Chasing Passion: Victor Urquhart Smångs’ Approach to Running and Coaching

About the Running Career

In 2016, Victors brother-in-law called and asked him to take his spot in Midnattsloppet, due to him being double booked with a wedding on the same day. Despite not having any running experience, Victor agreed.

With a few runs and a pair of basic running shoes, he stood at the starting line. Despite the lack in preparation he ran in on impressive 37 minutes. But it was not until 2019, at age 33, that Victor seriously began to consider investing in the sport. A nagging thought had lingered since that first time he ran: What would happen if he actually trained properly?

Although his career took off late, Victor has had an impressive development. From being a relaxed hockey player with a love for surfing and snowboard, he has now embraced running as his primary focus – with the goal to cut seconds each year. In less than five years he reached his current personal best of 28:57 and his peak is not yet reached. 

Challenges During His Career and the Importance of a Clear "Why?" 

Victor has encountered many challenges during his running journey, but his way of handling them has been as inspiring as his accomplishments on the track.  

– I have gotten pretty good at looking at the bigger picture. The goal with running is to find out how good I can get, and that is a long-term goal.

The past few months have been trying, with sickness and aa autumn in which the training has not been possible to complete on the level he wished for.

– But I am convincede that there will be times ahead when everything is just right, he says with a confidence that testifies to his long-term perspective. 

He believes that many runners and coaches can get discouraged if they don't reach their goals. For Victor it is a reminder of why he does what he does. 

What Is the Driving Force to Continue the Hard Training Every Day?

To Coach Tomorrows Runners

Passion and drive is also what Victor is looking for in his adepts. His coaching business has grown from his impressive results and the reach he has built through Instagram ans the podcast Runners FM together with Andreas Almqvist.

– You do not need to have elite ambitions to become on of my adepts, but you have to be prepared to give 100% and integrate running as a part of your lifestyle, Victor says. 

He points out that motivation and passion is necessary for success  – no matter if the goal is to run a marathon under 2.10 or to run the mile under an hour. 

Victor considers his work as a running coach as one of the most inspirational one can have. 

– When you have someone who is dedicated, fun to work with, and who truly wants to develop, it is amazing. But it can be challenging if someone is not willing to do the work. The purpose of a coach is to contribute to a healthier population and develop tomorrow's elite runners – two completely different things but with the same drive. I notice how unhealthy a big part of the population is right now. I believe it is due to people not moving enough and eating unhealthy. That is why it is important to get others to move and be more healthy, which I feel is a bigger calling long-term than my own runnning.

Which are your best tips for those who just started running?

About Personal Style and the Importance of Correct Equipment

It is hard to miss that the personal style is an important part of Victors persona, not least to help build his own brand but also to stand out during races. The mustach, the fully tattooed body and the punk everydat style is a part of his unique signature. 

When it comes to equipment, Victor has always been careful about the details. He is extremely interested in materials, which does not only apply to running.  

Victor enthusiastically talks about how he came in contact with his sponsor On. 

What Does the Shoe Rotation Look Like?

Victor brings up the importance of not training too much in shoes with a carbon fiber plate since the foot has its own movement pattern, and a carbon fiber plate can limit the development of the feet and lower legs.  

Is There a Vision That the Journey Is the Goal? 

Vicotr's running journey has just begun and even if he has already achieved countles successes, his goal is not about reaching a final goal. To him, the most important part is to keep on developing and keeping the passion alive – both on the track and as a coach. But surely there is a concrete vision? Confidently, but still very bumbly, we are finally told that the initiative is valid until at least 2028.