100KM ULTRAMARATHON end

The grass sped away under my feet. The song ended as I passed the finish. People were clapping and smiling. He was there smiling. I was smiling. The sun was setting.

I felt nothing but pure adrenaline and energy! No tiredness or collapsing. Just pure happiness and sense of achievement. I had done it. And it felt absolutely amazing. Better than anything else! I couldn’t stop smiling. I couldn’t help jumping up and jogging over to get my medal take a photo and give my special supporter a huge hug. It was one of the most incredible moments of my life so far. Ecstatic! Indescribable! I try to describe it, but no words or descriptions even begin to cover it when I remember back to how I felt. I never felt happier and more excited!

I came out from the finish line area, still the biggest smile on my face. We got some water, my bag, and food. Set up camp by a birch tree on the grass. Photos. A good stretch. Hoodies and jackets on to stay warm. And relax. We spent an hour or two there, watching more people finish, soaking in the atmosphere, drinking hot chocolate. Then home.

... Best day ever :)

Sunday after a long sleep we had brunch outside in the gardens and just relaxed. A walk in the park to stretch out the legs. Then a sports massage in the evening. And a little bit of Finnish Fazer chocolate, the best chocolate, saved especially for the ultra :D

... Best weekend ever :)!

Post Ultra Reflections…

I absolutely love running! Especially long distance running outside on the trails with nice varying scenery. It is something I want to do more of. Not only running more outdoors and different routes during training or ‘normal’ times. But also in more (and longer) ultra running events. It is an amazing way to see the world and to see parts of the world that not many people get to see. I love nature, the outdoors, scenery, running, and getting lost in my own thoughts.

I have realised and am amazed and thankful for what my body and mind can achieve. I can reach goals that I or others might not have thought possible. By pushing and testing limits. And it is definitely worth doing! The happiness and sense of achievement is indescribable.

However it has also put ‘normal’ life into perspective. Training as hard as I was training for this ultra is not sustainable for everyday life… Neither in allowing me to do other things worth doing and experiencing nor in my body being able to do it forever. Yes for big goals like this it is doable and I think should be done! But normal day-to-day life I think I can tone down the “strict routine” a bit.

Both for being healthy lifelong and in training for big goals, all aspects of a healthy lifestyle need to be incorporated. This includes sleep & recovery, movement & exercise, nutrition & hydration, and mindset & belief.

Do what you love, is your passion, and makes you indescribably happy!