Join us on a trail running camp in Chamonix, France with Topo Travel in august 2025.
7-august.
Read more here: TRAIL RUNNING CAMP CHAMONIX

Häng med på en härlig löparresa till Chamonix i Frankrike. Vi springer i härligt snacktempo, på underbara stigar, äter gott och låter löparglädjen infinna sig hos alla!

Well, spoiler above, Lina won. :P

Fjällmaraton 45 K Race Report 2024

I had recharged and felt better after the vertical. But I had also, very stupid twisted my knee on a run in Ullådalen. My plan to cheer on the mountain on the 100 k runners that thursday was instead changed to biking to Ottsjö and cheer there, and bike to Edsåsdalen and cheer on them there again. It was a very nice and fun day.

After that I had a day of just chilling to get fit until the marathon on saturday. But somehow my legs just felt heavier and heavier as the day came closer. I felt helpless. But I was also very happy that Lina finally announced she was coming home from adventures in Chamonix! So, she would land at home late evening the night before. So, of course we entered her as well. Twin it to win it! 😀

As I was chilling in the sofa I scrolled through social media as found some clips of Simone Biles performing on the Olympic Games. I’m always so fascinating about the gymnasts. So talented. And she had her crystal dress on and was just a sparkling superstar. I also wanted that feeling. And posted on my Instagram account. “Maybe the sparkling dress is what I should wear on the marathon tomorrow to be able to perform as Simone?” I didn’t think so much about it, but just an hour later I had so many DMs that I should absolutely wear it. So, I called mum and ask her search for Linas and my old dancing glitter shirts. And she found them.

I prepared Linas’ race stuff as well. And that morning we cut the glitter shirts like tank tops. The arms weren’t so comfy, so tank top would do great. We also felt it would fit great because Fjällmaraton celebrated 20 years 2024. So of course we have to shine!

I also got so happy and motivated to run when putting it on. Everything felt so much better. And as we entered the starting area, I think we made other runners put on a wider smile as well.

The race is 46,5 approximately with 4 climbs. Mostly runnable and soft trails.

I was very unsure about my knee, and also had some issues with my calf since Ischgl 85k. I took it pretty easy and controlled the first 8 k, in misty mountains, light rain and humid weather. I didn’t bounce down, neither up the trails as I wished. I felt super heavy and super afraid of my knee, but after some time of sliding in the very muddy trails I felt, “Okay, it works with it, just now, try to run!”

But my running was horrible. Up a trail where I normally feels very good up Renfjället I walked very much and forced myself up. As I was up on the top though, the weather cleared up, and the familiar view of my home made me so happy inside and I really enjoyed running the soft flowy trails there, but I fell, and I fell, and I fell. Laughed at myself that I sled so much in the wet and muddy conditions, but hey, can I please just stand up!?

Mum and dad were cheering on different positions, and many people I know, and also other people were spread out on the course to cheer, and that really gives so much!

I accepted my heavy feelings, but after Edsåsdalen (halfway) I felt a little bit better and could keep a steady pace. By the river it felt like someone shot me in my arm and I shouted out loud “FUUUUCK!!!!!”. It was probably a wasp. Funny though, Lina also got stung on the same arm at the same place and we heard another friend same, and he also talked to another guy, so we must have passed a wasp nest over there.

Up through forests in the extremely muddy conditions. I had three guys behind me. Saying “I was strong”, and I was “a good engine”. But I didn’t take it as a compliment, because I was so frustrated at myself. And I felt they just tried to be kind to me. So, I took a gel, told myself I got hell a lot of energy from it, and left the guys behind me. That felt good.

The course after the muddy forest section is amazing between Grofjället and Hållfjället. I loved that part. You see so much of the Jämtlands Fjällen, and it is just amaaazing. I had such a Runners High here. Felt so good to be home.

After the second last aid station I asked for the salty cucumbers (best on races) and they had it! “You can also have a hot dog if you like” They said. I didn’t take one. Would you? 😛

When it is just about 6 k to go. The course was different from what I thought, I got surprised by a small and also very muddy trail in a thick forest instead of a fav trail on the kalfjäll towards the finish. I like soft trails, but maybe not thiiiis soft and muddy... But I guess it was good for the mental game to train a bit extra. Those 6 k felt long. But had much more energy than in the beginning of the race, so got also a bit frustrated that it wasn’t easy running so I could speed up more.

How ever it was a very good feeling to cross the finish line, I was proud that I continued the whole way even though it felt so bad, and seeing Lina in the finish, as sparkling as I was, as a winner. (I got just off the podium, 4th, but it didn’t really bother me) I had got so many cheerings and still felt like Simone Biles.

The weather was sooo good and we had a swim after what I had been longing for the whole race. And hang around after at home is just something else. Fjällmaraton will always be very Special. Thanks again!

Fjällmaraton

Peak Performance Vertical K Race report

The Fjällmaraton week was in full swing as I got home. During the week there is a 27 k, 12 k, 8 k , sprint, kids run, 100 k, and a 45 k. I signed up the day before, taking the flights from my aunt in Halmstad to Östersund and I came to Åre the day of the vertical, which is always held on the evening. Women starts 20 minutes before the men. (Yey!).

The race is one of my favorites. You better do it! It is a 5 k vertical race with 1000meters of elevation. Parts very steep, but mostly runnable and very “open”. You get the feeling of being on a 2000-3000meters. That is the cool thing about our mountain Åreskutan which measures only 1400 meters of elevation. But it is pretty cool damn mountain we have with thousands of possibilities and endless adventures.

I have run it 2 times before, but last year it was only halfway up the mountain due to heavy winds. This was though a clear day with sunshine and dry land. I was very excited for the race, but my day hadn’t been good at all. My whole “me” felt weird and I just wanted to cry. Some personal stuff had happened during the week, I had lost a close friend, and Lina was climbing Mont Blanc during the night, and day so I was also worried of her, I had some other personal life issues, so my mind was just completely off.

But I tried to be positive and have fun. I wanted to be on the start line and get that feeling of running hard up the mountain with other strong ladies. Be happy to meet friends and so on. But the race was just not fun at all. I got no endorphins in my body as I remembered the other years. I couldn’t help it, but I didn’t enjoy it as I had hoped for.

I have just not so much to say about the race more than that I hadn’t anything to push with. But as I stumbled in under the finish line and sat down on the top of my favorite mountain. Everything just went off me. I felt relieved and happy. And I really enjoyed just sitting there for several minutes. I’m glad I entered the race anyway. The light of the sun beams from dark clouds in the distance, over the other mountains by the horizon was so beautiful I got so sentimental (after doing something hard it is so easy to be sentimental, isn’t it). And it was funny to see other stupid people doing their very best and laying down on the rocks in the finish line breathing hard with a grinning face. By the way, I finished just after top 10, (11th). My best result is 4th 2022.

It was fun to cheer on all the men and the girls who were still on the course, as I went down, and talk to many friends I haven’t seen in a long time. Very fun to race at home even though the race itself didn’t feel good.

You can take the cable car down to the village again. But a friend of mine ask if I wanted to join him and his dog running down. And why not? It was very fun, now I felt good and happy. Love this part! Halfway down though I let them run alone. My stomach cramped and I had headache. But I felt so good running down there. I went slowly and needed just to breathe in silence. It felt like a meditation. I smelled home, satisfaction, relief and some kind of safety around me.

How ever. Pizza was served by Flammans Skafferi, Lena Flaten with company at the square. And I chitchatted with some friends before biking home in light rain. And fell thereafter asleep, totally exhausted in the sofa.

Paznaun Ischgl Ultra Trail 85 K Race Report

Last year me and my boyfriend Hannes took some videos and photos from the courses of the race. We did it together with two other athletes, Anja and Martin, each of us representing one of the four distances of PIUT. I represented the 85 k, Martin the 50 k, Hannes the 30 k and Anja the 20 k. (There were also a 10 k and a kids race).

This was the first edition of PIUT. Same organization have been running the Silvretta Run 3000 some years, which Lina and I took part in 2022. But then it was much gravel and road and a little trail. You should know that Ischgl has some of the most beautiful and breathtaking mountain areas I know. I love the mix between flowy mountain trails and ridges in between glacier and rocky peaks. Very cool. So, with feedback from some athletes a group of people created new courses and formed Paznaun Ischgl Ultra Trail including much more trail into the race.

I’ve been longing for the race since we made the marketing last year, and finally it was race week. Lina would join me on the 85 k with nearly 6000 meters of elevation. For me, the longest running race I have done (except orienteering and PTL). The three of us stayed in Sonne Hotel which is situated in the heart of Ischgl village and offers cute rooms, super service and staff and delicious food. Their desserts are to die for.

How ever, the weather for the race weekend wasn’t very reliable. And after heavy rains some weeks before where trails had been destroyed, the race staff worried about the forecast which showed rain and thunder. They didn’t want the runners to get caught in stone fields avalanches of course. So, in last minute, the 30 k, was completely with a new course, from very exposed ridge running and technical stuff to road running and a part nice trail. Also, the 50 k and the 85 k had B courses, but not that much change as the 30 k. But all runners were excited anyway. And after all, the rain didn’t come during the race hours, just the hours before. So that was a nice surprise.

Exactly like on Iceland I had expected fog and rain, but was instead suffering from the sun once again. But it was indeed very pleasant too. Our race started 02:00 am. My sleep before was very bad, because my stomach completely shut down. I don’t know if it was nerves together with something I ate. Again, my belly is far from my best friend. This time I had to visit the forest about 10 times (no, really, I stopped counting during the race). But let’s take it from the beginning. I’m so good at making the beginning of my race report short, but, here we go:

With heavy rain and thunder in the distance Lina and I gathered with a group of other runners by the bus stop in the dark night. We laughed at each other. What are we doing? Everyone shaking of the cold rain. We covered ourselves in our raingear and ponchos. Soon the bus appeared and took us to the start further down the valley in See. Both of us had decided to run with Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx. Very good shoe for long distance with good comfort at the same time fast and light.

The rain kept on pouring down and the fog was thick, but the mood of most runners high. From being very cold in the rain, as soon as the start gun went off, the rain stopped and it got very humid and warm. It was though very nice to run with the headlamp in the calm night. We had about 8 k uphill on a gravel road. It was a good “warm up” to get into a flow in the night. Lina and I were very glad to have each others company. It felt a bit like PTL but with light pack. We chit chatted all the time and laughed and had a really good time out there. I love night running. The trail began and we ran along the mountain, seeing lights of the villages in the valley far down. But otherwise black. A guy passed us with the comment “So here is the Swedish house mafia”. And there we were, feeling strong and happy. We continued passing the first aid station by a glass hut with pastries and sport drink and the morning became brighter and brighter. It was amazing to look back and see the fellow runners head lamp like a necklace along the mountain side.

Andrea from Iceland had her phone very often in her hand, filming during the Dyrfjallalaup, and I questioned myself then why I hadn’t. So now on this long race I had mine in my waist belt and filmed and took photos. It was fun documenting and gave me more energy and endorphines. You might think you don’t just take up your phone when competing. But hey, why not? It takes a few seconds, and on this race I’m really glad I did. I t is nice to look back on the videos and photos and reexperience the moment.

The flowy trail came into some sharp and very slippery rocks. It was steep on the sides, so we slowed down very much. Lina a little bit too much for me. So here I took the lead and continued to meet the sunrise my own, but aware of that Lina would most likely pass me later on in the coming uphill's.

The sunrise was amazing over low clouds and pink, purple sky. I yet again filmed and talked swedish with who I thought was Lina in my back as I glanced a white tank top. But then I realized it was another woman runner, Marie Luise. I laughed at myself a bit. But then started to speed up and played along the trail. Leaving a gap between us again. It was after the second aid station my belly again started to bother me. I had to find a good spot for doing some private things. As I climbed up from the gravel road on a grassy hill side Marie Luise passed. I apologized for my business going on. And didn’t see her more until the finish line. I didn’t get any flow in the downhill and once the uphill started from Kappl Lina was in my heels and passed. None of us had wanted the day to start. The night had been so perfect. Now the sun started its BBQ. What happened to the rain forecast?!

The heat was one thing, but the climb was so nice too. Even though my belly was fucked up, I enjoyed the trails so much though the fog and sun beams where the high peaks appeared, and a rainbow showed off through some misty clouds. There were all kinds of mountain flowers surrounding the trails and here was I, a happy, but tired runner. So, I did what I know rise my motivation. I put some music on. Just 6 simple songs on repeat. A weird mix, but a mix that made me faster and happier. My “race pepp” list consist of “Better days” with Benjamin Ingrosso

“Highway to Hell” with AC/DC

“He’s a Pirate” with Hans Zimmer

“This is the way” with E-Type

“Langt å gå” with Klovner I Kamp

And “Tacata” with Latyn Boys.

I’m smiling for myself writing down this, you better try the list on your next run!

Back to the race. Even though I felt slow and exhausted, I passed a veeery tired guy, and I hope I gave him more energy with E-Types “This is the Way”. When I’m tired, I always visualize the other competitors around me, equally or more tired that I am, then I feel stronger. I also caught up with Lina and we trotted together with “Tacata”. And now my spirit was so high, so I once again sprinted away from Lina. She shouted “DU ÄR GRYM!” after me, and I kept that as a mantra with me. To be mentally strong is the most important part in ultras. Remember that.

I passed the highest point where we also had had a photo shoot last year. And with good memories and continued running with the loud music on. The downhill was the B-course, a very steep, slippery grassy hill. And just like that I sled and twisted my legs in weird direction. Laying in the mud and grass for a while just breathing. Did I break anything? All parts together? I took it very easy down that long mountain trail, didn’t want to end the race broken. Once I hit the road in the valley it was so hot, and my speed was slow. But I was in a good mood. I had decided to have the music on. It was hard to put in any energy, I forced myself, but as soon as I took anything my belly started to work as a Jet plan. The next stretch to Ischgl was tough. We had been out running already for longer than I expected and had 35 kilometers to go. Shit, this is long...

I planned to refuel well on the aid station in Ischgl after not having taken anything for a very long time. but as I ran into the village Hannes came towards me filled with adrenaline “I finished 2 minutes ago! Second place!” Very happy and encouraging. I was also happy to see him. But totally forgot to bring more than a watermelon piece and a candy. He ran together with me for hundred meters and just that gave me so much joy before I was on my own again. Running now together with the back of the pack from the 50 k runners and 30 k runners. I took many on the last long uphill towards a ridge, but I was of course also exhausted. Good thing was that I passed another aid station I didn’t know about and grabbed some mini bretzels and cookies before the VK-climb.

I had done this stretch on the photo shooting too, so it felt pretty short. But it looked like the other runners struggled so with especially “High Way To Hell” I really made people gaining strength. A group even sang a long as I passed.

The trail on the ridge and down and along the mountain was just so much fun. I bouncned down, floating over rocks and was so happy. As I came closer to the valley I looked at my watch and got a bit confused as it was only showing soon 75 k, but we should have turned left to reach Galtur and then have 10 k to finish, so I thought I had missed the 85 k turn and was now only on the 50 k’s course. But as I doubted, I saw Hannes further down waiting for me. And apparently, I had downloaded the A course. With the updated version it was shortened so there were only 5-kilometer flat road running left to finish!

