Mathias is a 30-year-old police employee living in Copenhagen with his girlfriend and their two young daughters, aged 5 and 1. While his daily work at the Copenhagen Police keeps him behind a desk, his life outside of work is far from sedentary. Mathias has always been active - playing football throughout his youth - but since starting a family, he has found new ways to stay fit without compromising time at home. In the summer of 2024, he rediscovered running, and it quickly became more than just exercise.

“I know myself well enough to know I can’t stay inactive,” Mathias explains. “I love challenging myself and exploring what my body can handle. Running gives me energy, but also a sense of calm. It helps me reset so I can be fully present for my kids.”

For Mathias, running has become a way to balance the demands of a busy family life with his own need for activity and mental clarity. His mornings begin early, with the task of getting his daughters ready for daycare and nursery school, a routine that already includes movement as he cycles or runs alongside them. Even after a full day at work behind a desk, he prioritizes family time - playing, cooking, bathing, and putting the children to bed - before heading out for a run.

His running schedule is flexible, adapting to the family’s needs. Some evenings, he runs while the children sleep; other days, he fits in a run immediately after completing his parenting duties.

"It can get pretty late sometimes,” Mathias admits, “but I’ve learned that consistency matters more than timing. Even short runs or late-night sessions count.”

Running has become a vital way for him to recharge and find balance in his busy life. It helps him clear his mind, release stress, and regain energy, so he can return home fully present for his daughters. While he no longer competes on a football team, the discipline and routines he developed through years of sport now serve a new purpose: giving him the mental space and patience to be a calmer, more engaged parent, and to truly enjoy the everyday moments with his family.

“Mathias was our very first collaboration at Toujours Actif, and we’ve been working together ever since. To me, Mathias perfectly embodies what Toujours Actif stands for. A classic (and undoubtedly amazing) family man, balancing the demands of work and family life, who uses running as a tool to find calm and generate energy so he can be the best possible father when the next day begins.

- Sebastian (Founder of Toujours Actif)

For Mathias, running is about balance, energy, and inspiration. He channels his natural high energy into a healthy outlet, finding peace in the solitude of his runs while also enjoying the shared moments with running friends. He also sees running as a way to set an example for his children.

“Even if they don’t always see me run, they know I do it. And when they see me complete races, I hope it inspires them to pursue their own goals,” he says.

His biggest running achievement so far came at the Copenhagen Marathon 2025, which he completed in under three hours.

“It was my first marathon, and many thought it was too ambitious,” he recalls. “The last 10 kilometers were the hardest I’ve ever experienced. Crossing that finish line was an incredible moment of relief and pride.”

Mathias’ motivation comes from a combination of personal growth and being a positive role model for his daughters. Running allows him to take care of himself, release stress, and maintain energy, while also demonstrating to his children the value of dedication, consistency, and an active lifestyle. He aims to get back to around 70 kilometers per week once his home renovation project is complete, striking a balance between his own well-being and being fully present and engaged as a father.

For Mathias, running apparel is about much more than performance or technical features - it’s about how clothing makes him feel and supports his lifestyle. He values brands that emphasize inclusivity, community, and functionality, rather than flashy designs or performance obsession.

“I like brands that create a sense of belonging, where everyone can join regardless of pace or experience. That’s how I see running,” he explains.

What draws Mathias to Toujours Actif is that the brand shares his approach to running - simple, inclusive, and focused on the joy of movement rather than performance. The brand’s focus on simplicity, comfort, and versatility aligns perfectly with Mathias’ approach to running. Whether he’s out for a quick evening run, preparing for a longer race, or spending time at home, Toujours Actif’s clothing supports him in every context. For Mathias, the brand embodies a sense of community and acceptance: running is for everyone, and it should feel accessible and enjoyable, no matter your speed or experience level.

His favorite items are the running t-shirts, which he wears not only for training but also at work or at home.

“I love that I can put on a Toujours Actif t-shirt for a run, and then wear it at home or at work without thinking twice—it just works and feels comfortable no matter what.” he says.

They provide comfort, confidence, and style without compromising practicality - a combination that allows him to move seamlessly between his active lifestyle and family responsibilities. Ultimately, Toujours Actif reflects how Mathias wants to live his life: embracing activity, prioritizing well-being, and fostering connection with those around him.

Mathias’ story demonstrates that running is much more than exercise - it’s a lifestyle, a way to connect with oneself, and a source of inspiration for others. Through running, he has found personal balance, built resilience, and created an example for his children and other parents who want to maintain an active life amidst family responsibilities.

“Find joy in your running,” he advises. “It can come from community, from setting goals, or just from being out on the road. It doesn’t matter if it’s distance, pace, or frequency - what matters is that it brings you happiness and a sense of accomplishment.”