Green Smoothie

Green smoothie is my usual breakfast, and sometimes lunch as well. 

Blend any water, greens, fruits, berries, seeds, roots and seasoning you like.

Just add running.

It's not about the Hokas

Seven years ago I got plantar fasciitis which refused to go away. I tried everything. Nothing helped.

Then I heard about a new rad running shoe Hoka One One. Apparently a couple of guys had left Salomon in France and developed this new brand for mountain ultra running.

In spring 2011 I unboxed a pair of Bondi B. They felt big and weird. People pointed at these 'clown shoes' and laughed at me.

I began running longer and longer daily in Hokas. One day my pf was gone. Time to fly, as the slogan goes.

I've run a lot of alpine ultra trail races in various Hoka models since. Not all of them were faultless. 

For example, the 2014 Stinson Evo was an ankle-twister. But I'm not complaining as I managed to finish Lavaredo Ultra Trail, Eiger Ultra Trail and Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc with them that summer.

What I love in Hokas is the 'meta-rocket' design that tips at the ends, the 'bucket seat' for your foot inside the midsole and the half-cm heel/toe drop. They are also relatively lightweight for their size.

At the end of the day it's not about the Hokas. But without them, there probably wouldn't be any of it for me. So thank you Hoka One One and let's keep on rocking together!

Spring Training Report

Spring Training Report: smooth hard rock base, looking bright ahead.

After the winter is over, you can always keep on trailrunning. Just add ultra!

laSKIainen

Laskiainen (Finnish) = Mardi Gras (French) = Fat Tuesday (English).

In Shrovetide we Finns lap up pea soup and play in the snow like crazy.

Nordic skiing is my usual thing to do this time of year.

I simply love the freestyle. Classic style: not so much - after finishing Vasaloppet 90K years ago in Sweden, I cut my classic skis and burned them in the fireplace.

Now with new skis around that don't require too much waxing, I might return to classic technique. Except skating seems too much fun to give up anymore.

Anyway I skated 25K in fairly nice, slightly too warm weather.

I do recommend cross-country skiing for trailrunners. It's a great whole-body workout and easy on the legs.

Breaking Through Pre-race Jitters

My pre-race jitters before UTMB felt as massive as the Alps.

Like many athletes, I get my fare share of pre-race jitters. Judging by the number of articles on this issue, there's a real war on event anxiety going on.

Let's face it: your body is not an idiot. The race course seems to have an insane amount of distance and elevation. It's not going to be easy, and everyone knows it.

If you feel powerless against mighty mountains, realize your fears are like ripples on the surface of a lake.

Deep down the water remains cool and calm. Take challenges as a chance to explore your possibilities.

Ultras are 90% mental, and the rest is up to your head. A scared mind can play dirty tricks on you.

I believe The Barkley Marathons RD Lazarus Lake calls this phenomenon Quitter's Talk. Get over it.

Some of my best performances have occurred after horrible (but hilarious in hindsight) preludes. When you break through threatening obstacles, that's when you really grow.

Listen to your body, but don't believe all your thoughts. Don't worry too much. The pre-race jitters will soon pass after the start. Focus on executing your race plan and have fun out there.