I felt relieved. Often race tend to end up longer than expected, so with shorter distance I was very thankful this time. Hannes was biking behind and beside me, filming and shouting and saying encouraging words. I was more just focused to get forward. Feeling like a clumsy, tired hippo on the road. Where did my bounce, light feeling gone? But I was also happy and proud to make it to the finish. But could I come second, or would Lina or someone else catch me now in the end?

I was so stressed. I tried to wake up my legs again, but just the final 2 kilometers I felt little bit faster and could push and enjoy the finish. What a race! What a finish! And so special to finish with Hansi on my side. Just some minutes after Lina came in as well.

We had a nice afternoon and evening and a very good time in Sonne and later on in the van up by Silvretta, Bielerhöhe. We had also E-bikes one day from Bruendlsports in Ischgl. And before the race very fun trail and ridge running. Love this place so much.

Hansi 2nd in 30

Martin 4th in 20 (he changed to that after some troubles)

Anja 1th in 20

Lina 2d and I 2nd in 85

My team, Sonne (One runner in each category) also won!

Next up; no plans. Maybe Fjällmaraton at home. 😀

Dyrfjallahlaup 50 Race Report

Another 50 kilometer race done. This time in Iceland. Dyrfjallahlaup.

First of all. Have you been to Iceland? Do you have it on your bucket list? If not. Add it. If you haven’t gone there. Go. Will I come back. Just a question of time.

This is my second time on Iceland. Last time I only visited one part. Now much more. But still so much to see. After the race we went around Akureyri. Honestly I think I could live for a while in that area. It has everything I search for. And on every field you see big groups of horses. Isn’t that just the dream of every little girl?! (Or boy for instance) An adventure Island with wild horses, volcanos, waterfalls, lava fields, stone and ice miracles, cool birds, canyons, mountains, beaches, polar lights and midnight sun etcetera.

The island is amazing. Some parts very accessible, others remote and will be a challenge to visit. That is why the country is so exciting as well. Even though the inner parts and some of the outer parts and the West fjords might be remarkable, only following the ring road is a very cool experience as well. We were short on time, but drove the Ring road with a few drives out and in, though not on the very gnarly roads since we didn’t trust our rental car that much. An advice is to rent a car that can really go through rivers and uneven terrain. And also, don’t miss several days tour riding. We did that 10 years ago on Iceland and it is still one of the best moments I have.

How ever. This was going to be a race report, not an ad for Visit Iceland. So here we go. We got our bibs the day before and then drove an hour and a half to an airbnb. We were this night too comfy to sleep in our tent. But it was not so comp in the end to drive so long back and fourth. With half of that way gravel. But yeah, yeah. To the race morning.

Ice chilly freezing cold as fck morning. We wore down jackets and long pants and thick head band. Was it okay to run the race in all this as well?!

We had imagined a slightly bigger race. But it didn’t bother us that it was a small, local race when the organizers are so passionate about it. We were so humbled and happy to be here. Funny with those races we were some minutes late on ”schedule” but who cares? Just when every one with bibs are ready to start we go! The bus to the starting point went in on a small gravel road and stopped by a small bridge and a tiny trail. Here was the start. I was shaking because I was so cold. I decided to bring my down jacket with me in my vest. If something happened up there I would then be ok together with a survival blanket as well. If you know what cold is, then double it to describe the Iceland coolness. And this day was not even described as cold.

We weren't so many in the 50 k start, but many more in the 25 k. So in total a few hundred.

How ever the race went off just like that. And we stumbled across big and small creeks into a single track. It was rolling and very runnable into a valley. But gosh, it got hot just after a few minutes. Apparently after 10+ years of racing I haven't learnt a shit about how to dress. There were three guys in front, then me, Lina and a girl breathing us in our necks. Sweat was rinsing like pearls dow my face. But it was fun running. We were in good spirits. We reached a snow field and the track got steeper so we had to walk. Around 4,5 k in. I was soaked. All of us started to take clothes off, finally. And had a little chat.

Andrea comes from Iceland. Later on she said it was fun to run with some girls. There aren't so many "fast" ladies here around. ”So usually on races on Iceland I run alone” she laughed. We enjoyed each others company for some kilometers up the first climb and over to the other valley. What a great skiing paradise. It had been snowing in May. So very much snow and so much fun to run down in. And you know what? It was blue sky and sun! I had no shorts, no tank top, no sunglasses and no sunscreen. I had expected fog and wind the whole course.

But the four of us by now, also an Icelandic man ran down with laughter and joy. We could see the fjord and ocean, the cliffs together with the snowy mountains and fields with flowers. It was so so beautiful and I was so happy to see anything of the area and course. I might have said it on all races this year. But parts of this course was also the best I have ever been running. I just love the mix of Scandinavian nature and higher mountains together with sea and snow.

As we came out on a gravel road the sun was burning on us. What a weird forecast we had this morning. Lina and the other guy were a bit behind. And Andrea and I ran together. But after some time my stomach started to cramp and I couldn’t keep the speed. Up. Andrea was disappearing in front of me. But I kept on going and could enjoy the road along the sea side. Once we hit the trail I looked several times back to see where Lina was. I always get worried when she is not in front of me. HAHA. But then I saw a glance of her and could continue with comfort again.

I too a chocolate gel but opened it too little so had to squeeze hard to get anything out. Then I realized I had squeezed half of it all over myself. My arm and my stomach was covered in brown sticky gel. So nice… Lina came along and we shared a downhill. Then we went jojoing a few k before I got a low point. After 25 k my hip got so stiff. It took a while before I felt comfortable running property again. When I reached a pass Lina had made a move and bombed down. I couldn’t keep up. But we also went into the same course as the 25k runners, so by passing some of these runners I got self confidence. And also as the weather turned worse, thick fog, cold winds, and a very strong headwind. I grew stronger. And also got closer to Lina again. Bad weather is my right element. And the trail was smooth and fun.

I was impressed by the organization again. On many point of the course the mountain rescue had people to watch so that we, runners were okay. They spoke Icelandic so much. Sometimes I just smiled and nodded. Other times I got explained in English. One guy said on the second last downhill that Lina was just 2 minutes in front in the fog. I began my hunting. I felt fast and played down the trail, pushing hard. And as we hit the beach and had caught up with her. And I said ”Damn you were fast down” She just stared back at me, turned her head and started sprinting. It was only about 4 k left, and to my disadvantage, it was a stupid vertical left to face. All 25 k runners walked up here. But both Lina and me were in such a race mode against each other now and pushed each other so hard. Though I had really made my goal of reaching Lina, so my legs were pretty much done. But I was satisfied with myself to run all the way up that steep last trail. And bombed downhill the last 2 k. It felt like in a video game, passing people in zigzag , jumping from here to there, and I could really feel I had a good flow. Though Lina had the same feeling and won over me this time as well. But I was so happy and it was so fun in the finish. Though very cold again. We chatted a bit with the others but didn’t stay too long.

A warm shower and relaxing was needed.

I Highly recommend Dyrfjallalaup The Borgarfjördur Eystri is an amazing area, known for the island of puffins as well. So cute. And very good hiking trails. Thanks again to the organization and all volunters and the runners we met and shared the trails with. Thanks Ieland for having us. We will be back. Especially winter time for some skiing!

//Sanna

Nosen100 50 k Race Report

The recovery from Lofoten stage run didn't go very well. We drove home after some more amazing days in Norway, and really crashed at home. We just felt like sleeping and eating. And so we did.

But another race was already planned. Though the forecast showed sun and good weather at home and rain and fog at the race location... but our parents had start driving down to cheer on us. A group of friends were also racing. And we felt like, well, let's give it a go anyway. Eight hour drive south, also in Norway, but a place we haven't been. Valdres for Nøsen100, but we were signed up for 50 kilometer. Very glad I didn't run a step longer. 🤣😅

I didn't feel so well in my body and head. Was dizzy and wanted to rest. I timed in perfectly to get my period the evening before start. So had to live with bad stomach cramps. The long drive and lack of both sleep and recovery was also a great recipe for heavy legs.,. but I was anyway longing for getting out and run on a new place. Everything feels better when moving.

Nothing of the course was marked so everyone ran with gpx watches. I had one from a friend. First time I run with a gpx watch following a route. (I mean I have done it with phone in several races, but actually not with a watch) 😅 But it was cool. Hans-Kristian, the watch owner, also has the podcast Neda podcast, Nå er de alvor. Check it out!

In the start worst legs in a looooooong time. Felt like I was running with another body. My legs were so heavy. Despite the heavy feeling, the first downhill was fun so I managed to run fast on the wet and muddy trail that wasn't too steep or too flat. I took many guys and went into 2nd. Passed Lina who already had problems with her watch..

Then I was so destroyed again when reaching a gravel road. My body was like "well that was it. You had a bit of fun, 10 k is maximum, you're done now, go have some rest".

I wanted to lay down in baby pose. But then I told myself; "Just accept that the legs are heavy and the body don't coorporate today. But when you accept it, it is just to go, some parts might be slow, but chew on any positive vibe out there and it will be better." And so it was. Even though the weather wasn't the best it was very nice for running, the trails were fun and I could enjoy nature and was so happy there were many other runners along too.

On the second climb I was a bit dizzy too. Have the last year gotten this dizziness every fourth month or so when laying down or bending forward... If you have any tips of what it is, throw out a dm pls. It usually stick with me then for a week or so. I thought it might be due to stress, lack of recovery and bad sleep. But I don't know. (It is not only when doing sport).

Anyhow, Lina got help restarting her watch and was now happy again and continued faster than me up the mountain. I was dragging myself up. Step by step. Into the unknown. White out. Saw only about ten meters in front.

But it was not cold. I had put too much clothes on.
It was so foggy up on a wide ridge with no trail, and only super slippery sharp stones. And pretty hard to navigate. I came a bit too far left and saw suddenly a few silhouettes to my right. It felt like a game. I came into the group. One guy laughed and wonder where I came from. They had all faster feet than me and jumped off on the slippery stones. Another woman also passed. I walk there because I didn't want to fall and hurt myself up here... I felt so slow, but told myself I save my energy for later.

Another group came also from behind and we helped each other in the fog to navigate right until further down where it cleared up and a fun trail came. Very cool open landscape. I really liked it! All downhills were very fun throughout the course and there I could run fast. Here we also met the 100k runners who were climbing up from the other direction. Very good to cheer on each other!

Mum and dad and Kira were cheering on the way as well and I was very happy to see them. That also gave a boost.

After 27 k on the first aid station I filled my bottles, always one with water and one with energy drink. I was in a good mood and I continued but I couldn't speed up on the trail even though I now had the woman that had passed me in sight just 100 meters in front.
My muscles got stiffer and stiffer and as we came out on a long stretch of some gravel roads I had light cramps in my hamstrings and an increasing pain in my right groin up to the hip pain. And ran slower and kind of limped forward. Not so fun anymore.

Soon my strong friend Natalie Persson came by my side. She looked very fresh and happy. But worried about me. She said, “soon the trails start again, and you might feel better!”
I didn't believe that, but something in those words made my mind stronger. She really encouraged me. Took after a while paracetamol and could then start to run properly again. (I don't recommend pain killers, heh, but this time it really helped me to continue.) The pain didn't disappear completely, but I got a real kick from a gel and started my hunting. I didn't think I would pass Natalie again, but something had happened in my body and some kind of determination grew. The trail we had come into was very fun, a bit wet at times but I just bombed through, never knew how deep it was, sometimes ankle deep, sometimes higher than knee deep.

I might exaggerate how "fast" I ran. But if comparing to my speed just 20 minutes before, I had started to run very fast.

From the 40k aid station I took my chance to pass the 3d lady too. Finally on podium place again. Only 11k left. If I kept this speed, I doubted that anyone from behind would also get a "kick".
I really fought for it too. Working against the body is neither comfortable nor easy. I could run all the uphills too and have fun again. My breathing sounded from another world, but hey, who cares?
The trail was flowing and not too technical so easy to play down. I saw a black jacket further ahead and a running style I know very well.

I caught Lina as the trail ended and came out on the last 1,5 k gravel to the finish. When I shouted "come on now Lina! Grinning a bit, 25meters behind her. I knew she would not let me pass her. And I had chased so hard so felt I couldn't get closer more when it was only road left. She must have gotten so much adrenaline so sprinted away. I had chased so hard so was destroyed on the road. But it was a fckn hard day at work. 😆😆😮‍💨😵‍💫😵proud I made it around and had fun too. We had lots of rain but also glimpses of sun and very fun trails in between mud, water and slippery stones.

Veey happy for the Åre group that was there, Yohanna 3d on 100k! What a fighter. And all the other nice people we met.

PS: The pain is all good now, it is just because a bit too much of running and mountain time. With rest and other activities, I’m all good.

Next race Dyrfjallahlaup in Iceland.

The Arctic Triple

Lofoten Stage Run 2024 Race Report

• Lina writes about the two first stages and Sanna about the two last.*
• All photos in this post is from Ian Corless

If you complete The Arctic Triple, you have done a skimo race, an ultra and a triathlon, together the courses cover most of the Lofoten Islands. We have done the Lofoten Skimo, which takes place in March every year. Probably we will try the 100 miles one day, the triathlon not so sure, first we have to learn how to crawl properly. However now the new stage run took place, it is basically the 100 miles course divided into 4 sections. I would say this would suit more people than 100 miles because you have time to rest.

The start of the Lofoten stage run is in Reine in the end of Lofoten. Everyone enters a boat into Kirkefjorden and from there you will by own machine take yourself all the way to Svolvaer over mountain passes, along fjords and beaches, through bogs and over ridges, technical passages, nice single tracks, wide trails and roads via Kvalvika, Fredvang, Nusfjord, Napp, Leknes, Brustranda and the Vikingmuseum to mention a few.

We were a little group who had signed up for the first edition, everyone very excited. Lina and I, dare I say, were the only experienced of this type of terrain and distance, but everyone was in good spirits, and completed the challenge on their own capacity. We stayed in cute old but renovated fishermen huts, cottages by the fjords and camping huts. We got breakfast and dinner, not to our surprises, fish every time, but who would have liked to eat anything else when by the sea? We got trout, bacalao and even whale! (I’ll come back to that one…)

The nice couple Jonne and Ottilie were making a documentary of the Arctic Triple and were following us during the stage run. It was very fun to have them popping up here and there along the courses. We also got their GoPro to document a little bit ourselves too. It was easy to have it nearby in my waist belt.

This year we have chosen places that are more like Scandinavia, a bit rough and mixed terrain and with temperatures our bodies can handle. Though it seems that the sun likes us! When we went to Wales it was a heat wave, the sun kept on shining when we went to Scotland. May at home in Åre was like high summer and now when coming to Lofoten it was the same.

But we are definitely not complaining! It has been some fantastic days, and we are so grateful. Discovering new places and having a good time is without doubt better with good weather. The days prior to the race we tried to take it a bit easy though, to not be destroyed when we were going to run about a marathon each day for four days. Biking, easy runs, taking dips in the ocean, reading and going to cafes had us occupied.

