Last Friday I signed up for Social Pace and subsequently found the run I’m about to describe! The Finland Midsummer 5K! The race was two days away, registration was closed. Panic attack. I had to run this race, so I called the Finland Center Foundation of NY and begged to run explaining that I’m from Finland and my parents are there now! I was probably the only person begging to run this 50-person race but she told me to meet her race day with cash on hand! I was in.
Midsummer is huge in Finland. It’s just another excuse to drink because it virtually never gets dark that day. This year it is June 22nd!
First thing to do was obviously plan the outfit. I texted my roommate making sure I had a flag at home (I was at work). FYI: my parents bring Finnish flags to every race they cheer me and my sister on at!
Throw back to the 2010 New York City Marathon! She’s got flag waving abilities and an amazing spirit unlike anyone else.
Yeah MOM! This was from Brooklyn Half this year!
The race was held in Prospect Park, BK. I found myself a bit lost getting off the subway and was wandering around the Botanical Garden until I actually found the Oriental Pavilion. The race started at 10 which was a little late for me, I feel like most races start around 8 or even earlier sometimes!
People on the subway probably thought I was crazy. Anyway, gun off and we were running! Started on an incline and finished on an incline. I ended up placing 3rd overall for women with a 22:30 something. Not an ideal time but it was fun none the less! Forgot how hard running short distances is!
The post-race food was the best of all time! This is the quintessential breakfast sandwich of Finland. Ruis Bread (buy it at Whole Foods!!!), spread of butter, some type of cheese (I think this was Swiss but we usually use Havarti) and slices of cucumber. Bomb dot com. Most people who came out had some relationship to Finland (just moved, grandparents immigrated, lived there etc.) which was cool and I got to use my Swedish which was even better. Definitely coming back next year.
Who’s joining me?
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Here’s a look at our summer spot in Finland! Wish I were there now!
Mom on our new sailboat! Happy sailing!
