you find time for your training?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div> I would say I make time to train because I know how good it makes me feel. Training is my way of relaxing and doing something unrelated to work. I try to stay active in my daily life; I walk an hour to and from work every day. Then we have a fantastic gym at Jacy\u2019z in G\u00e5rda, Jacy\u2019z Sport Club. Here, I usually spend my lunch breaks, both in the classes led by Michele and on the treadmill. In addition, I attend group classes on weekends and run around Delsj\u00f6n in Gothenburg.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> When did you start running?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div> I started running more consistently in 2023. That year was a time when I chose to focus on becoming one with my body. Throughout my upbringing, I had an unhealthy perception of body ideals, and I was tired of the way I belittled myself. Instead, I wanted to become strong both physically and mentally. Running became a way to be my body’s best friend without focusing on weight. I have always loved being outdoors, so trail running became more of an experience than a workout. I did some trail running when I studied at the Restaurant and Hotel School in Grythyttan. It was magical to run in the enchanting forests of Bergslagen. Last year was truly a huge personal development for me, in the way I respect my body and all the challenges I set for myself.<\/p>\n<\/div> Would you call yourself a runner?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div> Well, maybe more of a happy recreational runner \ud83d\ude09 But when do you really become a runner? Regardless, it doesn’t matter that much to me; it makes me happy and proud \u2013 that’s the most important thing!<\/p>\n<\/div> You ran the F\u00fdri Trail 18 km in its inaugural year in 2023. How was your experience?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div> Absolutely amazing! We swam in waterfalls the day before the race, setting the tone for the whole weekend. The race itself was beyond anything I had experienced before. To witness the Norwegian mountains in late summer was stunning; it started snowing halfway up the mountain, and the sun peeked out at the end. It was truly a powerful experience that I look forward to doing again soon.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Can you give your best tips on how to have a great experience at F\u00fdri Trail?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div> 5 Tips from Hilda: \u2022 It’s important to watch where you step, but don’t forget to lift your gaze now and then and take in the surroundings.<\/p>\n \u2022 Book a dinner afterward \u2013 nice to celebrate with all the participants after the race.<\/p>\n \u2022 Equipment is important, and if you’re not an experienced runner, it’s good to find out what can help you on the trail. Good headphones, a vest, a cap, good shoes, and proper layering of clothes.<\/p>\n \u2022 I hadn’t run 18km before I went to F\u00fdri Trail, but it went really well. Trail running is not about running fast for me but being able to endure. So a tip is to train to be on the trail for a longer time with a steady breath; then you’ll have a magical experience. The first hill of 1.8 km is long and tough, so take it easy at the beginning.<\/p>\n<\/div> What does a training week look like for you?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div> I’m ramping up my running now when it’s brighter outside and the evenings are a bit longer. Before this, I do strength and cardio workouts at the gym. I train 5-6 days a week, combining both strengths, running, and group sessions.<\/p>\n<\/div> Now that you know what to expect in Hemsedal, will you prepare differently for F\u00fdri Trail 2024?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div> I will approach it with the mindset that it’s not about presentation but joy and the fantastic experience. I was a bit cautious last year and didn’t really know the course; this year, I have more insight into tougher and less challenging sections during the race. So, I will probably challenge myself a bit more and dare to push a little harder where I know it’s possible to increase the pace.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> How many races do you have planned for 2024?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div> This year, I will run G\u00f6teborgsvarvet, V\u00e5rruset in G\u00f6teborg, Tjejmilen Lindvallen, Idre Fj\u00e4llmaraton, and, of course, F\u00fdri Trail. Possibly some smaller races because they are fun in between.<\/p>\n<\/div> It’s popular to bake your own bars to take on the run; would you like to give us your best recipe for a bar that provides good energy?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div> I haven’t actually tried baking my own bars, but I will definitely give it a try. I’ll get back to you if I come up with the optimal F\u00fdri Trail bar.<\/p>\n Finally, do you have a «dream race» that you absolutely want to do in the future?<\/p>\n I would like to run in Engelberg, Switzerland!<\/p>\n You can be inspired by Hilda on instagram. Follow her here<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Get tips, inspiration, and exclusive offers delivered straight to your inbox.<\/p>\n<\/div>Q&A with Hilda!<\/h3><\/div>
\n\u2022 As the happy recreational runner I am, the most important thing is to enjoy it, let go of performance pressure, and savor the fantastic experience.<\/p>\nJoin the F\u00fdri Trail Community and become a part of our inspiring network.<\/h3><\/div>