On Tuesday afternoon we met the others who also would run the stage run. We met in Svolvaer where we would finish on Saturday. Now we took a bus all the way down to Reine for our start the next day. The bus ride itself was entertaining. The views are incredible and built up even more excitement. We will run through this! Majestic mountains, beautiful valleys, white sand beaches, cute fishing villages and fjords with turquoise water.

It was one group that ran 170 kilometer in total and the other 130 kilometer in total on this stage run. The two first days were the same and then the two last, the 130 k runners got a bus ride about half way in.

After briefing, a nice dinner and getting to know some of the others we all went to bed in the picturesque Rorbuer (the huts in Lofoten).

Day 1

34 Kilometers

Next morning no stress, we had luxury breakfast and then an amazing boat ride to Kyrkefjord for our start at 11.

I love that this is a part of the whole experience. It’s not just a race and a course you will run, it’s all the things around! So special. I was not nervous at all. I was just looking forward to go out running in this stunning environment. And like everyone else, we didn’t see this as a proper race, it’s more like a challenging experience where you can push if you want and feel like it and enjoy and look at the views when you feel like it.

It’s definitely the most beautiful location I’ve been on for a start line.

Me, Sanna and Johan Cajdert, also running with Merrell, seemed to be the fastest in the field, and that was also how it was for the rest of the week. A familiar and easy start, just as I remember from Lofoten Skimo last year, where everyone is there just to have a great day out, pushing or not.

We all enjoyed the trail that lead us into a magnificent valley, the three of us shouted with joy when bouncing on the soft ground that now would take us to the fjord on the other side. Suddenly we heard someone screaming and it was Ian Coreless, (the photographer whom we meet all over the world on races like this). Apparently, we had missed a flag, our way was straight right up the mountain and not into the valley. Thank you, Ian! This was not the first time taking some extra meters, on this course you better have a watch or phone with the Gpx-file since it’s not marked very tight all the time. But we got used to this and it made it a bit more adventurous!

We had some fun scrambling, sliding down snow fields and got wet bogs to conquer. I couldn’t really find any good flow and was struggling a bit. I had been ill the week before and could still feel some fatigue and irritation in my nose. Sanna and Johan disappeared in front, and I trotted along by myself on the surprisingly technical trail, which I really liked. We passed some beautiful lakes and finally reached the famous Kvalvika beach. I was in a good mood but hadn't found any power in my body, so in a short period of time I took two gels, one with caffeine and one without. And that made a huge difference!

I often feel more energized and ”warmed up” 2-3 hours into a race, and I was confident in the beginning too that the feeling would change. So happy it did. I also met Jonne, who cheered me on, that for sure also makes a difference. It was a lot of people on the beach, but I could easily find Sannas bright white t-shirt on the hill on the other side and also Johans bright orange vest. The hunt began!

My strength is often trails uphill and this part felt so good! I felt strong and motivated and full of joy. The views were spectacular and since we kind of ran in and out from a small river, the heat didn’t bother me. That’s great when running in the mountains in Norway and Sweden when it’s hot, there is always water somewhere to soak yourself! Since I recently ran both The Coastal Challenge in Costa Rica and the 50 K in Snowdonia in Wales in burning sun, I know how important it is to not just drink water and electrolytes, but also soak yourself to cool down.

I soon passed Johan in the climb who looked a bit tired (I later knew he got some intense cramps in his legs when running down). Opposite to me who had the run of my life! It was sooo fun and I couldn’t stop smiling when hopping down the trail, criss crossing between people heading up. THIS is the feeling I want to have while running and racing! You feel unstoppable, capable to jump up and down big rocks, speeding up on flat sections and feeling joy in both head and body. I’ll try to keep that feeling for other races this season.

On to the road I had a good flow and was happy with my energy intake. Years before I have been bad at drinking and fueling enough on races, which I believe gave me these INTENSE and horrible stomach aches, especially when running downhill and flat. But I’m getting much better at this!

Reaching the aid station where Gunhild, the amazing woman who fixed everything for us runners, had prepared snacks, drinks and cheered me on. She seemed surprised to see Sanna and me in the lead, but we actually we were just racing each other since the others did this as a challenge and experience. We did too, but we like racing and going as fast as we can as well 😉

Some long kilometers on road waited. The sun gave no mercy but at least we got some nice ocean winds to feel better. I run mostly trails but have also starting to enjoy some flat and fast road running. It’s nice to get in a running flow and think about form and posture. (but yeah, honestly, in the long run it gets extremely boring!)

I could see Sanna some hundred meters in front of me and here I knew I had a good chance to catch her. So I did. I felt good and kept my own pace. Jonne and Ottillie drove just in front to get a good video of me running, so I had to try to speed up a bit.

In the end of the road, we got into a trail again and I could feel I maybe ran a bit too fast for my own best. Sanna directly caught up and was high on energy. I wondered how she could be so fit suddenly. Later I learned she had taken a Caffeine bar and again, it makes a huge difference! It was ”only” three kilometers left, so first I thought it was unnecessarily to eat anything so close to the finish, but I was hungry and tired and didn’t want to lose Sanna again, so eating was the right thing to do. I could keep up. We had a great time now running on the trail in a section beside the ocean that at the same time felt a bit like jungle!

We decided to finish together, and it was wonderful. Finishing in Nusfjord, by the fishing cabins, we jumped straight into the water which we had longed for the whole day. And what a day! It had everything!

Johan came a while after and also had a great experience despite the cramps. The rest of the field underestimated Lofoten terrain I believe, and some had a real struggle. But we were all gathered in the evening, and it was clear for some to shorten the other days that suited best for them.

I felt I was not fully recovered after my illness and was totally knocked out in the bed for some hours, but after that I was better!

The hut was fantastic, the food was too, but very much too fine dining for hungry ultra runners. It was a hilarious to see everyones expression when we got this piece of cod and one asparagus on our plate for dinner. WHERE ARE OUR CARBS!? Everyone screamed inside. Luckily there were still bread buns and bananas left at the finish line, so one could sneak there to not be hungry during the night. Everyone was fine.

Day 2

30 Kilometers.

Next day was an early start at 8 compared to the first day. I actually prefer later starts so you have time to wake up and digest breakfast, but it’s also good to have enough time to run and have time to recover after the runs.

It was a great atmosphere in the start again, everyone happy with their choice of distance this time. The trio took off together again and I felt directly Sanna had more power today as well. When heading uphill I was imagining a cord between us, so instead of letting her slip away, I tried to make it feel like she was pulling me. It worked pretty well, so that’s a tip if you don’t want to lose the one you have in front of you 😉

The course today was not as spectacular as the day before, but still beautiful. We ran long sections by the ocean which definitely didn’t feel like we were in Norway! The three of us had company most of the time but at one point where you had to be a bit cautious to not fall down a cliff you had to go one by one down. Sanna took her chance here to run off and didn’t even take a glimpse back to see if I managed to get down. It made me a bit frustrated. Not that she ran away in her own speed, but that she didn’t care. OK let’s race!

I again ran by myself but was in hunting mode, that is very motivating! It’s for sure often more fun to run with company, but it’s also important to listen to your own feelings and have some time out there by yourself. I did catch both Johan and Sanna after some time but didn’t manage to shake her off either which was my first intention. But in the end, it felt just ridiculous since we had such a good time together and eventually with the same pace.

Some kilometers hopping on rocks before the final on tarmac where Johan ran away. Did not feel so great here so it was good for us it was five kilometers shorter than anticipated. The finish was amazing out on a pier with turquoise water around us and we could relax on the deck in the sun with simply pasta and salt in our bellies.

In the evening, we had a bus ride to a nice fish restaurant and got to eat whale. It looked like a big steak, but the texture was just a bit different... Maybe the boring pasta for lunch would have been slightly better loading for next stage. But then again, we would have missed the experience of testing whale on Lofoten.

DAY 3

57 Kilometers.

Eating whale was definitely interesting, but I must admit it wasn’t the best food for running. We were several people in the house that didn’t feel quite well next morning… The one, single toilet were working hard and the first hour of running was uncomfortable.

But off we went. 22 kilometers on road were ahead of us. Landowners had put out their sheep with lambs on the mountain and didn’t want them to get disturbed. Of course, all of us preferred the trails, but when we accepted it, the road section was pretty nice too. The first 12 was just to swallow on a big road with lot of cars and trucks. But once we entered a smaller road along the coast we could soak in the views and the ocean experience as the previous day.

It sounds strange. But The 22 k on road felt like a warmup. Once we hit the trails it was like a new course had started. Lina and I had been running together and continued to do so. We felt the best experience on this day, the longest of the 4 stages, 57 kilometer, would be most fun together. And actually, we also had the same speed. It wasn’t like any of us tried to run faster or fell behind.

We passed Johan and was on a very fun section of soft single trail going upwards to a ridge. We speed up and both were full of adrenaline and giggles. I used the GoPro for Jonne and felt like Linas personal runner videographer. The views were again unbelievable. Suddenly we heard whistling and shouts from behind. It was the 130k runners. They waved to us. Oh, we had missed the flags on the left trail and instead continued on the great trail forward with a beautiful Matterhorn look alike mountain in our endorphin rush. Thaaaanks again to you. If they hadn’t shouted to us, we would have continued very far on that trail.

The awesomeness continued and we cheered on the 130k runners and they un us all the way down a stunning ridge. Also, Jonne and Ottilie followed with a drone, which made it even more fun to run downhill, trying to make it look as easy as possible.

But then we came out on a gravel road and an asphalt road again. I hadn’t counted with this. And checked on the gps that showed we had another 10 k to go on it. 32 k road running?! After some minutes of frustration, I put on loud music on the phone. Benjamin Ingrosso, Better days. Which is a very good ultra running song. We played it on repeat the whole stretch and sang along and ran much, much faster that I would have done without it, and I had so much fun. It was nice to stretch out the legs and run with good posture and focus on that. After the aid station with proteinbolle, chips, coke with coffee and water refill, we climbed up the last mountain and once again giggled of happiness on single tracks on a rolling ridge with a panorama view. I shouted several times of happiness just to get the bubbling feeling out of my body, it has to explode somehow.

Even though we ran 57 k we didn’t want it to end, some parts of the course made me understand once again that running is so amazing for both body, soul and mind. As we came down to the finish, Brustranda Fjordcamping, we jumped directly into the water again, and then into the shower. What a day. Ended with a filling Bacalao.

All people that run the stage run were such a nice group. During breakfast, dinner and recoveries we had time to talk to everyone. This is really a big part of the stage run. To, gather, be social and share this experiences together. I'm so grateful to get to know so beautiful people from different parts of the world.

DAY 4

45 Kilometers

WHAT?! Already day four? We woke up and realized we didn’t want this fun adventure to be over. I could easily stay for another couple of weeks and get a route to run with aid stations, people cheering, sun in my faces surrounded by the most beautiful landscape I know. At least my head and mind could. But my legs and toes started to feel they need a rest day or two. I had also taped my ankle every day, which I twisted badly on PTL last summer. It is still very unstable and untreatable, so I do that when running in uneven terrain and on races. It was sore for sure but worked much better than predicted. I think many parts of everyone body was aching, that’s a thing with ultra running. But everyone had still wide smiles, or even brighter than in the beginning. Probably because they knew they would make it to the end.

I didn’t feel as strong in my body this day. I had energy and all that but wasn’t there 100%. But first 12 k in terrain was magical again. I haven’t words enough how fun and beautiful it is. You must experience it yourself. This day we also caught up with 100 milers that had started in Reine Friday at 12. They couldn’t really run at this point and most of them we passed were hiking. Which made me happy I had chosen the stage run, because we could run and enjoy, not get too destroyed. 100 miles is cool for sure, and also an experience, but I would strongly recommend a stage run instead.

Benjamin once again held our mood up on the road section and made us run faster. So fast that we missed the aid station which was inside a house. We only saw big flags but didn’t understand the aid station was inside. I would have been happy to have something from there but had also enough NÄAK stuff so could continue good. But my motivation sank a little bit as my nutrition planned didn’t work. But we passed a river, filled bottles and I took a caffeine bar and we continued with high spirits again up the mountain. The ridge was epic and mood high. Funny how energy and mood can go up and down like a mountain trail on an ultra. The body is funny. And the more impressions around you, the more you get filled with energy. How cool is that?! Laugh a lot out there and you will feel how much better it goes on your run. Heard later on that we are O2snappers, I will keep that in mind. And also, Råtasser. If you wanna hear it yourself, you better sign up for Loften stage run next year.

The big mountain section was very cool with the technical ridge, snow fields to slide under, mud party downhills, waterfalls and running beside a lake. This part felt a bit like skyrunning that we have done a lot of previous years. I miss it a bit, and will for sure enter more skyraces again.

Ian was of course there among the big rocks, taking some cool shots of us, trying to make us slow down, but hey, this was the most fun part!

When we came down from the mountain I had been so high, so it was time to hit the low a bit. I had some troubles when entering the final part and was close to cry, a mix of exhaustion, pain, happiness and other feelings. Long runs make us vulnerable and tipping on the very edge. We are both close to tears, laughs and love. And as Benjamin sang with me in Better days: ”Yeah, it’s gonna be a long run, but I’m gonna do my best, Yeah you can count on me ´til the end, just rely on my heart. ´Cause I feel in my bones that a change gonna come, gonna come, gonna come, Yeah, I see them better days ahead, We’re gonna make it there, Yeah I swear…” And it changed, the last kilometer it turned and my good running and smile came back again! We’re gonna make it there! 😃

The finish in Svolvaer is almost like the Lofoten skimo, you run on the harbor along all the fishing boats, into the main square and have to run around the square to reach the finish arch. It is a cool feeling. And I was So happy to have done Lofoten Stage run. It is more than just a race. I can’t tell, what, you really have to feel it yourself.

Thanks so much to Kristian, Frank, Gunhild, Ian, Johan and all the others on the event, DERE E RÅ ASSÅ!

Lina ran the whole stage run in Merrell Skyfire2 Matryx. I ran the two first days in Merrell Skyfire 2. Then Agility Peak 5. And the last day with Skyfire 2 Matryx.

😉

OVER AND OUT // THE EL KOTTWINS

Ultra Trail Snowdonia by UTMB Race Report

A 55 kilometer run in United Kingdom, 11th of may. Similar terrain as Sweden they said. What could go wrong?

Note: Don't miss the pictures further down!

Directly on arrival to Wales I got surprised by the beauty of this country. The green fields with the grassy, rolling hills showing off in the background and the clear beaches and windy sea. I liked the first little glimpse. Some parts felt swedish, others not at all. It was a mix of many places I've been too.

I could feel from our first runs on dry trails (meaning no snow, soft ski slopes or icy gravel roads) that my leg muscles were sore. The endurance was no problem, but my running muscles hadn't been used so much this winter. I had prioritized skiing as usual in spring at home.

How ever the excitement of running and summer arriving was and still is great. I'm looking forward to slowly getting in shape, and what is not better to race in shape?
Our pre-race runs in the area were so much fun and we wanted to continue endlessly. There are many sheep and many fences to get over. And very fairytaly-landscape.

We stayed 25 minutes from Llanberies in a cute little Airbnb. Llanberies was a nice little town next to a lake surrounded by green mountains. The trails were mint!

