I tried running a 1/2 MARATHON race with NO TRAINING | Longyearbyen, Svalbard

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Can I run a half MARATHON without any training? Well, there is just one way to find out - we are running the Spitsbergen Half Marathon, one of the World's Northernmost Races! With 1 degree weather and Polar Bear guards along the course, I aim to just FINISH the 21km (13 miles) race! Let's see how this goes?! I hope you enjoy this video, thank you so much for being here! ✨☕️
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About Cecilia:
Cecilia Blomdahl is originally from Sweden and moved to Svalbard 7 years ago. She works as a photographer and videographer in Longyearbyen, and with her social media channels. Check her out on tiktok and instagram under her handle @sejsejlija! Here on youtube she posts videos about her daily life in her cabin with her boyfriend Christoffer and her dog Grim, living just outside of Longyearbyen. Subscribe for videos about her daily life as well as adventures on an island close to the North Pole. They have polar bears there!

[@marchepolly]

I am the girl with number 220 who is pretty often in the footage :) It's really impressive that you could do such a run without preparation! Congratulations, and thanks for the video. It was very interesting to hear your story and feelings :)

[@CeciliaBlomdahl]

OMG I tried to find you on social media after the race because I wanted to say thank you for being my pacer person (without you even knowing about it haha)! You were the best to run behind! 🙌🧡

[@samanthafranklyput]

Now I’m cheering for both of you!!!

[@LindaKayHolevas]

Great job! Anyone who finishes a half marathon is a hero in my book!

[@mehmetucar3685]

❤

[@LKJONES0406]

How cool !

[@lindachampion4171]

I am elderly and partially disabled now, but in my younger days (back when the earth's crust was still cooling 😉😄) I was a swimmer. I felt an incredible sense of freedom and well being in the water, and I miss it terribly. While watching you running, so strong and so healthy, I almost felt the runner/swimmer euphoria again! Thank you for sharing your experience, Cecilia.

[@traceybartlam7737]

I used to run and I really miss it. Nothing makes me feel how running used to. I fast walk every morning though and that makes me feel better - just not as good as a run 😂

[@CarinaPiersay]

😆 the earth was still cooling?

[@Karyn1000]

Swimming is a great exercise for older people. You should try it again. Water aerobics for seniors would be perfect for you!!

[@arianaconnor8208]

Have been there ! Good on you , i am feeling the leg pain 😂 and so cold your my hero 😊

[@maryannschuetz5155]

You should be SO PROUD! Thank you for taking me to the only 1/2 marathon I will EVER experience!!! 😬

[@susanstovell7737]

WELL DONE. That's a an awesome medal. I'm 62 and in a months time I am running my first 25km trail run in the Franschoek mountains. I am training hard for this scary dream. So I hope you will continue to run ,you have fabulous scenery. Congratulations on your run.

[@cqbarnieify]

I’m older now, but back in the day I ran almost every day. When one runs enough, it almost becomes a form of meditation. Thank you for this video. I’m proud of you for your enthusiasm and tenacity.

[@sjb723]

So insightful! That's the only way I made it through training for a 500 mile bike ride! Thanks!!!

[@asifyoucare]

I trained for a half marathon and still came in almost last place because I had an injury.....so good for you!

[@julietyler8864]

Well done for finishing the race, injury and all ❤x

[@carochan86]

But you finished.

[@kinga5102007]

As a runner I can tell you - what you did without any running....is beyond impressive! Really! Good job!!

[@marshalowman1611]

I love how when you commit to something you see it through!! So proud of you friend!!!🎉

[@CeciliaBlomdahl]

🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶

[@cdn0199]

Meanwhile I'm laying in bed trying to muster the energy to get up to make a cup of coffee. Basically the same as doing a 1/2 marathon, right? ....Right!? (Ps - thank you for the videos. Longyearbyen seems amazing and these vlogs are like mini-vacations!)

