Got a few unexpected days without family duties, so I thought I’d try a little adventure close to home. Sweden’s got some great long-distance hiking paths, and one of them starts just 10 kilometers from my place north of Stockholm – Roslagsleden. My friend Erik and I decided to give it a go – 190 kilometers in three days.
It was an wonderful trip, and the trails led us all the way to Grisslehamn. We had a lot of fun, though my stomach gave out on the last day. Erik, being the trooper he is, jogged the rest of the way, and we managed to celebrate at the finish. Looking forward to more of these adventures!
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is a beacon of innovation. It’s so light you’ll feel and it’s got enough energy to power you through training and race day alike. With a smooth midsole you’ll be zipping from heel to forefoot in no time, all while feeling comfy. Built to endure the rigors of the road, the Endorphin Speed 4 boasts a robust construction that promises longevity mile after mile. Its proper traction, especially in the forefoot, instills confidence even on slick surfaces. Coupled with a harmonious geometry, snug heel fit, and subtle guidance features, this shoe offers a sense of stability and control. The Endorphin Speed 4 keeps Saucony’s legacy burning bright in this product line. It’s a versatile powerhouse, perfect for daily training but also raceable. Saucony strikes the balance between speed and durability, while not compromising on quality. Personally, I’ve been running the Speed series since its origins to its current status as a go-to daily trainer and this is the best version until now. The midsole of the Speed 4 exudes an aura of forgiveness, offering a sleek, yet comfortable ride. It’s not just any foam—it’s imbued with a sponge-like texture that injects an extra spring, all while remaining faithful to the PWRRUN Pb material. The Speed 4’s new design features plenty of cushioning foam, adorned with a stylish pattern that adds extra flair to its already sleek look. Whether you want top performance or just want to look good, the Speed 4’s midsole delivers both style and function.The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 redefines versatility in the realm of super shoes and performance trainers. Featuring a full-length PWRRUN PB midsole with a nylon winged plate, Version 4 brings back the agility and responsiveness of its predecessors. Unlike Version 3, which leaned towards relaxation, Version 4 is geared for uptempo runs and workouts, while still accommodating easier efforts like long jogs.After pounding out miles in these shoes, I can confidently say that traction is top-notch—whether Its slick, snow-covered roads or tackling wet pavement. What’s really impressive is how quiet the outsole rubber is. It may seem like a small detail but it makes a difference. And when it comes to durability, this outsole stands out—it’s far superior to anything I’ve experienced with previous versions. In the realm of stability, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 stands tall, defying conventional labels of a mere neutral shoe. It’s a master of balance, equipped with innovative features. One of its most remarkable assets is the widened version of the Nylon plate, ingeniously integrated within the midsole’s width and sidewalls. This design not only enhances stability but also provides unparalleled support, both medially and laterally in the forefoot. Yet, the Endorphin Speed 4’s quest for stability doesn’t end there—it extends to the heel, where a snug embrace awaits. The fourth iteration of the Endorphin Speed series from Saucony isn’t just another release—it’s a proper update. They’ve managed to capture the essence of both the Speed 2 and Speed 3, weaving them together seamlessly. What sets these shoe apart is what lies beneath the surface—the PWRRUN PB midsole, the nylon plate—that’s where the real magic happens. And let’s not forget about the revamped upper, snug yet breathable. What truly sets the Endorphin Speed 4 apart, however, is its remarkable balance between stability and speed. Whether you’re racingor simply enjoying a leisurely jog, the Endorphin Speed 4 is your trusted companion.
Wasn’t it a good bit of spontaneity that took hold of us? We gathered our bike packing gear, filled with the spirit of adventure, and set our course southwards. Copenhagen was to be our ultimate destination. Or so we thought. But fate had other plans.
Arriving at a mate’s place just a stone’s throw outside of Motala, we found ourselves at the mercy of a problematic weather forecast. It seemed there was brewing up a storm, sending a nasty wind and rain from the south.
So, with sad hearts and a hint of disappointment, we turned our backs on that storm front and headed for the north and more sunshine.
It was a fine thing, indeed, to seize the day and embark on such a little adventure. We’ll be ready and waiting for the next opportunity to tackle warmer weather.
I reckon a decade or two back, I would have thrown in the towel after just 70 kilometers. Can’t say I recall much from that last outing in 2022 up north – just that it was a tough slog, a long and lonely one. Funny how the brain has this nifty little delete button that wipes away all the grim bits pretty efficiently. Last Sunday up in Lappland, the weather was a bit of a mixed bag. The days leading up to this years Nordenskiöldsloppet were all sunshine and those legendary northern lights. But come race day, we were greeted with a blanket of snowfall that just didn’t let up. And you know what that means – slow tracks all day long.
