Being a ghost does not always come easy.
How could someone try to do that on purpose? Does any semblance of humanity still exist in this world? Once these questions took over, the pain became insurmountable. There was no other choice than to give up.
Today, some years later, it’s easy to say that there was truly only one option – to keep on going, to defy the urge to quit and let the strength of the mind overshadow physical limitations.
It is difficult to understand why someone would attempt to run over a pedestrian at a crosswalk, an incident that occurred around the 60 000-step mark. The vital halfway point had already been reached, signifying the true commencement of the challenge. It was supposed to be only a short break but eventually it became a way too long.
The disappointment was overwhelming.
Fast forward to the early autumn of 2023, the desire for another attempt evolved into a pure obsession. The idea had lingered on a long list of contemplation, waiting for the perfect moment. But perfect moments rarely arise, and at some point, you just need to go for it. Weeks passed in search of a day with favourable weather, devoid of rain or other hindrances. Then, suddenly, and unexpectedly, that day arrived.
As always, excitement made it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Nevertheless, at 7 am, an hour or two behind schedule, the wavy Gulf of Finland opened up in front the most Southern Point of Helsinki. The sun was just about to rise behind the clouds. The temperature was not too bad, but the strong wind was a slight concern. Step after step, it started to feel like the day might actually turn out fine. The path for the challenge was clear, first heading east, then north, west, and finally back to the starting point in the south, all within the city of Helsinki. Rough map estimates suggested approximately 80 kilometres, equivalent to 100 000 steps.
The original plan had been something simpler, to walk 50 000 steps east and 50 000 steps back home. There was also something very intriguing about circling a running track for over 200 laps to achieve the goal. Based on past experience, the mental challenge of lap after lap, as 100 laps had felt torturous. How would you fare with 200 laps, mentally and physically? Yet, in a way, it offered advantages – no navigation concerns and a smoother path. However, there was an allure in revisiting what had previously been unsuccessful.
Being unprepared would be a falsehood. The plan included changing socks at regular intervals to prevent any foot issues and ensuring necessary breaks, which cannot be overlooked, despite the temptation to skip them.
The first third of the journey was relatively easy, managing urgent work phone calls and emails. The demands of work constantly loomed in the mind. Walking along busy roads added to the challenge. Extensive phone use had its downsides, as the phone had already been charged twice with the power bank and was now half empty, with two-thirds of the journey left. Not having a phone charger added unnecessary pressure – how to conserve power? The best option was to find another pre-charged power bank, easier said than done, as shops were not readily available along the route. This should not be the breaking point.
Gradually, work obligations receded, and the focus narrowed to taking each step. This was also the point where it was easy to realize how the work had distracted the mind in a positive way. First 10 000 steps, then a half marathon, followed by 50 000 steps, 75 000 steps, 80 000 steps, 90 000 steps, and finally the 100 000 mark. Around 65 000 steps, it became clear that the phone’s battery would hold as long as it was not used sparingly, mainly for navigation only. As the sun dipped below the horizon after 7 pm, walking became more challenging. The journey had already consumed 12 hours, with around one-third remaining. It was evident that achieving 100 000 steps in the intended 16 hours was unattainable.
Malminkartanonhuippu, the highest point in Helsinki at 91 meters above sea level, lay along the route, demanding conquest. With 426 steps up and 426 down, it was a formidable challenge this time. In the same region lay the westernmost point of Helsinki, followed by the home stretch – a 14-kilometer journey toward the city centre.
This proved to be the most challenging part of the journey – walking alone in darkness, exhausted and weary. Yet, kilometre after kilometre, the finish line drew nearer.
Hitting 100 000 steps just before returning to the starting point where the journey began 18 hours earlier felt almost magical. No, it was pure magic. Who could have imagined that this unique route, from the southernmost to the easternmost, then to the northernmost and finally to the westernmost point, and back, including the highest peak, would almost precisely tally to 100 000 steps? It was a feat bordering on the magical. This achievement was not a necessity, but that is precisely what makes it unique, akin to something only a ghost would do.
And thus, this is how one would scribe the Etiquette of a Ghost.
- Duration: 18:17:04
- Steps: 100000
- Distance: 81,61 km
- Average speed: 4,5 km/h
- Ascent: 1438 m
- Descent: 1440 m