[@deedeemommy2312]

😂😂😂😂 sameeeeeeee😅

[@bethb7965]

Same here!😁

[@CeciliaBlomdahl]

Hahah YOU CAN DO IT 😂🎉🙌

[@moda78z]

I just vacuumed. I’m just as sweaty as after a 1/2 marathon. Does that count? 😁

[@NurseMJ986]

@@CeciliaBlomdahl You are awesome. After a 12 hr ++ shift on my feet and a very busy night, I feel the same as you after that half marathon. 😂

[@markhepburn501]

You are such a wonderful storyteller. You tell stories about yourself and your life and your skill at storytelling makes watching and listening most extremely enjoyable and entertaining.

[@jacquelinelewis2110]

I’m dying to know Cristoffer’s reaction to you deciding to do a half marathon with almost no training…I imagine something like, “hm…well…that will be interesting…” 😅

[@CeciliaBlomdahl]

Hahah he is my biggest cheerleader his first reaction was "you can easily do that 🤝" 🙌😃

[@jacquelinelewis2110]

Awww ❤ we love Cristoffer! Couple goals! 🥰

[@Ashlee1985]

@@CeciliaBlomdahl So sweet!!!

[@BE-bs8oe]

Yeah, he always is about that Cécilia is soooo strong! However it will be good to be breathless because of his (delicious cooking ???) Video and not because of running fast to try to keep up with Miss Blomdahl ; - ))

[@BE-bs8oe]

Icewoman!!!

[@DivineSparkStudios]

Cecilia you’re so inspiring. Who else would just impulsively sign up for a half marathon? LOL

[@arlievaughn]

I’ve never been able to run any distance so I’m so impressed with those who can and do! Congratulations!

[@carochan86]

Same . I can run maybe a third of a mile without shin splints kicking in.

[@missymaddie3518]

it's all about starting slow! Just start jogging barely faster than you walk and you'll surprise yourself with how far you'll be able to run!

[@JJ.___.]

Haha I run to a bus stop if that counts 🥲😋😅

[@MedusasFeelinSalty]

It's the asthma that keeps me from doing it. I know I'll spend the next 2 days coughing and wheezing. I think my legs could handle it, but the lungs are like nope ✌️ lol

[@vallovesnature8449]

You did very well Cecilia! I’m not a runner. Grade school included. I worked in a mall & a couple of us did WalkAmerica(I was 33). 12K in 3 hours. I was quite proud of myself. Now at 64, I happily stroll on the walking paths. Stay awesome!!❤️

[@pman2916]

Thank you for taking us over the finish line with you. I would never have thought you were dying because you could still talk clearly. Well done Cecilia👏

[@angelicafrangakis4257]

How cute were those girls greeting you at the end with the medal 🏅 .. were they in traditional clothes for Svalbard? Grim and Christof what a support 💜🐶🎉🎉🏅

[@CeciliaBlomdahl]

They were wearing the traditional Norwegian dress called Bunad, in the Svalbard version (they all look different depending on where you come from) 😍

[@donnabaardsen5372]

​@@CeciliaBlomdahl Yes, Stavanger, where I lived, has their own too🇺🇲🇧🇻

[@angelicafrangakis4257]

@@CeciliaBlomdahl thanks for the reply! 💜your channel is always the best to watch . Appreciate you 🎉😊🐶

[@josephbankston4834]

I was cheering you all the way through the finish line! Great job! I love watching you live life: you give us all a new adventure with every video.

[@aislingbooks]

That was sheer grit and somewhat painful to watch, but you DID IT! Wow - impressive. And what a beautiful journey you took us on too - thank you, Cecilia

[@thelaundress11]

Good Job Cecilia! Can’t wait to watch this. Excited for boat season!!

[@seansego]

Very true to not rest on old merits and keep striving to be better. Also was really brave to keep your word and complete the half marathon. Good job!

[@alexisrmoyle]

This brought tears to my eyes - I am so moved by your passion for exercise and life Cecilia! Congrats - what a huge accomplishment

[@DeliaLee8]

I feel you about realizing that those physical accomplishments were actually quite some time ago. Love your honesty and good nature about (lack of) prepping for the race. Super impressed that you completed a half-marathon. As always, I look forward to your next video.

[@ericawhite7502]

I absolutely love your positivity and strength!!! ❤ congratulations 🎉

[@glennk.7348]

I love that you post on Sunday mornings! Perfect time to settle in with coffee and watch your wonderful videos! ☕️

[@loriwhinery3210]

So proud of you Cecilia . You encourage the heck out of me. Thank you for sharing your life! I love it❤️

[@ashipper8223]

Congratulations! I truly love your videos and all the beautiful shots of Svalbard. It's such a treat and I really live vicariously through your videos!

