The last weeks in April were full of visits to different specialists and almost my entire body went under MRI at the hospital. Finally the results revealed that the hit in Brazil only cost a temporary neurological mismatch and I could begin training and normal life immediately even it might hurt for awhile. It was hard to keep me still and I can’t tell how happy I was to hear the news.
On the same week with the revealing information I also got a call from the Country Manager of Procter & Gamble. After several interview rounds and tests I was chosen as a summer intern in their Customer Business Development division in Espoo. I began my work few weeks ago and so far the working atmosphere and people are just great not to mention my interesting projects.
The last week of April was really one of the best for the longest time as me and my good friend Perttu received an e-mail from FIFA confirming that we have received tickets to Football World Cup final 2010 in South Africa! My long-lasting dream has been to watch the final on the spot but I couldn’t have imagined that it could happen so soon. In mid-May I moved to Helsinki and fortunately the capital’s housing problems didn’t really affect me as I got a studio next to downtown in Kamppi due to my friends’ postings in England. Helsinki is really a summer city and to be honest only Stockholm and maybe my home town Tampere can beat it to my experience.
Actually Stockholm escapade is close to my mind as I just came from there last Monday with my friends Tero (ex-flatmate from Sky Bar) and Teemu (occassional night runner in Sky Bar). Originally we were there to support Tero’s attempt to run his first marathon. However, at the end I also decided to run. Stockholm Marathon was sold out months ago but after some tricks and luck I was able to start.
During the marathon I really had some time to think the past and I have never enjoyed running this much despite the usual cramps and stomach problems. Doctors said that I shouldn’t even think of marathon before autumn so the result was a reveal as I had no idea of my current fit and sunny 25 degree day didn’t help my doubts at the starting line. There could have been many excuses not to run but those should never defeat the determination. That was one of the reasons why before the marathon I asked Tero to write Lance Armstrong’s quote onto my right hand:
”Pain is temporary but quitting lasts forever”
I guess that I stared that text the last 10 kilometers but the result was my personal record 3:37:58. From this result it is good to head for Helsinki City Marathon on August 15 with the goal to break 3:30. Lately I have found how much fun running can be and looking at the sidewalks the whole Finland seems to be on the running boom as well. So go to buy good joggers and head out!
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Hi, i'm a friend of yours while you were staying in Malaysia although we only had a very brief encounter. We went to a trip to Perhentian but unfortunately you have to leave early. I really like reading blog as it is inspirational for young people like me who doesn't have the change to travel to many places. I believe in order to know a culture you got to go to that country and you did it. Keep on writing and share your experience. All the best and keep in touch..
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