NUTS Feed gathers first-timers: ‘Lured by a friend’
The NUTS Syöte trail running event will take place this weekend in the stunning Syötte National Park. Elina Mikkola is one of the first-timers at NUTS Syöte. She comes to the event from Yli-Iki, next to Pudasjärvi and quite traditionally “lured by a friend”.
– “In the spring, Taru was worried about not having a jogging buddy. I went – both for trail running and now for Syöte. I’ve really taken to the sport and especially to running on soft surfaces,” says Elina.
The training has been done in moderation and stress injuries have been avoided. They had to search a bit for a place for the hill training.
– “Our terrain is so flat that we had to look a little further afield for a training hill.”
Elina and Taru will both start the 25 km race, and the plan is to run the same distance.
– “The aim is to finish within the time limits. To see what fitness is good for. I expect to outdo myself.”
First-timerchoices & equipment purchases
As a newcomer to the sport, Elina also had to make equipment purchases. Most importantly, she cites new shoes – just in time for trail running. And what energy does a first-timer rely on?
– “For the most part, I go with Hartsport. I’m used to the taste of it, having had it on ski trips. I also have Jolloks, a couple of energy gels and salt tablets in my vest.”
Elina’s hobbies range from day hiking to longer hikes and ski trips.
– “I think the basic fitness is good. The physical work helps, because you have a cattle farm and you also have hobbies with horses at home.”
He has not yet thought about the next race.
– “Let’s see how this goes first, and then we’ll continue with the training. Maybe next summer for the next race. The main goal is a feel-good event.”
Pelts’ encouragement boosted Marjo’s NUTS debut
Marjo Mattila’s NUTS debut is nine years ago in the Pallas-Hetta 55 km race. In addition to the beautiful scenery, the most memorable aspects of the race were the sense of community and encouragement.
– “Peltsi was cheering me on a couple of kilometres before the finish and shouted that now there will be some fit women. I had to run,” Marjo recalls.
– “The feeling of being able to run that distance was amazing.” Marjo runs on the greens of the Tawastia Trail Club and incenses hers. “It’s my tribe. That’s who I came to run for and that’s my crew. A lot of crying and laughing together, mostly laughing, and a lot of things experienced.”
“It’s always nice to go running with the TTC.”
How has your preparation for the 40 km race been going?- “Bad enough that I stubbed my toe on a guy’s foot during the footwork training. The last few days have been spent resting with a blue big toe waiting to run. And I dropped an iron on the same foot – luckily straight from the cupboard, so it wasn’t hot,” laughs Marjo.
Expectations for the race come from the emotional side. “Great scenery and hopefully good weather. Nice people and that famous NUTS feeling.”
Welcome by the Event Director: “See you at the finish line”
Sanna Hirvonen gets her baptism of fire in Syötte as event manager. She promises that the trails will remain unchanged, offering a varied and also beginner-friendly experience. There will be varied terrain from longitudinal trees to more technical sections.
“The race is suitable for all levels of runners – from kids and juniors up to 40 km,” says Sanna.
And highlights the essential equipment: “Make sure you have the essential equipment for your journey. There is a reason for this, and our event staff can check your equipment at the start or along the way. “The list of compulsory equipment can be found in the event guide, on the race website.
The number of participants at NUTS Syötte is at the same level as a year ago. Last year there were 720 registrations, of which 694 started. Now there are a few more registrations. Finally, Sanna reminds us of a few important points. “Please help a fellow runner if they need help. Don’t leave litter in nature, and especially: enjoy the trails and scenery of Syötte. See you at the finish. “
Text by Sami Sundström