Mens sana in corpore sano
I took on this challenge to increase my fitness. Why? I mean, it's a lot of hard work.
The increased paycheck makes us happy - until we find out that the cousin earns more. The new ineterior decoration at home makes us happy - until we see our neighbor's super nice spa-area. The happiness from material things don't last for very long. Blame evolution for that. The brain functions which control aspiration operate partly independent of those that control satisfaction. Part of the brain feels pleasure, the other part wants more. Paradoxal. We are hardwired to push on and tackle new challenges. Pushing for a frontier rings true deep down the soul. Evolutionwise it enhances our fitness for survival. Happiness is the imaginary goal that gives our strivings direction and purpose.
Taking on new challenges that develop yourself is climbing that Stairway to Heaven.
Running of course has the added benefits of dopamine, endorphine and anandamide - not to mention prolonged life (statistically 7-12 years). Legal cool healthy drugs and more life. B-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l. I think it justifies the hours spent in labor.
So here is my stairway!
June 14th 2011
Six day trek in Lapland - 70 km hike.
July 2nd 2011
Paavo Nurmi Marathon - Half mara.
September 3rd 2011
Helsinki Midnight Run - 10k.
February 2012
Marathon del Meridiano - Trail marathon.
Spring/early summer 2012?
Suggestions? 2-4 day 80-150k running event in hilly/alpine terrain wanted. Considering the Pony Express, but it's quite flat.
September 2012
Goretex Trans Alpine Run - Eight days of running in alpine terrain. The Alpine Run Challenge.
Milestones program is subject to change, due to unforseen realities.
"Spring/early summer 2012?
ReplyDeleteSuggestions? 2-4 day 80-150k running event in hilly/alpine terrain wanted."
You can always come with me up to Lemmenjoki and run the trails there. I'm actually considering going already this summer if you're interested. Not as hilly as the alps but quite hilly as far as Lapland goes. And who knows, maybe we'll find some gold on the way :)
Btw. Is anyone besides me actually reading this blog...? ;)
ReplyDeletehehhe.. according to stats some 110 pageviews since start. Unless you'v been visiting multiple times from the U.S, Austria, Germany, Sweden and Mauritius (apart from Finland) I guess there are some lurkers :)
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