This year’s mode of travel was the night train from Stockholm. We rocked up to Murjek the next morning and hopped on the bus to Jokkmokk. It was one heck of a journey – one that really hammered home just how far up north Jokkmokk really is.
Once we touched down, we wasted no time hitting the tracks,
venturing out and back along the infamous race course. The tracks
were nothing short of spectacular, basking in the glorious sunshine.
Now that’s what I call a proper welcome greeting.
Ski waxing sure sparks a fierce debate among skiers. I kept my peace on that front until we rolled into Norrbottens län. That’s when we stumbled upon our fellow German ski friend, Peter, right outside our cozy little cottage at the local campground. He kindly offered to give our skis the royal treatment the day before the race. And let me tell you, his handiwork was nothing short of splendid.
As Marcus and I sailed down a long downhill stretch early in the
competition, we couldn’t help but grin and tip our hats to Peter’s
craftsmanship as we breezed past other skiers. It was the first time
I truly felt the difference between a good ski and a great one.
Without Peter’s expertise, what was already a tough day would’ve been
downright brutal. Hats off to the man!
And then came race day, along with a fresh dusting of snow. With a 5 a.m kick-off, the day started fairly early. As we arrived at the start line, there was a serene calmness in the air. We huddled around the tent, trying to ease those pre-race jitters. One thing I love about the Nordenskiöldsloppet is its laid-back atmosphere. Unlike Vasaloppet, where the crowds can be overwhelming, here there’s just around 600 racers. The vibe at the start isn’t as frantic, everyone knows they are in for a long day.
Getting to that start line feeling healthy and eager is always the
biggest challenge, especially when you’re juggling family life. But
being here with my friends, at a race that I’ve grown to love, is
something special. We managed to stick together for the first hour or
so, gliding along and soaking up the incredible atmosphere and
scenery. Skiing with friends in this breathtaking landscape—it just
doesn’t get any better than this.
As the race unfolded, it naturally began to stretch out. Knut bid
adieu to our little crew pretty early on. Can’t quite recall exactly
when we went our separate ways, but I found myself in a group of four
after hitting the aid station in Granudden (71 kilometers). We had a
fantastic dynamic, working together seamlessly and efficiently.
Whether it was taking turns at the front or offering words of
encouragement.
I didn’t feel particularly strong right from the start, so this group was a lifeline for me. They helped me push through, focusing on something other than my own struggles. By the time we reached Tjåmotis (87 kilometers), after a grueling uphill battle that saw us picking up a few more skiers along the way, I was pleasantly surprised to bump into my finish Swimrun mate Jaakko Mäkelä. He was there crewing for his brother. It was a real boost to see a familiar face in the middle of nowhere, when you least expect it.
Leaving Tjåmotis, I knew the toughest part of the course lay
ahead. Those steep climbs up to Sågudden are an absolute killer. I
was flying solo by this point, struggling to find my rhythm. But hey,
it was all hands on deck—fight mode activated.
As the Nordenskiöldsloppet course loops back on itself, it’s
great to see the faster skiers heading back home. I bumped into Ville
Mäkelä, Jaakko’s brother, cruising comfortably in the Top 10. Saw
Waxmeister Peter too, and just before the turnaround point, there was
Knut. Hitting that small loop around the little forest in Njavve and
heading back home was a sweet relief. But here were still a whopping
110 kilometers left on this journey.
Stopped off quickly at the Njavve aid station, grabbed some
Maurten gels to keep the engine running, then back to tackling those
climbs from the other side. Ran into Daniel, Agnes, Martin, and Ole,
all in good spirits, over the next few minutes. But those steep
climbs and never-ending uphill stretches in the next part were
brutal. Couldn’t find a decent group, so I was flying solo for the
most part. Just before Granudden (145 kilometers), I ran into another
skier. At the Granudden station, Renee and Jonatan were waiting and
they were buzzing with excitement. I left the station in high
spirits, tagging along with the group.
Bälkasgårrå (159 kilometers) was my saving grace. I was counting down the minutes to my drop bag, getting colder by the second and wanted these dry clothes. Shifted into survival mode, and on the last long uphill toward the station, I had to let the others go. Spirits were low, but getting my hands on fresh clothes and loads of food at the aid station lifted my mood. When I left, a fellow Czech skier, Ondřej, joined me and it was a game-changer. We stuck together for the rest of the race, cruising through the cold and darkness.