[@susannesamuelsson2930]

Congratulations to you Cecilia and you did it, well done! 👏 It's so very nice following you, Christoffer and Grim on your adventures on Svalbard ( or abroad ). Lots of love ❤, take care! 👋❤🥰🤗🌞👍 Susanne

[@irongrl]

Awesome job Cecilia! Thanks for bringing back so many memories of my running days. I remember every feeling you described and then some! Long distance running is such a great thing to do and you should be very proud! I'm 60 now and I still run some, but nothing over 3-4 miles.

[@georgespencer3973]

Great job, Cecilia! I’m so envious. Thank you for posting the experience

[@cherieb5451]

Cecilia, I rewatched this video today to get inspired after 2 nights of insomnia 😂. Thank you for the motivation to get going outside! I think your frequent strength training made all the difference in your ability to do this impromptu half.

[@Jules-bf2wu]

Love it! That was awesome!💙 You had me rolling at " I took it as I didn't need to train at all"🤣🤣🤣 the race is the training!❤ Now I want to race in Svalbard!😀

[@koololdster]

Love, love, love this! I love how you are real about your lack of training and real about how you love to work out. Please train next year. Looking forward to seeing the difference when you train!

[@CatherineSui-Miller]

Congratulations Cecelia. Kudos to your achievement🏅I am running my first half marathon in July and your video is so motivating. Keep on running!

[@brigitteh1591]

Wow !! I’m so impressed. I loved how you talked us through how you were feeling. Well done Cecilia you should be so incredibly proud of yourself 🙌🙌

[@abbeyparris6243]

So inspirational Cecilia! You are amazing and I’m learning so much from you. Thanks.

[@nanditarodrigues6610]

Hi Cecilia...you're such an inspiration... I absolutely loved this video! And I'm so thrilled you completed the marathon!

[@janiceh4521]

Congratulations! 🎉 Thank you for taking us along. Love seeing your videos in general but this was a good one

[@tiffanyrenton1256]

Congratulations!!! You did it and pushed your way through like always!! That was great to watch and very inspiring!! 🎉🏆

[@maureenconroy6160]

I enjoy all of your videos, thank you for taking us along on your adventures 💕💕💕💕

[@TravelsWithKy]

Cecilia, that was impressive for not having run for so long! It speaks a lot to that you keep up with your fitness and at least work out consistently. Excited to see your progress for when you go to do this next year. You should take us along then too 🎉

[@hollylanevintagetreasures]

👏 👏 👏 Congratulations on your 1/2 marathon!!! Cecilia that's so cool! I'm seriously so impressed you pulled that off! Yes do it again next year!:) Love your sweet personality and sense of humor. :)

[@jennifer6833]

Congratulations 🎉 for making it through the 1/2 marathon race and completing it. Thank you for sharing Cecelia!!! ❤❤❤

[@Beloved613]

Congratulations Cecilia! Way to go! It’s been a few years since my last race. This makes me think about trying again. The pain when you finish can be brutal 😬

[@harryocallaghan8082]

Hey Cecilia, i love seeing your video recommendations pop up. You have a very clear, visionary way of describing yor current life/situation. I'd love to hear you talk more about your time in Ireland and where you stayed and what you did during your time in the country. Keep up the fascinating content! 🙂

[@anthonyvisor8880]

Congratulations on the half marathon!!! Your videos are wonderful!! Thank you!!!

[@mariannegrochol8384]

Congratulations on finishing! I ran a few half marathons years ago (with training) and I never got that love of running. I wanted to like it but never did. I'm excited to see the upcoming boat trips and I hope you will update us on your cold pool plunging progress!

[@LindaKayHolevas]

I am so happy to hear someone else say this. I was a fitness competitor back in my 30’s, so I am no stranger to hard work, but I never got the running bug. I tried so many times because I saw some of my friends competing in marathons & being successful, but I just didn’t (& still don’t) like to run. I guess we all can’t like the same things because that would be so boring! 😊

[@bryanmathison1754]

Thank you so much for this video!!! You lift my spirits!

