Stepping Into Spring: Our Vårruset Experience 2025
- patricia alvarado
- Jul 29
- 2 min read
As a Zumba instructor, I’m on a mission to promote movement, health, and well-being in every possible way. And sometimes that means stepping outside the studio—literally.
That’s why this year, I invited my students to join me in participating in Vårruset, a women-only spring race that has taken place in Sweden since 1989. Over 10,000 women in Stockholm came together this year to walk, run, and celebrate the power of movement in community.
For many of us, it was our first time joining a public race, and I knew it could feel intimidating. But I also knew we had to do it—for ourselves, and for the experience of growing beyond fear.
🏃♀️ 5km, One Step at a Time
We decided to walk the 5 kilometers, taking our time and enjoying the journey. It took us just about an hour, and while the weather wasn’t ideal—it was chilly and grey—our bodies warmed up quickly through movement and laughter.
The real reward? Crossing the finish line together, despite the cold, and knowing we had done something empowering as a group.
🧺 The Picnic & Unexpected Treats
After the race, we sat together to enjoy the traditional Vårruset picnic—a wonderful reward that brought even more joy to the experience. We tasted a variety of sponsor products, including:
🧀 Mozzarella cheese
🍖 Salami chips
🥤 Flavored soda water from Loka (peach and pear!)
🍞 Sourdough bread with sunflower and flax seeds from Friazer
It was amazing to see how many brands supported this event, highlighting the growing movement of companies investing in women’s wellness.
💜 Supporting a Cause That Matters
Vårruset also proudly supports Tjejzonen, Sweden’s largest non-profit support organization for girls aged 10–25. Their mission is to ensure that every girl feels heard and to improve mental health among young women across the country.
It felt good to know that by participating, we were not just moving for ourselves—but also standing up for the rights and well-being of others.
🌟 Final Thoughts
This event reminded me that movement can take many forms—and every step matters. Whether you're dancing in a Zumba class or walking a spring race in the cold, what counts is the intention, the community, and the feeling of achievement that follows.
To my students who joined me: thank you for saying yes. To those still wondering if they can do it: you absolutely can. And this is just the beginning.
As we head into the autumn semester, we’ll keep challenging ourselves to step outside our comfort zones—together. I’ll continue looking for new experiences that inspire, uplift, and help us grow in movement and in life. Let’s keep moving forward—side by side, with purpose and joy.
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