It was not the typical UK weather you imagine, (rain etc...) it was like high summer, humid, hot and clear sky. Some people even saw northern lights during the 100miles! (Spotted also on Mont Blanc in Chamonix, and Romania and many other places in Europe). Aurora is fantastic. But we prioritized sleep that night before the race.

On race day I wasn't nervous at all, probably because I didn't expect anything, I was humbled and determined to do my best at the same time as I would enjoy the course and see how my body would react to run a race again.

I started in an pretty comfortable pace. I ignored the running pace from others I tried to focus on me. I had a weird breath and some niggles in my chest. I was ill two weeks prior to the race, so it might have been that that still troubled me. How ever I tried to not push so hard that first climb and started also calm downhill. It was a beautiful scenery of green flowy hills in the morning sun. Many people/tourists were already out hiking on this popular trail. It didn't feel so wild as I had imagined the course would be.

About halfway down I felt very energized and secure and started bouncing and overtaking people. I really had a kick and flying down to the aid station. Ahead of Lina. At that time third lady. From there it was very hot and I even got some Costa Rica vibes from The Coastal Challenge. Soaking myself in the rivers and streams that came across. Even taught some fellow runners to do the same, very happy for the new encounter how refreshing cold water can be for the whole body.

The second climb was also crowded, if not more, by tourists enjoying the nice weekend weather. To many runners surprise and confusion, a mountain triathlon race took place on parts of the same course as well. Also, we met 25-kilometers runners on their first climb up Snowdown from the reverse way. So you can imagine how many we were up there. It was fun with cheering on eachother, but some groups of hikers and runners were also being a little bit in the way. It was both fun and disturbing at the same time.

I felt fresh and strong uphill and overtook the second girl too. And was again flying, playing down the tricky trail. Good I taped my ankles. Now I felt like me again running downhill without fear. But it was too fun. For a while I had a blast but then I found myself too alone. No more flags insight, no runners coming behind. Wrong. Fuck. I don't know for how long I had been on the wrong trail. But I missed a sharp left turn as my playground continued straight forward...

It took some time to get back to the race course again, seeing my mistake was frustrating. I was angry on myself. But then because of this also adrenaline pumping in my veins. Saw Lina a little bit ahead again and caught her. We ran together to next aid station. We were still before the other girls though. Lina and I weren't more than 20 meters apart from eachother all the way to the third and last aid station too it had been a nice section where we had chatted a bit too on the climb. But also some more troubles started for me.

In between there was a grassy hill climb and a downhill where I fell, not bad, but with after that I took it more easy, and also got a bit too warm, didn't soak myself anything in the rivers that we passed. Lina did. I was not feeling so well. I felt a bit sick and confused. And on the station, I chew on a watermelon and filled my bottles. Then looked for a caffeine bar, but there wasn’t any. So, I just went on. I regret not taking any salt, cookies, or what da fuck, just some kind of energy. I had no gels or bar in my vest, just 4 small pieces of candy. I saw Lina filled with new power and I was like "what did I do in there in the tent?" Lina on the other hand, that I had had behind me for most part of the race, fueled perfectly and was super fresh and sprinted away. It is in the end of the race that counts…

I was in my own world for a while. Both of us and another guy ran wrong again, or well, missed flags, when it was a turn. We heard some others had done the same. I kept both him and Lina in sight the last 12 kilometers. I was searching for my energy and on the long grassy rolling I started to push. The hunting mode down and up the grassy hills was slowly getting started. But I couldn't get a flow. Then finally we reached a gravel road. I was a bit disappointed to figure out it was only gravel and road left of the course, but at the same time, revealed, this meant I could just focus on running fast and not thinking about where to put my feet. Adrenaline kicked in. Zig-zaging other runners from finishing the 25 kilometer as we had the same ending. Now it was fun again. Very fun, and hard.

I passed the guy but couldn’t see Lina anymore. He shouted. “Continue like that now, just push it! You can get her!” But when Lina is chased, then she can really sprint. Normally I’m slightly faster downhill. But when she gets a flow and is hunted, she is be hard to get. How ever, at one point on the rush of the last kilometers, I got a big flood of euphoria and happiness and tears at the same time, like a shiver all over my body. It was a feeling of exhaustion when really pushing what you have in you downhill despite you are empty and that you get encourage by others cheering around you and get lifted forward from them. A little bit like the sprint on PTL I Chamonix.
Difficult to explain, but those who know, know what I mean.

I was happy all the way to the finish line and so proud I was happy even though my running shape was not the best on the race, I had fun, ran for those who can’t, ran because I love running, how natural it is, and how people get together by this community.

Super happy for Henriette Albon who crushed it. So fast and strong!

Now we are qualified for OCC on UTMB this year, or 2025. Let's see what we decide.

Rest of the stay in UK we went to Scotland, I have not many words. Just look at those picutres.

We visited our friend Georgia Tindley outside of Inverness, ran on her home trails, got to borrow her camp stuff and went to the area around Glencoe; A.M.A.Z.E.B.A.L.L.S.
We also took a little road trip to Sanna beach (had to) and rode some ferrys to islands. We are very good at driving on the lefthand side on very narrow roads now. If you plan on going to Scotland, may is the perfect month. No midges, not too many people, good trails and hopefully sun.

Next up now is vanlife to Lofoten stage run and Nösen100.

/SANNA

The Coastal Challenge

6 days, 240 kms of jungle, beach, gravels, trails and hills in extreme humidity and heat. A real adventure run!

This is Sannas story from Costa Rica.

First, I would like to emphasize that Coastal Challenge is not really a running race. It is an adventure, an expedition that test a human being’s capabilities in tough and rough terrain with the heat and humidity as the biggest obstacles. It is a real challenge for anyone. You have to make sure to take care of your feet with baby cream, get enough sleep, drink enough water and electrolytes, get the carbs and food in, keep the spirit and motivation up, have a good digestion, not be ill or sick, and if you are unlucky with that or other illnesses or accidents on course, have medications or get the right treatment at the medics. But what I experienced was that it is exciting to put myself outside my comfort zone, realizing I could finish it even though I doubted many times, and that on this race, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. At least mentally.

Day one
Apparently for the 20th year anniversary they have added some vert and change some of the original routes.
I woke up early on the hotel in San José after some nightmares of crocodiles eating me alive and getting lost in the forest. Typical nerves before an exciting race. We had breakfast boxes in the lobby and were prepared for the bus. But due to some problems the bus was 1,5hour late. (Which also meant we would start 1,5hour later than planned and that meant more heat...).
The bus drive took us some hours. Don't know the times. But when we got off, it was hot and humid and we walked all together on a gravel road 2k to the beach. Once reaching the ocean I just wanted to stay there. What a liberty!

But the course went straight away from there into the palm woods and hot gravel roads. Everyone that had done the course before told us to stay calm and run very slow this day. Otherwise, you will get destroyed. I wanted to run in a steady, controlled pace. But once we went off, I already felt dehydrated and an upset stomach. It got only worse. So just after the 10k I struggled to stop here and there in the forest. And every little water I could find, rivers or pounds I jumped in, soaked myself to get a little bit refreshed for a minute or so. I asked for medicine on the 2nd aid station and they had a pill for me. It helped so I didn't have to stop all the time, but I was drained. We were also to face a brutal climb in the forest only made clear with a machete.

After about 30 k I put in a gel and got some highlights and could run on a fun trail and over a very high bridge over a river. When I could hear the finish (what I thought) people cheering my stomach started war again. But the trail was fun and I tried to be positive and run the best I could. Came out on a stone beach that was super fun to jump on the rocks to reach a big river that we would cross. People were there and flags on the other side. I was totally empty and thought "okay, don't pass out in the stream now" once you are over, it is over". And I jumped in, swam with the current to the other side and walked into the finish where Cody Lind said, "Well done Sanna, 1k to go!" My smile might have disappeared by I just said "yep" and continued to run as I was absolutely aware of this. But after a few steps my legs felt better after the refreshed swim so the last 100metres was actually pretty enjoyable and reaching the finish line by a beautiful lodge in an open forest grassy field with the green tents I felt happy. But also, very tired and destroyed so went straight to the toilet again.

There were outdoor showers, very simple and very nice! :D

The afternoon and evening were nice with good food, nice chats with the other runners, cooling down by a nice pool there and get familiar with the camp life. We took a massage and the bug guy really destroyed my legs, but in a good way, so they felt so much fresher than before.

Lina and I slept outside by the pool that night under a sky full of stars. That was amazing.

All pictures from Ian Corless and us

Day two
We started by dawn so first 15 k was a bit dark but also super fun since it was a proper and fun trail I had a blast running. We came out of the forest by a grassy hill with a zigzag trail and the sunrise over the forest hills of Costa Rica was a stunning scenery I will never forget. It felt like the alps but tropical. I said “Wowowowow” out loud to myself since by this time I was alone. It was a bit of a climb and I loved it.

We came out on some sandy, rolling mountain bike trails which were also super fun running and the woods were beautiful with so many different kinds of leaves and bushes, crawling together to one big piece of art.
The sounds of nature were so intense. The crickets were crazy loud in different tones. The decent was a hard mixture of dense jungle and deep grass on a steep trail where you couldn't really see the bottom. I walked some parts and tiptoed myself forward, afraid of twisting my unstable ankles. But I made it to the gravel road and now the heat of the day started to grill us all. That's why you want to start as early as possible because even 7am in the morning the heat and humidity are extreme. Everyone is also swollen. Me extra it felt like. My dehydration made my body and feet and legs fill up tons, and I felt like an elephant running. This stayed for the whole week. And just by the last days of recovery with mum and Lina I felt like normal again.

As I ran on a road, suddenly a big black cat walked towards me on the road. What an unusually big tail it had I thought just when I realized it was a monkey! So exotic. It got aware of my presence when I was about 5 meters from it and ran into and up the trees. Those small encounters meant much and made me in a good mode.

I had some knee pain and couldn't run so well. But didn't stress that would only kill me. We came on a trail out to the ocean and had a river crossing on the beach. The stage ended with a 5k in the sand. There were big waves and surfers all along it. It was a breeze and pretty nice. And I found a big message on the sand, realizing it was meant for me; “HEJA SANNA!”I go so happy for it, and was in a good mode in the finish. But that vanished pretty fast when I met mum in camp and she said Lina maybe had broken her arm! Wft?

She had fallen on a stone in the middle part. But could run still. And had won the stage. So honestly, I wasn't too worried. But after that I was her servant whole week in camp. The stages she made excellent but as soon as in camp and to do shores, she had to had help with most stuff.

No, but seriously not so funny. Now at home we found out she has a small fracture, but impressed how she could manage the tough week in Costa Rica with one arm. I used both mine A LOT during all stages. She had tons of pain (still has) but the motivation to continue and go through The Coastal Challenge was bigger than the self-care. The care of oneself is a bit different from people to people. Lina thinks more on herself by completing the race than to skip it, because she would feel worse to miss everything than not risk to get more injured in the arm. I think I would be the same.

Another good runner, Pierre, also had bad luck on this stage and twisted his ankle badly. I still can't understand how he finished all stages. He limped so much in the camps, and then struggled through so many kilometers, almost always with a happy smile and funny jokes.

Day three

Huge blisters had appeared between my legs in my groins. I couldn't wear shorts and took the starting Coastal Challenge oversized t-shirt and mums skirt to run with. Looked awful, but felt so much better.

With a challenge like this, many runners are experienced and we talked much about other similar races and stories about crazy situations on the trails. I told some people about my dehydration on a mountain race in France a few years ago when I got unconscious in the forest on the last decent and woke up on the hospital and had been thinking I was in “The Hunger games” and fought and smashed the nurses when they came close to me. And the day after on stage 3 I also felt I was a part of it. The nature in Costa Rica was special and something I haven't been experiencing before. The jungle. A magical green wall in thousands of nuances and it wouldn’t surprise me if different weird objects or dangerous animals would appear from behind a tree.

How ever, stage 3 started with a road towards a river. I saw another animal crossing the road. Not quite sure yet what it was, it looked like a big rat without a tail and with a long nose.

We ran in the river for more than 5 k. It was technical slippery, deep and sometimes shallow. At parts I crawled over, swam and zigzag forward. It was fun, but I was worried for Lina and even though I had very fresh legs I stopped and waited, letting many people pass to see how she was. I ran some meters with her and said we could do it together. I wouldn't be happy to finish and hear later Lina had fallen again and broken her arm totally or something. But she told me to run my race. I didn't really feel good about it and the whole race I held back considering to stop and wait for Lina.

When the river was over a group of people sat down to empty their shoes of small stones and sand. I didn't bother doing that and went off as 1st. After some 100metres though I could feel the not so comfy stones itching here and there. But didn't do anything about it. Soon there were stairs down to a stunning waterfall. All cameramen were there. Honestly, I felt a bit stressed by their cheering and would have enjoyed a second more from the beautiful scenery if they wouldn't have been there. But of course, it is also nice with a picture of me from there.

I had trouble running and couldn't reach any speed. I picked up two sticks to use as poles. One was actually perfect of bamboo, but the other one a bit too heavy and not straight. But it was a relief to use them. On the other stages I would definitely bring my Leki-poles.

I had been alone for some hours and made my way through the river bed. Climbing up on wet, yet cool stone formations further in. And finally reached a hidden waterfall with some pools. And as I stopped and looked on the waterfall the sun beams came through the leaves right into my face as to say, "Congrats gal, you made it to next checkpoint!" It was a magical moment.

I had a very low hour coming up next with a painful foot. And couldn't run properly. Finally at the aid station they, to my surprise, had ice, so with some ice in the hat and vest I felt fresher as I came out on the beach with three other runners. At first, they were faster than me. But as we had 8 k on the sand, I held back a bit not wanting to run too fast when we were that exposed. But the wind was fresh and the mind clear so I had a good time here.

Another girl, Lindsey came from nowhere and passed me easily it looked like. But I thought to myself she was running so fast. We had still 15 k to go. I had her about 50 meters in front. Foot marks from other runners were clearly visible in straight lines. But Lindsays were more like a snake. She went running in curves from left to right and couldn't hold a straight line. Maybe that was her running style? Or something was wrong. I was coming closer and closer and soon we were crossing a small river that came out on the beach. It was a little gap from the beach to the river. And I saw her dropped down there. Like falling on her stomach. She went up but then straight down again. Luckily her coach and a local was just there. I also laid down in the water since they told me to, but was fine. I asked if she was okay. She just looked at me. And her coach and the other man told her to sit in the water for some time to cool down. She really hit a heat stroke. I met her later in the finish and she was laughing about it. So, she got alright sometime after and had finished the stage too.

I caught the boys just by the end of the beach and continued myself. My running was miserable. And Lina also came up from nowhere seeming she hadn't been struggling at all. She was super fresh and I tried to hang on. We had some fun moments on a trail and a beautiful little beach and got a message from the other Swedes Sussi and Stefan "HEJA Lina och Sanna" was written in the sand again. We thought this stage would be 50 k. But as we saw the TCC flags on the beach ahead with just 46 k on the watches we were relieved. Happy finishing together and meeting mum in the finish.

