David Bjurvald Gistedt

Name: David Bjurvald Gistedt

Job/location: Salesperson at Naturkompaniet and personal trainer/coach at Vagnhallen Göteborg

Age: 37

Instagram: @davidbjugis
 

How do you view training and health?

For me, training and health can be equated with an "=" sign, regardless of which word comes first. Training gives me good health and makes me capable in everyday life. Health, in turn, allows me to train continuously over a long time and take on fun adventures and challenges, big and small!

How did you start running?

I grew up far out in the countryside, and since running is so accessible, it has always been a recurring element in my training. Just lace up my shoes and head out, simply. 

Do you have any special ritual before a race?

No, nothing special really. I plan and prepare everything I can control and influence myself and replenish with good energy and a good mindset/thoughts.

What are your best recovery tips after a tough workout or competition?

For me, it's hard to beat a sauna where the heat reminds me of Mount Doom in Mordor followed by a cold bath and then a few rounds back and forth. For me, it gives a wonderful calm and control.

Follow it up with good food, snacks (preferably chips), and sleep, and I'm satisfied!

On days when you don't feel like training, what motivates you to do it anyway?

Motivation for me is quite fleeting, it comes and goes. However, I know that I don't always have to feel like training to get the workout done anyway. Over many years, I've learned that I feel best in both body and mind when I train regularly and allow myself to be a little uncomfortable.

Which Topo shoe is your favorite and why?

I like to run with MTN Racer when I'm charging around trails in forests and thickets because grip is important on the west coast (due to all the sun we have, there's a lot of condensation that creates mud and makes stones wet) and that's where MTN Racer is "Megagrip". In the city and on my short/medium-length daily commutes, I like to lace up Magnifly because I like zero drop where the terrain is flatter.