In this section of “5 minutes with…” today we introduce Heidi Johansen (Denmark), the recent winner of the latest edition of the Arctic Marathon Finland, a woman who has run halfway around the world, who enjoys doing so and who is also inspired by environmental protection and dreams of a more just and caring world. Time: 3h.53’48”
1. Wildmarathon: Heidi: Tell us a little about yourself, why you run, and what running means to you.
1. Heidi: I love running and have done so for many years. For years I ran to achive various goals such as longer distances, winning races and chasing personal best. Now I run for the adventure. Running for me is freedom. Freedom to be active, to immerse yourself in nature and most of all to meet people and learn about new cultures.
2. Do you consider running a life philosophy?
Running unites people. When you run it doesn’t matter wich religion, skin color, gender or whar you do for living. All runners are equal. That’s my running life philosophy 😊
3. WM: Why did you choose the Arctic Marathon Finland?
H: I choosed Arctic Marathon because of the adventure. The chance to run in the Arctic toghether with people from all over the world
4. WM: What would you highlight about this running experience? Because it was more than just a marathon?
H: For me the trip was one big highligt. So many amazing people came toghether as strangers, and left as friends. We shared lifestories, we ran toghether, we were marwelled by the Northern Light and we laughed toghether. All this because the event was so well arranged that we could relaxed and enjoy the experience.
5. WM: We know that, like us, you are involved with the environment. How important do you think it is to energize the region with sports activities, introducing cultures and peoples, and respecting local heritage and nature?
H: I find it extremely important to travel and see for yourself how our world is changing, both for the good and the bad such as climate change.
6. WM:Tell us how running can inspire others to pursue a healthy lifestyle and join people like you.
H: By learning and experience other cultures, people and local heritage and nature you expand your perspective and you’ll find that many of the things you learn to fear by reading the news, in reality isn’t that bad. Humanity is extraordinary, all you got to do is be curious and openminded.
6. WM: Finally, after your experience at the Arctic Marathon, would you like to repeat the Wildmarathon in another destination? Which destination stands out to you?
H:That’s an easy one. Yes. I will love to do both Nepal and Peru… and Tanzania. I will probably go for all of the six other races
😊