Day four

Once again waking up at 2.40. Same for everyone, brekkie at 3am, packing everything together if not prepared in the evening (mostly I was too tired in the evenings) and most times around 5. I let go of the skirt and ran only in swimming underwear and the oversized shirt.

The start for me was tough. I had really pain in my heal, this I hadn’t the other days, new pain places appeared. My knees and hip also complained. Old injuries that now after some days of running and bad recovery were more present than ever. In the climb every step in my heel bone hurt and I thought it could burst any minute. But I had a rhythm and tried to keep it. I could run in most hills at first. (They became insanely steep later on). Later on it still hurt, but when warmup it was a bit better.

The morning was gorgeous and we came up in the highlands between farms and meadows. This was one of my best parts. It was runnable beautiful trails, not too hot yet (would have said it was too hot for running before I had experienced the previous days of heat) at one little river by a bridge where I had climb down to soak myself, Katie passed, whom I knew should be in front of me. She had taking a wrong way in a sharp turn and continued down a steep hill. We chatted for a while and had a nice run. She seemed at bit destroyed and admitted her legs were smashed.

I went in front when we entered a forest with cows. They were about 10 of them on the narrow trail in front of us and I started to make sounds and punch my poles together like herding sticks to make them run away. One cow (or a bull) went away from the group and was behind us. I was focused on running and get the group away from the trail. Once it was free, I was alone. By then I saw Lina a bit further in front. And caught her. We had a few meters together before we realized we were wrong. It was very well marked the rest of the courses, but just those two wrong turns by Katie and us, close to each other. We turned back and walked up the hill and saw pink ribbons and the right hill side. Katie entered the forest and yelled in panic "SAAaNNNNAA!" She was chased by the bull. 🤣 The three of us climb away a bit from the trail to get rid of the bull and then managed to continue. It was a fun but also a scary scene. I was faster to descent than the others and later on I waited for them to pass me, but I never saw them until the finish.

There were long steep up and down gravel roads that never ended. One especially beautiful single track on a grassy part before two long river crossings. (Which were refreshing and super beautiful). The last descent we had been warned about wasn’t so steep and gnarly as they had said because it was changed last minute and was pretty runnable though with lots of big leaves and very dense and humid air, so I got the feeling of not being able to breathe. The finish was by a river with some pools we could cool down in. I had won the stage and was happy with it even though I can’t say I run fast for it.

Day five

I let go of the big shirts since they were disgusting at this point. Not good washed and not dry. It would mean more chafing on the wounds, but at least looking slightly better.

At this point I had another problem. Stomach pain. It is hard to describe but it is like someone is smashing you with a baseball racket all the time. Every step hurts. If you've ever had a football or something similar smashed into your belly and you lose air. It feels like that but without stopping. So, the last two days this was a very big and uncomfy problem. The sixth days I couldn't run in the downhills. I had to walk or slowly tiptoe down with as little bounce as possible to make myself moving forward.

The start of stage five took some time. We were transported in buses in groups and got dropped off at a road corner by a little ferry that would take all the race cars and us over a crocodile filled river.

Most runners had sleep deprivation. I felt really bad and tired and lay down on the asphalt trying to sleep around chit chatters of some excited runners. I felt I just wanted to complete the day and go to sleep. I told myself to start easy and let the body wake up in its own pace. On the other hand, I couldn't do anything else. My stomach hurt so much on the flat and in the downhill. And it felt it was only flat and downhill this course. I was further back in the field than previous days but really, I just fought to get through every stage. The farmland and the small houses we passed were super cute and it was a pleasure to run in this environment despite the problems I had.

The routines during the stages were the same. On every river or water, we came across I filled my hat three times and poured over myself. If it was deep enough, I sat or laid down for a bit. Because we never knew for how long we would be without water. In between the aid stations I had a rule for myself to complete one bottle of water and one of electrolytes to then fill up. At longer parts in between I had one or two bottles extra with me in case. I had one Näak bar with me and one or two gels, and also if they had on the stations I could grab more. But often it were salty cookies, water melon, pineapple, peanuts, sometimes bars and gels, and salt pills.

Due to my stomach pain, (not from eating anything weird) it made also pressure on my lungs and as I had a handful of salty peanuts on an aid station, I felt a slight reaction and couldn't really breath for about 10k. It was a bit scary and not so nice. I also had such an insane knee pain that I cried. This stage was by far the most difficult for me because my whole body just screamed “NOOOO!” in different ways. I felt like such a baby. The aid stations didn't had Paracetamol and with just 10 k to go one of the other runners, a kind older Costa Rican man had heard me asking for Paracetamol on every aid. He said “Tranquila hija, quieres Paracetamol?” He opened a hand for me with one. I wouldn't recommend others running with painkillers to keep going. But this was such a relief and it helped so much! I could finally increase my speed, even in the very technical jungle sections I seemed to move much better. Maybe a part of placebo effect. But so much pain was gone and my motivation rose.

I had tears up in my eyes and couldn't speak much but passed many runners on my way to a little river crossing we would do with a tiny boat. I really sprinted there to fast get over and managed to get there just when the boat arrived to the shore. Me and another runner who had broken one pole. I was completely done after my sprint. But according to the roadbook it would only be two kilometers to the finish from here. Though the gravel road we came on to never ended and the sun continued to burn us even more and the dust from the road filled my lungs. I was so afraid to collapse of exhaustion from the heat before coming to the camp.

I told myself that every step counted. I was angry because my watched showed now over three k from the boat. But by then I saw the flags and all I could think of was cold water. "Where are the showers?" Were the only words I uttered, and stumbled directly there. I had sort of a panic inside of me, so afraid of collapsing and just wished to cool down. It was not refreshing in the sea, first because it was too warm, but secondly because it was salt water, which was terrible for my blister between my legs. I sat down in the shower and had the time of my life for a few seconds before realizing the water was empty. It came and went away for some minutes before I gave up. At least I was a little bit cooled off. Later they had fixed the showers though. But you learn to live easy on these kinds of event. Walk around pretty dirty all the time. sandy, sweaty (even when you've had your showers) tired, and with pain on weird places. However, all people, volunteers and runners were so funny, kind and nice to hang out with, it was worth it. Both in camp and on course I had a great time even though I write down the very obvious feelings of a tough race. I struggled hard in between having a very good time and unforgetable experience.

Day six, last day

One last stage. I had the whole day to complete it if I wanted too. Stage 5 had been hard, but the start of stage 6 was one of the most painful I have ever done. My blisters felt like shotguns every step and it was like a man punched me very hard in my belly every bounce. In the uphill’s I tried to run and push the best I could, to then walk fast in the downhills. After an hour warmup I was more controlled with the pain and could increase my speed a bit and had a blast on the first trail we hit towards another river and amazing waterfall. It was when we came up on dirt roads that I had the most trouble again. Probably because there you are supposed to run fast, and I just couldn't but tried anyway which then caused so much pain in my belly. I remembered on Transalpine run the last stages I had similar belly symptoms, and it is because of too much intensity without recovery I guess.

How ever it was the last day, and I really took in every little part of Costa Rica. I enjoyed so much being out there and looked up on the trees, saved the colors of the birds, butterflies and flowers in my heart and smiled. Though at times, Jurrasic park felt real. I mean there are many leguaans, lizards and crocodiles, maybe the people here just missed some dinosaurs still here deep into the jungle just to be ready for the little swede coming into their territory.

When arriving to the coast it was so much fun. A nice very variated trail rolled in and out from small beaches, rocks that the waves crushed into, and palm trees hanging out from. And suddenly five small dogs, probably siblings, accompanied me. They ran around my feet, sometimes waiting for me to make sure I was with them. And we had a very good time for some kilometers. I couldn’t have had a better last day. Also, one dog living at the camp run some part with me in the beginning, later caught up with me, and I also had some trail moments with him. I later heard he had done the whole course, running with different people the whole way, swimming in the deep river, jumping on the big rocks and completed 36 kilometers with those tiny legs of his. He was sleepy in my lap that evening in the camp. I just wanted to bring him home.

FIIIIINIIIIISH!

I'm very happy to finish the race on the beach with a big smile on my face, happy to have completed such a tough challenge that The Coastal Challenge is. And it was very nice to have some days after with Lina and mum of pure recovery and relaxing by the sea.

It was funny with this race. The whole time I felt like running in slow motion. But with that I could also feel more of the jungle, beach, and tropics that I guess I will not have for awhile. ;)

THANKS COSTA RICA, RODRIGO, SERGIO, ALL VOLUNTEERS, ALL FANTASTIC PEOPLE, NEW FRIENDS FOR A VERY HOT, BUT VERY COOL ADVENTURE!

PTL RACE REPORT 2023

This is a little story of Lina and Sanna doing La Petite Trotte À Léon. Let’s say, they had to rest quite some afterwards, and therefor had plenty of time. So the race report went out to be little book how they struggled up a col and down a col and continued on like that for 6 days and nights. It might feel petite, it might feel grande, up to you. Enjoy the reading!

Introduction

This is what it says about PTL on the UTMB website.
“With its unique concept and its specific features, the PTL sets apart from other races. The spirit of the PTL is based on mental commitment, team spirit and adventure, as well as on sporting and mountain values. This ultra endurance race takes participants on a grand tour of the Mont-Blanc (310km and 25000m of D+), covering high altitude trails
La Petite Trotte à Léon is a larger and more wild version of the UTMB, the PTL offers a demanding alpine challenge. The route is not marked, but participants are given GPS waypoints and a map. The event must be done in teams of 2-3 participants.“

These are the few words that during some years have made us curious on this adventure. On a run last year we met three runners on their final day of PTL. It was a short but inspiring little chat and we admired what they had done and wanted to try it out too. PTL offers a different course every year which also makes it a unique trail running/hiking/adventure event.

We applied to hopefully get in. ( it is not just to enroll to PTL, you will have to show your previous experiences and mountain skills to get a chance for the start line).On our merit list we had some adventure races as Expedition China, Expedition Oregon and Raid del Viento then 24 hours races as ELS2900 and Hemavan24h, and orienteering races as BAMM, then of course the stage races we’ve done; Trans Rockies Run and Trans Alpine Run. A few weeks later we got selected to take part! And the final steps are some documents to sign and of course the not so cheap entry fee to pay.

How ever, our summer plans went all in for PTL basically. Less races than ever before and more adventure. In the middle of summer, we travelled to Peru and ran two high altitude races. And after acclimatized, we went on an 8 day trek and run around the wild Huayhuash. It was probably the best preparation we could get, since it was super tough mentally and psychically, and some of the most breathtaking landscapes we ever have visited.

How ever the day for PTL came. But we weren’t all set. The two gps-devices we had borrowed, were too old for bluetooth and also too old charging cables to put over via computer, we hadn’t any adapter cable. So we sat there 10pm in the evening before the race not really knowing what to do. In last minute we got to borrow a third one that worked, but we hadn’t tried it ourselves, so we packed it in our bags, but would only use our phones. All the gpx-files, waypoints and b-routes, were also downloaded there and we used Gaia App. We hoped we could charge the phones in the huts we would pass. After all, it was fine. Just an hour extra put on stress in between the packing, picking up bib and duffle bag, listening to briefing (that we came 30 minutes late too after running back and forth over Chamonix town to find the right building. It felt like a good warm up though. ) and also remembering to eat and rest.

During the course we would pass some huts where we could sleep or eat if we wanted to, we got 4 meal tickets, when they were out, we had to pay ourselves. Three times we would also have our duffle bag with our very own stuff, favorite snacks, new clothes, other shoes, spare poles, whatever.

Here it the mandatory gear checklist for PTL:

Minimum 2 liters of water
Supply of emergency energizing food (we snacked mainly Näak bars and waffles, and a lot of Snickers.)
2 head-torches in good working order with enough spare batteries to last for a week (We used Moonlight mountain gear 800lumen with 1300 batteries on)
Survival blanket (minimum 140x210cm)
Whistle
Mobile telephone with international roaming option (no masked number)
A charger (We had one phone charger each and also a power bank)
1 tee-shirt of breathable fabric (for change)
2 long-sleeved under breathable underwear
1 jacket and pair of trousers which are breathable and 100% waterproof. (We took our bigger Merrell rain jackets to be able to have down jackets underneath during the nights)
A waterproof cape (at first sight, useless, but in reality, very useful!)
1 pair of long sports trousers or leggings
1 pair of sun-glasses
1 waterproof pair of gloves
1 hat
1 glow-stick/light stick activated by bending (supplied by the organization)
1 multi-use beaker, bowl and cutlery for eating in life bases
Compass and altimeter
Knife
Crampons with minimum 1cm spikes (e.g. XTR from Yaktrax® / Chainsen Light from Snowline)
Helmet
Covid 19 Mask
Harness
Via ferrata type double lanyard (2 straps with absorber + 2 carabiners with locking system)
Personal silk bag (mandatory for sleeping in the refuge)
Mandatory gear checklist for each team
1 handheld hiking GPS in which all the tracks supplied by the organization have been downloaded. This device must be able to accept at least 20 tracks of at least 5000 points each. Warning: the smartphone and GPS watch does not replace the handheld hiking GPS.
The Roadbook and the route maps supplied by the organization
An emergency shelter 100% rain and wind proof and large enough to shelter all team members in case of emergency or very bad weather.
A candle and a lighter (to warm up the shelter in case of injury and/or risk of hypothermia)
A first-aid kit to allow the treatment of small injuries and minor infections
Cash (euros and Swiss francs)
Passport
We used a 20L bag for all of this, and that was enough.

Other equipment strongly recommended for your safety (including but not limited to)
A small stove, mess dish (per team)
Walking poles, (Our Leki, red and pink were used through out the race)
Other spare clothing,
Micropur tablets or water filtration system (We only filled up water where we were sure it was clean)
String, sun-cream, vaseline or anti chaffing cream … (we had sunscreen with us)
Sleeping-bag 200 gr. (We had these in our duffle bags)

START

310 k to finish

PART 1, Excitement, rain, fog and darkness

The clock rang 05:30. The Sky was pissing down. The bags were packed. Well, almost. There is always something that has to be stressed squeezed down last minute. But at least we felt prepared. Many teams looked on us like we were kids, and we felt like it as we decreased the average age a bit. But age is not relevant. It is the number of hours outdoors in demanding conditions and exposed terrain that matters. And without doubt we have put ourselves in those kind of circumstances enough times to stay on the start line of PTL. We hope more young teams will be on the start line other years! (And after all, we are not THAT young anymore).

Seeing everyone else covered in their rain ponchos, looking excited and frightened at the same time in a way made us in a good mood. It felt even more adventurous! The music in the start always build up the excitement, and you could feel the tension in the air.

We waved farewell at our friends who had shown up this grey morning to cheer us off, and it us made us bubble inside. Sanna would be the first navigator with the gps on her phone close to hand and Lina wore the altimeter watch, telling us when we would be on the wrong way.

