I finally got to do what I’d been thinking about for a long time: Masochists Dream in Paloheinä. 100 km over 55 loops. It was everything I hoped it’d be, tough, local and funny.

It was hard. But finishing felt amazing. And the prize? Pea soup. (Last year it was oatmeal, both excellent.)

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Highlights & Hard Moments

• My mom came out to support. Brought coffee, which was very much needed.
• Pre- and post-race: danced at Flow Festival with my partner. A solid motivational boost, though the extra steps definitely added to the challenge.
• One runner listened to David Goggins’ autobiography during the race. Sounded like a brilliant idea.
• Another runner had to take a bathroom break in the woods in the first loop, without toilet paper. The same person also managed to get lost once, even though the track was under 2 km. He endured, finished, and walked away with the story of the day.
• Finland’s professional ultra runner Juuso Simpanen took part, set a new course record, and even had a quick chat with me mid-run. What a figure.