[@martinecamilatto]

Félicitations Cecilia, quelle volonté ! Un bel exemple

[@melissapetschinsky691]

Excellent job Cecilia. You should be very proud of yourself!

[@aidamartinez6791]

Congratulations, you did awesome!! You were cracking me up with your candor, just one of the things I appreciate about you. Was a fun video to watch 😊❤

[@crystalpowers5648]

Congratulations Cecilia! I am so proud of you🎉🎉🎉

[@marissaconnelly7436]

Running is one of my biggest things so I both love this and would be happily a resource or a pacer or whatever should you ever want! Nice job on the finish Cecelia!

[@markuserikssen]

Wow, good job Cecilia! Impressive to achieve this with little preparations.

[@DaphM-cb3ck]

Amazing! You are a trooper!!! Well done!!! Thanks for sharing with us Cecilia :)

[@76playful]

Kudos Cecilia! This was so relatable -I used to be able to do this / that and not being able to keep up and inspirational - rather than live off past merits, work with what you have now and build on it. While you may not have run, you’re well conditioned - you have mentioned before that you have made working out / exercising a priority and it paid off! Congratulations and thank you for taking us along the run!

[@elizabethpaints]

Congratulations on your run and medal! Looking forward to seeing how you do next year, but that's a long ways off, enjoy your victory!

[@amandaforsyth5394]

I just did my first half marathon in Tromso this weekend and the landscape looked so similar! Was so cool to see you go through this, and super impressive you completed it without training! Congrats!!

[@francisxyz1]

Great job! 🎉❤ congratulations. I’m impressed you push through!!

[@jkat9871]

So glad you shared this with us! It was great!

[@parkershot]

Thank you for taking us along!!! I enjoyed watching your journey. YEARS ago, I did a few inline skating marathons with the intention of training for each one. I never trained for those either. The first one I was with skates that were 10 years old which after completing the race, I was left with HUGE blisters on the bottoms and sides of both feet! I bought new skates after that and still didn't train for the others but they were much better without getting blisters. 😅 I'd love to do another one and even though I'm much older and know better to train, I admit I probably still wouldn't. 🤣 I look forward your next race.

[@phyllismoore8983]

Cecilia? I want you to know I so love your videos. I’ve been fairly obsessed with visiting Svalbard for 8 years or so and you give me some real inside views into the town and your lifestyle. Regards from Missouri, USA.

[@daniellet1073]

Loved this video so much! Congrats!! You've got me inspired to give running a go again too.

[@Mudd_1969]

I just love your humor and the way you express yourself ❤️

[@maureenb6095]

Bravo Cecilia! You did it! Respect and admiration to you! ❤🎉

[@CeciliaBlomdahl]

Thank you so much! 🧡🧡🧡

[@susannechakan4939]

Great job! Thanks for taking us with you. I was a dancer and a yoga instructor and use to run (slowly) for 45 min. never knew how fast or slow....just 45 min. usually listening to music or a something. Now 73 I can no longer run but attempt to walk between 7,000 to 10,000 steps a day and do some energy exercises and some yoga. One has to be where one is....not where one wants to be. ..and then work from there. Love your videos. You have so much energy and positivity. AND. love when you say...OK BYE 💖

[@NYDaughter1972]

Thank you for taking us on your journey! Love to you from NY!

[@1alyssanoel]

Your positivity is so inspiring and your videos always have a way of making me feel relaxed and happy❤

[@jennifermetler2408]

Great job Cecelia! You did great!!!

[@Rozmac73]

Well Done!! Fabulous job Celcilia

[@tarazinn4542]

Great job Cecilia! Very impressive to do without prep! And a great time too!

[@carrieknecht8901]

Cecilia you are amazing! Thank you for the video of your run, you are incredible. 🎉 I love your reckless abandon for adventure and life in general, you are a rare woman. Love you and the men in your life!

[@jenni2422]

Congratulations!!! 👏🎉 Thank you for taking us along!

[@julymoon4815]

Wow! Well done Cecilla what an enormous high, congratulations. Have a superb week. x

[@Christopher-Yabadabado]

This was a great video, Cecilia! CONGRATS!

[@L_24678]

I love your fitness attitude, motivated and chill.