Finally we started! The waiting was over! Running through Chamonix towards the unknown was a fantastic feeling. We had a steady pace and got to the climb in the forest with the front group. After about half an hour Linas watch which she had borrowed from Petter Engdahl made a noise. We didn’t take much notice since we rarely use watches, I guess they make notes every now and then? But after a while some stressed guys with their GPS in the air came down again and we all understood we had missed a turn and gone too far. The watch would help us many more times the coming days…

This early in the race it was like a train on the trail so now it got a bit messy. No one thinks it’s a race, but everyone wants to race and not be behind… We fell back in the crowd and was a bit frustrated since we wanted to go a bit faster up here, but it was just to accept it and to overtake later on.

The higher we came the whiter the ground. So beautiful! We love winter and snow, so these wintery conditions made us happy. For sure it was cold and our gloves were already soaked and frozen. We were cautious not to slip and injure ourselves already the first hours. We had now also stepped away from the trail and into a field of big rocks leading straight up. The real PTL begins… Up, up, up, almost crawling over the rocks, trying to find our way in the slippery and pretty dangerous landscape. Our crampons were supposed to be used on one glacier, but since everything was like a glacier at this point, one team after another started putting them on, so did we. It was fascinating to see so many being up in these circumstances by own choice.

The group spread out thanks to the gnarly terrain and when we were at the old Aguille du midi lift station the first decent began and it was a stunning view of mountains forcing their peaks out of thick clouds. The downhill felt longer than the uphill, (isn’t always like this?) but when we reached Les Bossons the Lumento photographers met us we got high spirits again. Merrell had hired them to follow us at least in the start and last day to get a glimpse of us during PTL.

The second climb was tough after smashed legs. But we weren’t worried so early in the race. We have done more intense non stop racing before, and energy levels comes and goes all the time.

Next couple of hours flew away, we passed the lift station plateau of Les Houches, also with the filming crew making us run faster than we knew we could. And then we headed towards St Nicolas du Veroce. I have some bad memories from there when participating in La montagne’Hard in 2017 where I got picked up by helicopter 2 kilometers from the finish line where I had collapsed of dehydration. How ever this time on PTL it was the first aid station where we could come inside, have some coffee and cake before continuing forward. It seemed the other teams stayed a bit longer, but we were restless and eager to continue when energy was good. With filled stomachs we went up towards Mont Joly. It could have been an amazing sunset on this ridge. But instead, we fought against strong winds and heavy fog. But we felt like Sam and Frodo making their way up the black mountain.

Almost at the top we put all of our warm clothes on with the rain cap on top. This means, three layers of wool base layer, one down jacket, the big rain jacket and rain cap. (We brought an layer plus down jacket, because we know it is better to stay warm than cold and not be able to help yourself).

Our strong MoonLightMountainGear headlamps helped us navigating forward and downwards. The rocks were frozen and slippery, and soon the trail became a big grassy and muddy slide. It is fascinating how darkness makes navigating so much harder. We could only rely on the gps and watch and not what our eyes could see, because it was total darkness and just some lights here and there from small villages further down the different valleys around us.

Suddenly there were flags set up on another direction than the trail we intended to take. We thought it might be the organization leading us another way down. But as we followed the flags for some 10 minutes it felt totally wrong. And we changed our minds again and ran back. Frustrated on each other. As soon as we came into the trail again we were followed by 8 flashlights behind us. Okay. On the right tracks obviously.

We arrived at the first refuge, La Gittaz, wet and cold. At first it felt nice to come inside, but it was not too nice there, and we wanted to continue when we weren’t tired. So we quickly shared on one pasta and coke before we continuing only 11 kilometers to the next, Plan de la Lay. La Gittaz wasn’t a very nice place to stay longer at, and the beds where we could sleep if we wanted to were in the same room as the tables, so there wouldn’t be much sleep anyway. It was far from pleasure we stepped out from the warm hut, trying to tie our shoes again with stiff fingers and once again be pissed on by the rain and enclosed by the night.

The 11 kilometer we thought would go pretty fast went for some super tough hours in an icy and snowy landscape with never ending hills. The positive thing was that we didn’t have to put energy on navigating since our mates in front of us had make excellent shoe marks in the snow leading us on the exact tracks. We could with no doubt conclude it was the right way since the PTL group was for 100% the only stupid people this high up in the mountain in this kind of weather.

At a trail sign we could read the name of the next hut just 3 kilometers away. But our gps pointed the other direction and a long loop around. Tired and at this point pissed off on the organization we headed where the arrow pointed and kept our tongues straight in our mouths as we faced a vertical downhill with sideway steps and a deep black whole on the side. One wrong step and we would have been dead. We survived and ran trough a tunnel in the mountain which made us in a better mood. Adventures need some adrenaline to be real adventures, isn’t that so? We went down more mud slides without breaking our legs and finally reached a hut where our first sleep was planned.

By the fireplace the teams before us had already hung their wet clothes to dry, at least a tiny bit for an hour or so. There wasn’t much space left for our stuff. We charged our phones and head torches. Got some hot soup and pasta and went straight to bed for an hour. We could easily have stayed the whole night, as the one hour felt like 5 minutes.

77k done, 233k to go

PART 2, Snow and joy, mud and misery

When we went off again it was light outdoors! We could see a little bit more I front of us and got the feeling of Scotland because the hills around us were dark green and the clouds still heavy. We wanted to run as much as possible and now it actually started to be some smooth and nice trails here and there. Lina felt some intense pain in her knee so we stopped and taped it which helped a bit. When wet came higher up the course was a bit changed due to all the snow, so we followed some flags up on a col and met a volunteer who cheered on us and told us to put on the crampons again on this section. The climb up felt longer than he had anticipated, but finally we were on the top and on our way down on the other side.

Thankful for the teams in front who made the tracks so it was so much easier to see where to go, after a long downhill meeting only one team on their way up the next pass, we came to the hut, Refuge de la Balme which we longed for. Now some rest and food! We didn’t plan to sleep here, just reload. The other female team just left when we came and we wished them good luck. At the beginning we had kind of raced with them, but now our main goal was to finish! After food we had espresso which gave us that extra kick, and also talked with the Italian team Argonauti which we would meet many more times later.

A low point had caught us before the hut, asking ourselves why we did this, but now we really felt how much energy some good food, social talk and rest can give! Like new humans we had some really good hours up in the snow, it was very, very steep at parts but both up and down we were so happy. This downhill run part was the best with the flow in the snow continued by smooth trails down the valley.

It was probably close to where we had ran Pierra Mehta Été previous year, and it is so beautiful! Just in time we came out on a road where the where last TDS-runners came up. It was so fun to meet more people to cheer on, knowing where are in this together.

We ran out on a street with some restaurants and a bus stop. Les Chapieux. There were many people here, probably supporters to TDS. It took some time before we realized there should be a small aid station for us here as well. It was later on found behind a building. We put our mouths full of cookies and small sandwiches and started hiking on the asphalt. It was afternoon already. Both of us had energy, but now pain started to bother us more and more here and there. It was more limping than walking. And we hadn’t come longer than 100k. But the pain came from previous injuries we’ve had in knees, hips and ankles, so it didn’t surprise us they appeared. But we felt we could continue without risking hurting ourselves afterwards. We tried to concentrate on the beautiful valley that was empty of houses, just one or two old farms and a perfect biking road. Here we would love to come back both summer and winter since it looked amazing for off pist skiing. We were on a scout mission for other adventures, in our adventure!

Next stop, and our sleeping target, was Hospice Du Petit Saint Bernard. We tried to stay positive and in an happy mood despite our low pace. Actually, the teams who passed us at this time, made us motivated and happy, just with some small talk with other people. It isn’t really a race where people try to beat each other, everyone support everyone and wants as many as possible to reach that finish line so far away. A guy asked if we had some medicine for an upset stomach, and it was a pleasure to pick up our medical kit and give him what we had to solve it. We later heard that it had ”saved” them which made us very happy.

Chamonix for us though, felt undoable now, but we only focused on next aid station or hut, and by then there were ant steps getting a bit closer every hour. After a clear and easy flat trail we headed to a zig zag and much smaller one, sometimes disappearing in grass or small stones. Also the sun had set and we once again put on our full gear and head torches. We didn’t want to go into the night, everything went so much easier in daylight, and mood was also easier to hold up.

As we were reaching Col de l’Ouillon, just meters from the final top of the col, the trail separated and it was just like a black wall. We didn’t want to climb vertical in the dark, if we fell… So we took first one side and then the other, we put our crampons on again with shaky hands, because even on the trail, just one step aside was very step, 100 meters down. After too long time, we had no choice but climbing up our own way and on all four we found ourselves a few 30 meters above the col, on the other side. We still don’t know where the real way was. Maybe we should come back in daylight and have a look, it can probably be easily find.

How ever, the other side was covered in snow, so we started following the tracks as before. But suddenly all steps were coming together and out from each other in a crazy order here and there. We checked our gps, and the arrow turned every second different directions and couldn’t decide where on the map it was. We were in middle of two high mountain walls. So the gps couldn’t find its way.

The ground was insanely slippery. Grassy meadows, step as hell at some parts and we saw butt marks from others who had slipped and gone for 100 meters down. We didn’t want to do the same. The new snow got stuck under the micro crampons like snowballs making them useless, and we had to kick the snow off every third step. It took ages to come down the steep side. Once the snow was gone there weren’t any tracks to follow, neither a gps to trust, so the only trail we could see on the map we decided to find. That trail came and went away and got together with a bunch of cow trails popping up here and there.

After awhile we just let go off the trail and focused on just having the compass in one direction and hold on that until we got to a clearer path. And we did. To the muddiest and shitiest there is. The cow trail, it was the trail we were supposed to run on too. All foot steps were back in the deep sludgy mud combined with cow shit. It wasn’t super nice, but at least runnable, so we just ran and ran and ran.

This never ending mud hole finally ended as they all do. Now we instead were facing a big hound barking at us and showing its big sharp teeth. It was inside a sheep fence, but it looked kind of ridiculous that this beast wouldn’t jump over that to kill us at any second since it was very angry. We instead jumped off the road to come as far as possible away from the tyrant.

The navigation continued to be very tricky and it took a long time until we found ourselves up on a steep mountain on the tiniest of tiny trails you could find. But the verticals must be shaved off so upwards we went.

The uphills aren’t the worst actually, you can’t go so much faster than you do, it’s just to go on. But the downhills where you want to go fast, but it hurts everywhere, there are rocks, snow, grass or mud to stop you and they are just a night mare. For Lina this part was the hardest. When it’s pitch dark and you don’t know if you have 1 or 3 hours left out there until you can have a break, it was very mentally tough. Some tears and encouraging hugs from Sanna and we came to the big house of Petite St Bernard.

We were welcomed by the staff and here we got our drop bags, so we could directly change to dry clothes. The meal here was a catastrophe. Cold rice with green peas that weren’t green anymore, an ugly sausage and bread. Lucky us we weren’t so hungry, so we had 2 hours of sleep and then got help from a nurse to fix our feet that now were trench feet. (When your feet look like raisins). They were in a really bad shape. The morning came, and everyone had said that the weather should be nicer. But when you look out you could only see grey, grey fog. It was not easy to get out there again, but we also got restless so once ready, we were eager to fight again!

133 k done, 177 k left.
PART 3, Skies clearing up

We started in ski slopes which later came into beautiful trails where we could try some blueberries that grew everywhere on the side. The weather actually started to clear up, and with that the mind and body also do! It was easy navigating, just following trails this time, So revealing. We had a great time and enjoyed the day. Though we were at every step reminded of our feet. It hurt so much underneath. Team Argonauti caught us again on the other side and we had company up to the memory of (Jean-Claude Marmier, creator of PTL). We had to let them go in the downhill since Linas knee again gave us problems. But we had time so just took it slow down to the Refuge Ruitor where we had heard on the way from the Norwegians that it was very good food. We were not disappointed either.

Three course lunch and off again. We passed a beautiful lake on our way up with big rocks to climb over to reach a high pass where we put on more clothes. It felt like we were putting on and off clothes all the time, but since we went up and down mountains all the time it was necessary.

We came to the most beautiful part of the course with stunning lakes and views. Now some more runnable trails came and also some teams passed since we had mostly been walking down. It filled us with adrenaline and some competition will, so pain disappeared for a bit and we could run really good! When that happens the whole body and soul just scream of happiness! The following hours we had sun and other teams around us and a wonderful time. It was a great mixture of nice trail, scrambling and being close to a waterfall and a big glacier. So we can really recommend to run from Refuge Ruitor to Refugio Deffeyes, (and run around the lake to get a few extra kilometers and arrive to the refuge from another side). Most stretches were super nice, but here we had one of our highlight moments.

In last hour of sun we arrive to Deffeyes, got black berry pie and double espresso and went off again after a quick stop, to reach the col in sunset. The refuge had been busy with lots of Italian tourists celebrating something, and all of them cheered on us as we ran away bubbling of too much caffeine. The valley towards the col was on the other hand completely silent and peaceful. With the evening light it felt like a magical place.

On the col there were some Nepali flags and we stopped for a moment enjoying the nostalgic thoughts from our hike trip to Nepal last year. The descent towards Morgex started. 1900 meters downhill was in front of us. The first part was great prepared with stone stairs, big yellow reflective arrows that we could easily follow with our head torches.

Down in the forest the Italians had taken a wrong turn and came up from another direction and then started following us. They were too tired to navigate themselves anymore. Both of us could run at this point, and even though the decent was long, the first part went fast. But once out on a dirt road, we thought we were almost there. Which we were very wrong. The light of the city was unbelievably far down and we were terribly high up. Our poor bodies were out on the steep trails for at least an hour more until we at last saw the life base in Morgex.

Sanna had twisted her ankle somewhere, somehow, it swelled up and she could barely stand on it. It was like a big tennis ball on her ankle. She was in so much pain and in a very bad mood because of this. We really thought it was the end of PTL for us. But we put 1 hour alarm and slept on thick madrassas in a gymnastic hall. She had her feet high towards the wall. She didn’t get much sleep, if any those 60 minutes. But she put a lot of Kinesio tape in different angles around the ankle.

We hiked away, still in darkness. It felt like such a long night this time. A long zigzag trail steep uphill. But then promptly Linas watch beeped that we were on the wrong way. We hadn’t seen any other trail crossing. We were about 30 meters to the right. But no way we would go down the steep trail, trying to find the non-existent trail in the bush. We decided to go to a road above that would shortly cross our main trail. It was a big mistake and would cost us probably 2 extra hours of misery. In briers we fought like in the Amazon to find a little trail from the road that would led us to Our trail. But there were only more thorns to rip our bare legs. We looked like bloody cats coming out from a fight for their lives when we finally reached Another trail, that could possibly cross Our trail. We walked in silence after we had shouted ugly words on each other in the misery. Both now kept our biggest hope we would come up right. The relief when the watch finally were happy again!

The sunrise that we had hoped to see up on the mountain could now be noticed through the thick branches in the forest. Too much time spent on so little moving. So when it was very clear where we were going we marched on. Above the tree line was so good. And believe it or not, it was clear blue skies again and the sun had already started to warm us. We soaked in the views and enjoyed being on a trail, because just some minutes later, we would leave the fantastic trail and go straight out in nothing. The organizers liked this, to put us out in no mans land, no traces or steps. And we did too, when we had some views, it hadn’t been so appealing though in rain and thick fog.

