Work life balance and unusual activities in the Arctic

Abstract

I find myself stood on the start line for the Beyond the Ultimate Ice Ultra marathon in Northern Lapland, well into the Sami territories of the European Arctic, contemplating just over four days of running over 240 km of mountains and frozen lakes using ancient migration trails. With home, work and worries far away I always find time for my annual pilgrimage to run an ultramarathon in a far flung area of the planet. Racing with a good friend for five days across frozen lakes, over mountains, braving snow shoes and temperatures as low as -25 might not be everyone’s cup of tea but it certainly serves to put life into perspective. This was one of the best ultra races I have had the opportunity to race …