Meelis Kalda: "Die Hard Spirit" at Swedbank Tallinn Marathon

A First Race That Became a Tradition

 

Meelis has been a loyal participant in Tallinn’s Sügisjooks (Fall Race 10 km) for decades. His first race took him on a 10 km course in Rocca al Mare, an experience he remembers fondly. "The atmosphere was amazing, and the course was great for running," he recalls. That first run sparked a tradition—returning year after year to compare his times and enjoy the experience.

 

Interestingly, his fastest 10 km time is still from that very first race—44 minutes and 30 seconds!

 

Over the years, many people asked him when he would step up to the half marathon or full marathon. His response was always the same: "Someday, when I’m ready." That day finally came.

 

Three Distances in Two Days—How Did It Start?

 

"It all began in 2019 and 2022 when I ran both the 10 km and full marathon back-to-back. It felt surprisingly doable,"Meelis says. "By summer 2023, I thought—why not add the half marathon too? If two races were fine, let’s go for three!"

 

But things didn’t go quite as planned. Just a month before the 2023 Tallinn Marathon, Meelis suffered a rib injury in a triathlon cycling accident and had to take a full month off from training.

 

"It was tough because I’m used to constant movement. But I had an agreement with myself—and my doctor—I would only race if I felt good," he says.

 

Despite the setback, Meelis completed all three races in 8 hours and 9 minutes. A year later, he beat his own record—finishing 73.3 km in just 7 hours and 38 minutes!

 

A Special Training Plan or Just Mental Toughness?

 

Does a challenge like this require a strict training plan? Meelis’ answer is refreshingly simple:

"No coach, no strict plan—just listening to my body!"

 

He doesn’t just focus on running; he trains year-round in multiple sports, including triathlon, swimming, cycling, hiking, and ski marathons. "These all contribute to my overall fitness and prepare my body for endurance challenges."

Leading up to the race, he gradually increases his training load, getting used to running on consecutive days. But he also finds time for creative endurance challenges, like his "Die Hard Spirit: Tallinn Tunnels Challenge", where he walked through every tunnel in the city—51.63 km in one day and 20 km the next!

 

 

Which Is Harder—The Physical or Mental Challenge?

 

"Definitely mental!" says Meelis. "Physically, your body adapts step by step. But mentally? The doubts, the questions—‘Can I do this? Should I stop?’—those never go away."

 

The toughest moment comes on Sunday morning, at the start of the marathon. His body is still recovering from the previous day’s 10 km and 21 km. The first 3–5 km are the hardest.

 

"But once the momentum kicks in, it gets easier," he says.

 

While most runners rest after Saturday’s race, Meelis spent three hours lying in Hirvepark, watching the clouds before his next start. "The best recovery is doing absolutely nothing!"

 

Most Memorable Moments on the Course

 

His proudest moment?

 

"Finishing my first full marathon in 2019 and having my son put the medal around my neck. He had just run in the We Run Tallinn youth race himself. That was special!"

Meelis also makes a point to thank the volunteers and organizers on the course every year. "I’ve done every Sügisjooks—sometimes as a runner, sometimes as a race marshal—so there are familiar faces everywhere!"

 

And if you’ve ever spotted a runner in a bow tie outfit, that’s Meelis. "It’s become my signature look. And yes, I’ll be wearing it again in 2025!"

 

What’s the First Thing He Does After the Finish Line?

 

"Smile, thank the volunteers, and eat. A lot!"

His recovery routine? Food, cold showers for his legs, a massage roller, and light walks.

"The muscle pain is temporary, but the pride lasts forever!"

And there’s no time to rest for too long—just one week after the Tallinn Marathon, he’s already gearing up for his next race in Tartu.

"It’s a tradition now—I can’t miss it!"

 

Solo Trail Running or Big Race Events?

"For training, I prefer the forest—it’s easier on the knees and clears the mind. But races? Those are for reuniting with my fellow running friends!"

 

If Your Two-Day Running Challenge Was a Movie, What Would It Be Called?

 

"Die Hard: Tallinn Edition!"

Meelis' story is proof that when your body and mind are strong, anything is possible.

 

Ready to Set Your Own Running Goal?

Register today and join Meelis at Swedbank Tallinn Marathon!

 

Register here