Helsinki Street Run

[C3PO]

I visited Helsinki last week for a convention, and managed to combine it with the Helsinki Street Run, a 17K event through western Helsinki that was part of the Helsinki City Marathon weekend. We had had a fairly hot week, with temperatures picking up at the weekend, so I was a bit anxious when I headed out to the race. The announcers kept telling us that a thunderstorm was on its way, saying wouldn't it be nice to have a little rain to cool us down?

I ate a salad and a bread roll 2 hours before start, then followed this with half an energy bar while I was waiting for the race to start. I hadn't overly hydrated, as I find it difficult to drink much before a race. I didn't see many people carrying sponges. I haven't raced somewhere completely new for a while, and if it hadn't been so hot, it probably would have been a fairly easy race. It was fairly flat, and most of the small hills were up and down bridges. We ran through the city, suburbs and lovely parks. I did slightly better than the St. George's 10 mile race in that I didn't stop until 4K. I also took advantage of most of what they offered along the route. They were handing out raspberry gels, and they were much easier to eat than the ones I tried last week. I accepted water and sports drinks. I even stopped one place where I thought they were spraying people with water, but as I left the area, I saw that sign that said "Ice Power. Against muscle pain". I didn't have any muscle pain, so I don't know what effect it would have had, but it did cool down my legs and make them a bit tingly. The one thing I didn't take from a refreshment station was the huge pickles on offer. They were definitely something new.

So I basically repeated my St. George's experience, walking and running, even getting in a decent pace late in the race. I wasn't the only one walking. Lots of people were. So it didn't feel too depressing. My spirits were also lifted by the wonderful Finns cheering us on. Even when we were out in the middle of nowhere, if there was only one or two people by the road, they would clap and cheer me on. Of course I didn't understand what they were saying, but it was really nice. Norwegians have something to learn here - they just stare at you.

The elite marathoners caught up with us at 10K, and we merged with the rest of the marathoners at 14K. After running in such a small group for a while, it was strange to suddenly be in a busy pack again.

My husband and a group of our friends were on hand towards the end to cheer me on as I ran into the sports arena where the finish line was. It was really nice to hear them announce my name and country as I ran to the finish line. I was immediately greeted with a bottle of non-alcoholic sparkling wine, then plenty of snacks (no more pickles, though).

I completed in 2:10, which wasn't too bad, considering the conditions. But I think I should avoid summer races that take place during the day or afternoon in the summer.

Best of all, the storm didn't break out until 1 hour after I finished, when I was back at my hotel. It was a horrible electric storm, and I felt really sorry for the marathoners who were still out there. The storm brought down several trees in town, so I hope nobody got hurt. So much for the nice storm to cool us down!

Little update! I just found this video of the marathoners during the storm. youtube.com/watch?v=fmIKhRv...(Not working as expected?)

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

My goodness, that video is quite terrifying!

Wow, well done you!! Weather aside, it sounds like a lovely race, nice medal too

[Tomas Marathon]

Kudos to the people who continued to run in weather like that. That must really have challenged their dedication, I don't think that I'd have carried on to be honest.

Glad you had a good time, and well done, it sounds lovely (at least for those who finished on time). Except for the pickles. What is that about???!!!!

[C3PO Marathon in reply to Tomas]

Somebody suggested replenishing your salts.

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to Tomas]

There have been some studies the results of which suggested that drinking pickle juice was somewhat helpful for muscle soreness, and some other things. I don't know about the quality of the research though

[ju-ju- Marathon]

Oh my goodness!!! Wow welll done that is a fantastic time too... and I think pickles are supposed to help with cramps, I don't think I could stomach them either!!! It sounds like a well organised event and running in the heat is so incredibly tough. Huge well done 🏅

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

That sounds great! well done, and pretty medal too! that storm looks pretty horrific, brave souls out there

[misswobble Marathon]

Crikey! That's scary! Mind you, you just keep going if you're nearly home and dry 😃 If there are people on hand to help then that would be reassuring

Pickle juice is restorative. Also, Eastern Europeans, and maybe Scandinavians, use it in bread. I should think it would be lovely used like that 😋

Well done on another half! 💪😃 Bling too! 😃 Well done 🏅

[C3PO Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Yes, Scandinavians use it on bread, usually a slice on top of pate. I can't stand the stuff, myself, but that's what an international upbringing does to you.

[AndyD Ultramarathon]

Wow amazing.. Running in the rain is OK... But there are limits!

Nice bling... Well deserved 🎖🏃🏆