We hiked on with a few other teams to a top between Colle Serena and Col Fetita. Think it was Téte de Serein and Téte des Fra. The light was magical, the scrambling and the easy ridge was fun and all teams were in a happy spirits. We shared on a raisin brioche and with pleasure we covered ourselves in sunscreen. After this our speed decreased again. Both of us felt fatigue pouring over us. Another brioche and cookie stop and we continued off trail, kept the others teams backs in our sight. At Col Citrin it was easier terrain and once again our energy went a bit higher. It really went high, dropped to the bottom, rose again and kept on going like that. We overtook everyone up to Mont de Flassin, just to be overtaken downhill again towards San Rhemy en Bosses.

Linas knee had stopped us before, now it was instead Sannas ankle that got worse and the speed decreased from slow to snail pace. Bottles were empty, next river would be a 900 high meters down the valley, sun decided to have bbq. I wished we could enjoy this ridge and trail, because it was truly beautiful and could have been amazing to run in another shape. Now it was only struggle an tears pounding in my eyes. Lina went in front and disappeared. Eager to run once she hadn’t pain. I felt left alone and burst into tears like a little baby. Lack of sleep, dry mouth, over heated, and ankle pain were a great recipe for a wet, salty face.

When you think you’ll never come down, you finally do anyway. The little river was the best happening on the whole day. Body relaxed after panicking in the heat, and after that everything went a little, little bit better, even though we didn’t speak to each other anymore. At the aid station Sanna sat in silence, chewing on some snack, refilling the body, whilst Lina tried to keep the mood up by chatting with the volunteers and the other teams. Also everything gets better with some micro resting and food.

199K done, 111 left

PART 4 , New start, friends again, High on life

Soon we were on the go! Instead of the Italian team, we had now same speed as a French team, Les X-traordniaires24

We followed the X-traordinatires24 up a grassy hill. It was probably meant to be a short cut instead of a zig zag trail on the gps, where in reality the trail didn’t really exist. For us it went slower, it was painful for our feet to walk in such deep grass, steep and uneven ground. And we regret we followed them instead of making our own way closer to the trail. Once on a gravel balcony road we could relax again and look what we had around us. It was very nice up to Col de Saint Rhémy, and there a happy photographer filmed us with his drone on a ridge. Before we descended towards Grand Saint du Bernard. Due to the heavy snowfall the other night we unfortunately had to take the B-route here, missing the Via Ferrara and cool trail up, Mont Fourchon, Pain de Sucre and scramble to Pointe de Drone. We have comeback and do them another time!

We hadn’t checked the b-course on the gps, and just followed the trail we were running on towards a bigger road further down. Our third bigger wrong turn. We had lost a few hundred meters and ashamed walk upwards again. Always angry on each other when something goes wrong, it is always the other ones fault. Our feet hurt so much underneath. The soles were destroyed from the wet hours, and it was really painful.

The dark came and we were wet and cold and decided to take shelter at the restaurant and Grand St Bernard, which also the other team had done. A well needed double espresso and sandwich, warmer clothes and we could continue in better spirits!

It was a fun way up next col where two Marshalls cheered on us and told us it was less than one hour down to the refuge where we could have some sleep. (Never trust a fit mountain guide several days into a race about time) It was looooong. It always gets longer when you have a goal to reach that you think is close. It was funny though to be in this area summertime, since we skied here some years ago with our friends Deborah and Werner. Great memories!

The Caban Plan du jeu didn’t lay next to the road we came out on, as we thought when we saw lights from above. The lights came from a parking garage. The hut was a few hundred meters up the mountain. All those misunderstandings or thoughts takes a toll on your head and you really have to work a lot with your mental strength. At the hut we were so tired so we went to sleep directly. There weren’t any blankets or anything, so we took our rescue bivy blankets and slept in them. I (Sanna) woke up several times with an awful pain in my whole legs. I wanted to crawl out of my own body, not knowing what to do with myself. It was a weird muscular pain which really drove me crazy. I called for the volunteers and they ripped off med the survival blanket. And the pain vanished. My legs were probably overheated in the sack, which is not meant to be used inside, but outside in cold temperatures. I got to borrow a towel and could shower my legs in ice-cold water to get them in a better condition. It was an awful experience and hard to describe. Thanks a lot to Tom and Karima! After some more food we settled off in the dark.

The French guys left at the same time, and we shared some kilometers together again. It was a pretty fun trail along the mountain until the sunrise and we headed into a beautiful valley towards Cabane du Velan. We met the other female team and also the team we helped with the stomach issues, and they felt so much better!

The climb up was super fun including some ladders, putting our crampons on again as we reached the snow, an welcoming the first sunbeams in our faces on the spectacular ridge in front of the cabane. In these environment we feel the best. We were really high on endorphins reaching the spectacular Cabane du Velan. And the people working there were super happy and we were so high on life. The weather was amazing and the views astonishing. We could have stopped there and then and just enjoyed the stunning scenery we had in front of us. A 15 minutes nap after some food and we had to descend again if we would ever finish PTL. Unfortunately, next alpine section was also removed and instead we had a b-course to harvest. But in the heat that followed, it was as tough down in the valleys as further up where it was at least cooler…

At every river or water tap we soaked ourselves. And life was pretty good. We had a mixed team in front of us that had been around us all the days. It was another team that looked almost the same as them, one bearded guy, one skin head and one dark haired woman, but there were two different teams. It was pretty funny every time we were close, to remember which team was which. They were all super nice!

It took us almost the whole day to come to Orsières in the warm weather. Nothing spectacular, just a trail, a road, a trail going down,down,down. We were grilled.

PART 6

261 k done , 49 k left

Sleep deprivation and heat struggle

Orsières to Chamonix felt so close, yet so far away. We had irritating bruises on our backs, on our legs and fingers, not to talk about our feet and toes. But somehow when there are so many painful place on the body, only the worst feels, which kind of makes it manageable. Sure enough there were plenty of times we wanted to stop and quit and just lay down, going home. Who cares anyway. But then we know deep down, that we after all do care. The curiosity kept us going. What was behind next corner, how did the other valley look? Just to run that finish line side by side, accomplish something together, is worth the struggle. Otherwise, if to mark the end of our adventure before the goal, all we had endured til here would be in vain. We were out on a test, and were determined to withstand.

We are by nature impulsive and restless, having a hard time staying on one place. (Therefor we didn’t stay sleeping so long on any place, because we wanted to move forward). But on this race, you really have to be patient too. The distance doesn’t sound too far, but when the terrain is what it is on some parts, and the navigation gets hard and the weather is what it is, it will double (quadruple?) the time out there. We had aimed to finish after around four and half or five days. Now we were already halfway into the fifth, and many hours to go. Though early into the race, we understood it would take more time than expected.

It was a hot night. And on our way up on a steep trail to La Breya above Champex Lac, we crossed a trail where the UTMB-runners came. They looked drained and sad and alone, coming one by one. We had each other, and I wouldn’t have liked to be all by myself there. The climb up was made quit. Both of us felt we should have stayed for a longer rest down in Orsières, but kept that unsaid. We were in a mad mood on top, discussing why we did this shit. Not being able to run, just slowly moving forward, for what?

But it helped that this place was familiar since we had been skiing here too. And it was a beautiful view where we could see all the head torches of the UTMB-runners like a pearl necklace finding its way down the mountain.
Suddenly two eyes and a growling sounds appeared. A dog sat beside the wide trail and stared at us. In front laid something big. At first sight it looked it was a wolfs capture. But then we saw it was someone sleeping outside in a sleeping bag with his husky.

As we continue down the trail, my head couldn’t stop thinking of the sleeping man. It was so tempting to shut my eyes, crawl up by a tree and sleep. After some time I thought, but why don’t we just do this for 10 minutes? Then maybe the cravings of sleep is away and we can focus on setting on. Lina said yes straight away. And we jumped into our survival bivy blankets which at this time were perfectly warm. And then we slept deep under the stars for 20 long minutes. It was actually a very cozy moment.

The following part we had skied with Werner and Debbie too, when they lived in Champex Lac. We were going up to the col we had stand on on skis a few years before. It felt easier with a snow packed landscape and skis on our feet, than huge rocks wherever we looked. The moon was strong so our headlamps didn’t have to use all its power. The way uphill was the typical one when you think you are soon there, and then you just see next sea of rocks above you, and when you are really sure it must be the col, you aren’t even a little bit more than half way up. But once up to Fenêtre d’Arpette, it felt worse to start the journey downhill. On the other side of the mountain we could see a bracelet of lights moving down as well. It was the UTMB-runners coming closely after each other. Then it felt better for us as well. There were other people out throughout the night, making progress.

How much we wanted to come down. We didn’t want to fall. And due to our lack of sleep, we couldn’t trust our legs and feet anymore. The balance weren’t there as usual anymore, and we felt dizzy at times and eyes crossed each other from time to time.

We had to make two more naps on the trail to be able to continue! It’s fascinating how easy it is to fall asleep when you are tired, and it can be the best sleep you ever had! It’s a special experience.

When we had waken up we met Petter Restorp and Roman Ewarts on their way up to cheer on runners in Champex Lac. It was great to talk to other people this early to get more energy!

We realized we were on the same trail as OCC goes, the 56 km race, which we ran last year. Again, our main course was taken down to a B-course so it was exactly like the OCC. It was very disappointing, we of course wanted to see something new. The day begun, and we were lucky to have shadow all the way to Col de Balme. Now Chamonix felt sooo close! Here we knew we would make it! So that was fantastic, but also, when your goal seems so close, things starts to hurt even more, and the goal gets further and further away…

We have been running the trails in Le Tour many times, and they are really easy and fast ones! If we felt fast? Not so very much, no. When we reached bottom of Le Tour we hear a frisky shouting and running towards us comes our friend Jenni! She is bubbling with joy and energy which is contagious! We have a great chat before she leaves us and says she will hurry to the bus to meet us soon in Chamonix!

This short way back to Chamonix was the longest of the whole course. We once again though were lucky to have friends meeting up now, Björn and Pontus were in Argentière and we were so surprised to be cheered on again!

The last bit was a fight against the heat, and also the trail which we thought would lead us straight to Chamonix, but instead lingered its way further up in the forest to give us some extra vert.

Another battle on a non-existent trail and we came out on a road after been passed by a team who flew down the hill like they had just been out on an easy jog this morning.

Two jumping and waving girls came towards us, it was Jenni and Johanna! ”They are in Hell” the team who passed us had told them. Apparently we had been a bit loud in our discussions on route choices down the forest. But now at least Lina was high on life again, friends gives so much energy you didn’t think you had! Sanna left the talking to the rest and just wanted to finish this. Dehydrated and no sleep she was in another world. ”Only 4 km left from here” Johanna said in a frisky voice. It’s weird that when you have been running almost 300 km, you think that 4 km is very long.

Just when we were about to increase our low speed entering Chamonix, about 1 km from the goal, we were stopped by some volunteers. What now? The top three men in the UTMB (The main race of the whole week) would come in some minutes, so we had to wait to not ”disturb” the finish. It felt abrupt and strange, but in the same time we also understand this and Sanna could have another nap, which probably were very needed not for her to collapse. She was on the tip of fainting.

And it was actually the best timing to come to the finish line in Chamonix. It’s packed with people and everyone is cheering. When we had green light to start running again we had new bodies.

We had got wings on our backs, running along the river that gave us its power, we were floating with it! Side by side, after all the ups and down, finally here, with the best finish we could ever dream of (and this was honestly what we had been dreaming of!) The legs felt no pain, we both ran with are hearts full. Friends and people who didn’t knew us still cheered us like queens. It was fantastic. It was amazing! It was one of the most fun things we have ever done in our lives!
Let’s not talk too much about the after math. There have been a couple of days in Chamonix of just sleeping, resting, eating and being. That’s about it.

THE ARCTIC TRIPLE

LOFOTEN SKIMO 4000+

RACE REPORT

It was a while ago since I wrote any report. The winter has been all about training, mainly skiing, in some beautiful areas. And this race was the only one we planned to do.

Since the start of the Arctic Triple at 2017 we have had our eyes on the skimo race. The triple includes a triathlon and an ultra running race which covers the whole island. Once you’ve done the whole triple you are an Arctic Triple finisher! We though, had our intention only for the Lofoten Skimo with its 4000+ meters of elevation with 8 mountains.

In addition, we wanted to run the Lofoten Stage run, a 4-day stage run in beginning of June, with the same organizers, Kristian and Frank. But they have postponed it until 2024. We hope we can plan it for next year instead then.

How ever. Lina travelled from home in Åre to Svolvaer in Lofoten, and I from Germany where I spent the last weeks with my boyfriend. It was so nice to be together in the mountains again. We are rarely a part for longer periods, so 2 weeks apart felt long. :P

We had a perfect welcome in Lofoten with lots of snow and sun. And we had a powder blast with lots of skiing with two Italian guys whom we stayed together with the days before the race. Nicolo spontaneously also decided to start in the race.

The atmosphere in such a small race as Lofoten skimo is super nice. You can really feel that there is passionate organizers behind it, that want to do it special for every one that attend. Most of the people coming here, (all I would say) do this for a nice touring day in the Norwegian mountains, with some extra good training opportunity for those who want to push, where the course is marked and there are fika stops along the route.

Unfortunately, a strong wind during the night made us not be able to really enjoy the downhills as previous days. The race was not supposed to be too enjoyable... It was also predicted to be very snowy and windy in the morning. Which we thought then would be a super cold start. So, I had wool pants under the race suit and a long sleeve shirt in addition to the wind jacket. But it was really the “warmest” day and I was sweating and got so hot. I didn’t want to take off layers if the wind would suddenly come, even though it would have been more comfortable.

However, we had an early hotel breakfast at 5.30 and then everyone got on a bus for about half an hour to get to the starting point. The start area was just by the water in a bay. No one seemed to be nervous, just excited and happy for the day to come. Though as too often, everyone stood ready 10 meters behind the start line with 10 seconds to go. Lina and I stood at the start line. Because, why not? Everyone is getting out there, so why not be first? It will only be your problem to pass. I like to be first so that I can find my pace without stress. And on this event, everyone was more or less chatting the first kilometers along the flat parts before going further into the mountains. One of the most calm and nice starts I have ever done. :P

After a while 3 strong guys went first and after a little more while I told Lina to pass, because I know she is faster and has her own speed. It was absolutely no wind, though a bit white out, and the snow was packed... The wind during the night had blown away all the tracks from the course markers, and there wasn’t anyone who pre-skied the course. Therefor the first man had to do the tracks.

A French woman went in the same speed as me uphill to the first transition. Then when taking my skins off I was a bit too fast, and happened to got my boot in the ski in ski mode. A tiny mistake, but big enough for her to ski out first and disappear. And after that I was alone on the course for the entire time. The sight was zero. White out, but with the help of the skiers in front I followed their tracks down. By then the weather got better and on the second uphill the weather got clear and I could see the opposite mountain where we had skinned up and skied down. It looks always so cool with the ski pattern. Zig zags up and the rolling snakes downhill.

The volunteers on the top were so happy and nice. So, I just had a big smile on my face. Lina and the French girl were some minutes in front. But that downhill I started to feel as such a bad skier. Lactic acid directly and it felt as I was braking in all turns, which also took extra energy.