Purkijaur (201 kilometers) was the last stop before the finish line. To my surprise, I started feeling better after that station, just in time for some additional nasty climbs ahead. We caught up with some other competitors, and as soon as I recognized the tracks, and knew Jokkmokk was near, relief washed over me. Without Ondřej, the last part would have been a nightmare.
Crossing that finish line again after a grueling day, it was a
moment of pure relief. I dug deep, don’t even know where I found all
that energy, especially with my back, shoulders, and elbows screaming
in pain for hours. Thankfully, one of the incredible helpers took off
my skis, and I relaxed beside the finish line fire, utterly spent.
What a day. What a night.
This race, it’s a proper iconic beast, no doubt about it.
Honestly, I’d completely forgotten just how massive this course is,
how punishing the distance can be. Despite the grueling challenge,
there’s so much positivity wrapped up in this competition. From the
helpers to the organization to my fellow competitors, there’s this
special vibe that I truly appreciate and hold dear.
It is no secret that Sauconys Endorphin line has been a favorit of mine since quite a while. When the Endorphin Pro dropped in 2020, the bar was set high. Since a couple of days the 4th update of the Pro is available and i had the chance to have a proper go at the this version. One noticeable evolution is the increase in stack height, which has seen a boost of 7mm rise since the original release. But perhaps the most crucial update lies in the width of the shoe. Gone are the days of a narrow fit!From the first stride, I was hooked on the Endorphin Pro 4. It’s got some serious upgrades and exciting features. While it retains that classic Saucony feel, the addition of PWRRUN HG (also used in the Elite) in the midsole foam gives it an extra spring. Unlike the Pro 3, which only had PWRRUN PB, the Pro 4 combines HG with PB for a smooth ride.Saucony’s mastery in upper design shines through once again with this latest release. The simplicity of the design is simple and sleek, with meticulous attention paid to every aspect. But what really makes this shoe stand out is its unparalleled stretchiness, delivering a snug, comfortable fit while maintaining rock-solid stability. And the integrated tongue? It seamlessly melds with the rest of the upper and provides its part to a stable feeling. It’s a harmonious blend of style and substance.Now here’s a detail that catches the eye: the top of the integrated tongue. With its sleekness and flexibility, it brings a touch of finesse to the whole design. The Endorphin Pro 4’s blend of PWRRUN PB and HG is right out of the gate. But the real magic kicks in when you start picking up the pace. Coupled with a carbon fiber plate and Saucony’s Speedroll technology, it propels you forward with proper support for the stride. While it feels slightly softer than its predecessor, the Endorphin Pro 3, don’t mistake that for any loss in speed—it maintains its quick responsiveness. Saucony’s latest release showcases the Speedroll midsole technology. In combination with the carbon plate, it provides a catapult feeling with a surge of momentum. This technolgy revolves around two pivotal components: elevated cushioning and a rock-solid forefoot. Together, they guarantee a ride that’s not only comfortable but also powerful.If you were all about the Endorphin Pro 3, get ready to dig the 4th version even more. It’s got that sleek look that just screams speed, but what really makes it stand out is how well it performs. The feel is super responsive, and the cushioning is top-notch—makes for an amazing combo. That said, the Endorphin Pro 4 is a departure from its predecessor in several ways. It’s softer, providing a more plush ride, yet it maintains stability, ensuring a secure stride. The grip on the outsole has been enhanced for better traction, and the upper offers amazing comfort. If you’re in the market for your a carbon-plated racing shoe, the Endorphin Pro 4 could be an option. With its stability, cushioning and a price tag that won’t break the bank compared to other super shoes.
A proper delight was
waiting last night. Every so often Mother Nature keeps on spoiling and when she
does, she does it right. Its uncommon that the sea in and around inner
Stockholm freezes up to the extend it did during the last few arctic days. Marcus
and I took the rare chance to take on the most iconic parts during last night’s
ice-skating voyage. What an exceptional venture to appreciate this place from such
an unusual angle.
In the last few years my thirst for competing is gradually decreasing. I’m passioned about training but it gets harder and harder to enter that emotional state that is necessary to compete properly. But then there is this first Monday in September that repeatedly produces this distinct merge of anxiety and expectation. Even after all these years @otillorace brings up disregarded pre-race nerves and makes me able to release the emotions needed.
@danielwrowland and I had a flawless start to the day. Through an entry on one of the first isles Daniel slid and fell badly. Adrenaline kept us going but the pain increasingly got worse. At the end of Kymmendö we had to call it a day. It hurt, but it was the only decision. We went straight to the hospital and fortunately the MRI Scan illustrated that no bones and only feelings were fractured. I’m still in awe of how long Daniel fought his hurt.
Huge thanks to everyone at @dryrobe for making this possible. We couldn’t ask for a better partner.
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