FINLAND: LAND OF A THOUSAND TRACKS

The track is honest. Track is an equalizer and the clock is ruthless. When the clock stops, you know your level and excuses don’t help. You can’t blame anyone or anything for your results. There are no hills, rocks, steep bends, or other decelerators on the track. You are on the track alone with your fitness. Maybe that’s why success on the track feels especially good. The desire to reach one’s own boundaries is addictive but contradictory. Many runners rejoice in their performance, but are already eyeing their next race during the cool down. I don’t know if this is just a Finnish phenomenon, but it feels like a Finnish runner is never happy! 

The track is universal. With the exception of weather conditions, you can measure your level anywhere in the world and the results are comparable. Sure, over the course of history, track surfaces and shoes have evolved, but one lap is still 400 meters. During the Olympics, it was inspiring to follow the pace of the world’s best track athletes. Sport fans often have thoughts about their own abilities. How fast could I run the 1500 meters? How long could I hold world record pace? Or, if we look back in history, how well would I have done 50 years ago?

In Finland, getting answers to these questions is easy. There are 309 municipalities in Finland. There are 259 pavement fields in Finland. Therefore, you have a really good chance to test your abilities on a track. Most of Finland's fields are owned by municipalities or cities, so access to the fields is free. Comparing your own pace to the best in the world can be eye-opening, but comparing to your own results is the most rewarding. I think it’s the most addictive. You should always test your development as a runner from time to time. On the track it is made very easy. When was the last time you visited your home track?