[@theawecat27]

this was amazing!! so cool to watch how a half - marathon works and follow along through the highs and lows of your race. congratulations on getting to the finish line and before your goal too!

[@theawecat27]

you bots are getting lazy

[@manarad8650]

Grrrrrrrreat job cecilia❤👍👏you should be so proud of yourself. The whole story was so impressive

[@lauraswanson3051]

Congrats! This was so awesome to watch! I signed up for my first half marathon in October and I am so nervous! The most I’ve ever run at one time is 5 miles. I just started training, so I’m hoping I’ll improve before October!

[@susanstovell7737]

If your dreams don't scare you then they are not big enough. Go for it. Trail or a road run?

[@lauraswanson3051]

@@susanstovell7737 a road run!

[@mehmetucar3685]

😊😊

[@kristiN1214]

SO proud of you for getting out there and doing it!!

[@Siobhan_Shivaun]

Congratulations on finishing, that's a really cool medal!! I was getting worried about the polar bear situation, but then you mentioned the spotters on the course!! 💖

[@user-lh8pn9nd2z]

Every Sunday, I patiently wait for your new vlog. I like the authenticity of what you show, and sometimes I envy your lifestyle. Home sweet home, it's always better at home! 🤗

[@ainalopez2608]

You are the best cecilia i’ve laughed out loud with this video!! Glad you achieved the race!!

[@elizabethhartshorn8972]

Way to go Cecilia! So inspiring!

[@susanne4028]

Thank you for taking us along. I'm 58 and just started running. Am only at 2km.....still a long way to go...but I already love it a lot. It really is fun.

[@tpwkitomobrien131]

33 isn't old; you're actually in your best decade for endurance sports - so feel free to push it! BTW - I speak from experience. I'm 75 and I still do cycling events; so that isn't too old either!

[@FreyaSkadi]

Love this!! Congratulations!! ❤

[@charlenechua6073]

Happy Sunday Love the caption Congratulations Cecilia on accomplishment a half marathon 👏👏👏

[@kezzien56]

Don’t know how I missed this video I’ve been watching you for a long time and this I have to say is so inspiring to me well done Cecilia 🏃‍♀️❤

[@sebastianharris7808]

Your videos entertain me. Thank you for having this channel!

[@gwynethglas-brown9171]

Huge Congratulations Cecilia 🎉💐 well done yes be interesting to see after your training what your Time is compared to the not Training 🤔. Thank you for taking us along really enjoyed it 😊. Have a Good week 💕

[@pepryan2183]

Well done! 🎉 Amazing for zero prep. 👏 You give me confidence that I can do it too ☺️

[@JJ.___.]

What a scenic run 😍🤩 can’t get much better than this. Good job!

[@laurahodges65]

I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!!!! Way to jumping in and just doing something you knew would be hard!!!!!

[@elisabethe8055]

Bra jobbat Cecilia! Grymt jobbat, du har en vilja av stål! Kanske liiiiite mer träning innan..? :) Imponerande och inspirerande! Hälsningar Soffpotatisen.

[@liamjamescollectiveinclusi2435]

I’m motivated now. Gonna do this. I’m also 33 and ran my last big race in 2015. Weathering a move -to a cooler place. Thanks for the motivation.

[@tvsouzamartins8044]

Congrats Cecília! You even finished slightly faster than your goal and that's great. If you train properly I think you can finish in two hours.

[@CeciliaBlomdahl]

That's my plan! 😃

[@dabarbarah]

I am happy that you did it 👏🏻 you are so like me, I come up with the ideas with such preparing in advance but in the end everything gets fine 😅 the medal looks so cool 🤩

[@adventureswithjosie]

That was awesome Cecilia! Great job completing the half marathon! Your training routine sounds like mine, don't do much before and just wing it on the day lol! I did a 45km cross country skiing marathon a few years ago, with very little training. It was an amazing day and I actually completed it, but it was very rough for a few days after lol!! It's fun to take on these challenges though isn't it?! I love trying new and challenging things like this!

[@jorgenorbertoocampo7408]

Congratulations Cecilia! You did a great job! I'd love run that race in that fantastic place!!

[@lisaarmstrong8752]

Thanks for sharing your experience and congrats !