Down in next transition was the first aid station. A bit too early to take anything for me. But I sipped some coke before heading up again. We had skied powder in this valley some days before, so I new the tracks. It was nice, and I saw Lina a bit further up and the French girl just ahead of her. At this point I began to feel like I was on tour alone, and went from going slow to some fast sections, to slow again and then fast again, and so it went on pretty much the whole race. A few moments of race mode, and then touring pace again. It is difficult to push when you are out there all alone and it is so beautiful around you and you only hear your heartbeats and breaths. But I did both have a very good time and challenged myself on parts to push.

The ridge where we put on crampons was the best part for me on the race. It was overwhelming and peaceful in the same time, and I felt fortunate to be able to do this. A dash of lucky vibes splashed over me. With a panoramic view of the small, but still impressive mountains around me, the little fjords and the sea meeting the snow, and then me, all alone on this mountain ridge. I first embraced all of this by myself, but then realized I wanted to keep it as a memory on my phone as well. It was easy to bring it up in my backpack and film around as I walked/run with my crampons.

The course itself was pretty easy with not so steep nor technical difficulties, I would have preferred a bit more challenges. But that is to come on our own tours instead. This event is really for everyone to take part in which I also think is really good. This race day though, the downhills were the hard parts, at least with skinny skies, because of the packed snow that broke now and then. So, one could never trust it would hold beneath. In one of the downhills, I skied with full speed right into big icy part and fell so fast. One ski went up too, but luckily didn’t fly away for its own. Nothing more than that. But I got a bit chocked anyway as you do when you crash. And I really took it easy downhill after that. I didn’t want any stupid accident to happen.

I munched a Snickers and with full mouth I saw some flags 300 meters in front. Aaah, the aid station… Maybe could have been good to plan where to take energy, and know where the aidstation were, than only go on feeling. How ever, some coke and a filled water bottle again was great. I continued and saw I had lost a bit on Lina in front, probably she didn’t filled her bottle. That took some time for me and to put it down in the pack again…

The uphill was the longest one for the day, but with a middle section very flat. I had looked forward for the downhill because Lina and I had watched it from the other mountain and the powder turns from other skiers looked amazing. Now on the other hand, all was destroyed… I think I was a bit low on energy too, because it went really shitty for me and I stopped every 50 meters to calm down and not fall. On another downhill one ski got stuck and twisted my already bad left knee. So, it hurt, and also with equally packed snow here I was so afraid to get stuck with one ski again and twist or fall. With tears burning in my eyes, I, what felt like a lifetime, found myself at the bottom and could relax.

One last uphill and then the final downhill through the forest that passed the hut we’ve stay at with the Italians. It was a super fun part and I had skied it 3 times already. Many people were also cheering here and I had just a big smile and played down. Once reaching the road we were allowed to leave our boots and change to winter running shoes. It was very slippery, so I happily changed and put the skis on my pack and ran the last part into the village, passing the harbor and the sea, and then finish line on the main square. It was so nice atmosphere. I came just in time for the kids race which included some snow stair running, snowball throwing and ride tail tag.

We were served a yummy fish burger and fruit buns, and coffee. I didn’t drink coffee in the morning since I had pretty high pulse. So, all the race I really craved coffee. It tasted very good. :D

Energy during the race: One double Snickers, a handful sour candy from some nice volunteer at a top, 2 gels, (one caffeinated) 800ml Näak watermelon energy drink, 2 plastic cups of coke.
After many years of racing, I still don’t know if this was a good energy intake or not. I don’t calculate so much. I could probably have been munching more, but still, I just don’t think my pace had been faster. Until next time I should; wax skins, or use race skins, wax skis, be a better downhill skier and faster uphill skier, and a gopro on my helmet instead of the phone in a pocket. :P

I samarbete med Scannakroppen.se

Jag har gjort Magnetröntgen av mitt vänsterknä. Se bilder längre ner hur en magnetkamera ser ut.

Bakgrund

Genom åren har jag haft en hel del skadeproblem. Redan när jag spelade fotboll hade jag knäont, och det har alltid funnits med när jag sprungit och gjort långa tävlingar. Jag har tänkt att ont får man, och ont ska man väl ha i knäna, eller?
Mina skador har varit sådana som jag har definierat som ”Det går ändå”. De har tagits på allvar några dagar, för att sedan mest ignoreras, och helt enkelt köra på ändå. Livet med löpning har varit för roligt för ”en paus”. I längden håller det ju inte riktigt… Men ärligt talat, så vet jag inte vad jag skulle ha gjort annorlunda. Jag är den jag är och vill inte missa äventyr, därför har prioriteringen på den egna kroppen helt enkelt fallit bort. Aldrig har jag gått till en och samma fysioterapeut mer än en gång till exempel. Hur dumt som helst. ”Jag kan, och klarar mig själv” är tatuerat i mig.

I somras sprang jag otroligt mycket. Många tävlingar, och många ”upptäcksturer”- som är det bästa jag vet. Men i september började jag få lite konstiga känningar i ena knät. Det låser sig, hoppar, knäpper och knäcker extrema smärtor kan komma från ingenstans, och en del andra symptomer.

På uppvärmningen till VM i skyrunning i Veia i Italien, kändes det inte alls bra. Men jag startade, och kom i mål. Men utför kunde jag inte trycka på alls, för när jag ville sträcka ut benet, eller använde någon som helst kraft högg det till i hela knäskålen. Väldigt obehaglig smärta. På upploppet när jag skulle dra en spurt högg det till rejält i vänster knä och jag trodde någon sena eller något hade gått av. Blev riktigt rädd. Hoppade mer eller mindre på ett ben in i mål. Men sen gick det bra att gå runt. Och efter ett lopp vilar man ju ändå. Så jag hoppades att det skulle ge med sig.

Dagarna efter hade jag ont mest hela tiden och knät var svullet. Det blev ingen mer löpning på resan och vi bilade hemåt mot Sverige. Hemma försökte jag med alternativ träning så gott det gick, och tejpade ihop knät och försökte springa myr när det funkade. Men knät var svullet konstant och gjorde ont när jag kom i vissa positioner.
Men en resa till Nepal för löpning och fast-hiking var bokad, dessutom skulle jag på ännu ett VM, den här gången i trail- och mountain running. Jag höll tummar och tår och hoppades att jag skulle hålla ihop. För en sådan resa ställer jag inte in. Jag funkar liksom inte så.

Jag ångrar inte resan, för Nepal och Thailand var en upplevelse för livet. Men efter den krävande turen i Nepal med ryggsäck på sig under löpning och vandring var mitt knä helt trasigt. Och jag kunde inte springa normalt alls. Smärtan var outhärdlig, och på tävlingen bröt jag efter 6 kilometer, för första gången kunde jag inte ta ett springsteg. Ni tänker säkert att jag är dum i huvudet, och det är nog helt sant. Men så här var det i alla fall, och jag gjorde de val jag gjorde.

Vidare

Det blev följt av 1 månad helt utan löpning. (har bara småjoggat och kortare turer utan fart sedan dess också..) Jag ville testa först om det bara var rejäl överansträngning det handlade om, innan jag kontaktade någon som kollade på det. Kanske låter dumt, men det är något som tar emot för mig att ta hjälp. Men det har jag ändrat åsikt om senaste månaden då jag verkligen vill ge detta ett försök. Jag gick på några undersökningar hos läkare och fysios. Och fick remiss för MR-tid, men som med alla andra, väntetid på TRE månader!

Jag väntade i en månad innan jag tappade tålamodet och hittade till Scannakroppen.se som utför MR röntgen (röntgen med magnetkamera) och andra behandlingar och undersökningar. Det är en privatklinik med legitimerade läkare och fysioterapeuter. MR gör det via Evidia som har korta väntetider. Jag fick snabbt hjälp och remiss och vägledning och en tid för röntgen redan inom en vecka!

Så om du går med en skada, och bryr dig om dig själv och är villig att betala en slant utöver den statliga vården så rekommenderar jag verkligen detta.
Hur går det till?

När du fått en tid hos din närmsta Evidia (De finns på flera ställen i landet), jag fick i Sundsvall, så fyller man i ett formulär i väntrummet. Sedan går man inte i ett magnetkamera-rum med ett stort fönster ut där den ansvariga sitter. I rummet står det en stor maskin och en brits. Man lägger sig på britsen med, i mitt fall, vänster ben i en behållare och sedan skjuts britsen in i den maskinen. Man får hörlurar med lugna favoriter i öronen, och får ligga där i ungefär 8 minuter när röntgen tar bilder. Det dånar och dunkar i maskinen. Sedan rullas maskin ut igen, och man är färdig. Bilderna skickas direkt till din läkare och så snart de har kollat på bilderna och gjort ett utlåtande får du det hemskickat, och även din fysioterapeut får detta. Så att du kan gå vidare med rehabilitering eller vad nu just du kan behöva.

För min del har det visats sig år av ”misshandel” och överbelastning i flera delar på knät. Det kan vara så att smärtan jag får inte sitter i knäleden, utan kommer utifrån den på grund av olika beläggningar och strukturer som bildats. Jag vill inte gå in på allt som har hittats, utan återkommer om en tid då jag gått hos en fysioterapeut där vi tillsammans utreder vad som gäller för min del så att jag kan komma tillbaka starkare och friskare i löpningen. Man lär som man lever, eller hur det nu var. Jag är säkert på att jag kommer kunna springa fort med vinden i håret igen och komma ihåg att vila, ta dagar helt utan någon form av träning och fortsätta leva så som jag gör. Lycka till med din skada, rehab eller vad du har problem med, vi fixar det här!!!

For english, please scroll down.

Granola får vi inte nog av. De godaste gör man helt enkelt själv! I den här har vi massa olika sorters nötter, och blandar i frystorkade tranbär i efterhand, rekommenderas starkt!

Lyxgranola

Granola
1 plåt
1 dl rostade hasselnötter
1 dl valnötter
1 dl mandlar
1 dl cashewnötter
6 urkärnade dadlar
4 torkade fikon
6 dl havregryn
1 dl solrosfrön
1 dl pumpakärnor
1 dl mandelmjöl
½ dl kakao
2 krm vaniljpulver
½ tsk salt
3 msk kokosolja
2 dl kokhett vatten
2 msk honung
3 msk tahini
1 dl frystorkade bär, exempelvis tranbär

Hacka nötter och torkad frukt grovt. Blanda ihop allt utom frystorkade bär ordentligt och sprid ut på en plåt med bakplåtspapper. Rosta i ugnen på 125 grader i cirka 30-40 minuter. Rör om då och då. Stäng av ugnen och låt torka på eftervärme. Blanda i de frystorkade bären i efterhand.

Granola is made best by yourself at home. Add some freeze dried berries to get that luxury feeling.

Luxury granola

Granola
1 tray
1 dl toasted hazelnuts
1 dl walnuts
1 dl almonds
1 dl cashew nuts
6 pitted dates
4 dried figs
6 dl oatmeal
1 dl sunflower seeds
1 dl pumpkin kernels
1 dl almond flour
1/2 dl cocoa
2 pinch vanilla powder
1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp coconut oil
2 dl boiling hot water
2 tbsp honey
3 tbsp tahini
1 dl freeze-dried berries, such as cranberries

Chop nuts and dried fruits coarsely. Mix everything except freeze-dried berries thoroughly and spread out on a tray with baking sheet. Roast in the oven at 125 degrees Celsius for about 30-40 minutes. Stir from time to time. Turn off the oven and leave to dry on after-heat. Mix in the freeze-dried berries afterwards.

For english, please scroll down.

Härlig frukost ute i snön. Vi serverar oss själva fruktsallad med hemgjord kryddig granola, som vi delar recept på nedan, med frukt- och nötbröd (köpt) och kaffe-choklad.

Granola

En granola i goda klumpar som fungerar bra som snacks och kan tryckas ihop till bars också. Inte krispig och crunchy, lite ”mjukare” och vansinnigt god!

En plåt
en näve valnötter
en näve mandlar
en näve torkade fikon
3 msk honung eller sirap
3 msk kokosolja
1 ½ - 2 dl kokhett vatten
1 dl äppelmos
½ dl valfritt nötsmör eller tahini
9 dl havregryn (denna gången använde vi hälften fiberhavregryn)
1 ½ dl solrosfrön
en näve kokosflakes
1 msk kanel
1 msk maca
kardemumma och saffran efter behag
salt, efter behag

Hacka nötter och fikon. Lös upp kokosolja och honung i kokhett vatten. Blanda om med äppelmos och nötsmör. Rör ihop alla ingredienser i en bunke. Sprid ut på ett bakplåtspapper på en plåt. Rosta i ugnen på 125 C i 30 minuter, rör om då och då. Sänk därefter temperaturen lite. Låt torka. Ta ut när det fortfarande är lite mjuk. Den torkar efter som.

A very yummy breakfast outdoors in the snow. We served ourselves fruit salad with homemade spicy granola, which we have recipe for you right here, together with nut- and fruit bread (bought) and hot chocolate-coffe blend.

Granola

A granola in chunks that also works well as snacks and can be pressed together into bars too. Not crunchy and crunchy, a little "softer" and insanely tasty!

One tray
a handful walnuts
a handful almonds
a handful dried figs
3 tbsp honey or syrup
3 tbsp coconut oil
1 ½ -2 dl hot water
1 dl applesauce
½ dl optional nut butter or tahini
9 dl rolled oats
1 ½ dl sunflower seeds
a handful coconut flakes
1 tbsp cinnamon
1 tbsp maca powder
cardamom and saffron, at will
salt, at will

Chop nuts and figs. Dissolve coconut oil and honey in boiling hot water. Mix with applesauce and nut butter. Stir all the ingredients together in a bowl. Spread out on a baking sheet on an oven tray. Roast in the oven at 125 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. After that, lower the temperature a little. Allow to dry. Take out when it's still a little soft. It dries completely after some time.

This recipe only comes in Swedish since the main product in the recipe only can be bought in Sweden at the moment.

I ett samarbete med Färsodlarna har vi tagit fram detta recept.

Vegokebab i pitabröd

Vegokebab från Färsodlarna är otroligt god, och passar utmärkt i pitabröd med sallad, inlagda rödbetor, granatäpple och saffranssås. Det är en jättebra utflyktsrätt som går snabbt och smidigt att laga och enkelt att ta med sig ut. Jättegoda smaker nu när julen närmar sig med den kryddiga kebaben tillsammans med saffran, dijon och granatäpple.

3 portioner

Vegokebab i pitabröd
3 pitabröd
1 pkt Färsodlarna vegokebab, 275g
1 msk rapsolja
1 granatäpple
några inlagda rödbetor
några blad krispig sallad

Hetta upp en torr stekpanna och värm på pitabröden några minuter på varje sida. Stek vegokebab i en stekpanna med olja tills de fått lite yta. Kärna ur granatäpplet. Skär de inlagda rödbetorna i små tärningar. Fyll pitabröden och ringla på sås.

Saffransås
1 dl valfri creme fraiche, vi använde havrefraiche
1 ½ tsk dijonsenap
½ pkt saffran

Rör ihop till en gul och fin sås.