Login required to started new threads

Login required to post replies

Training in Helsinki
Quote | Reply
Would anyone recommend a pool/gym with a treadmill in Helsinki? Spending a week there mid-Feb, so outside running is out of the question I'm guessing o.O
Quote Reply
Re: Training in Helsinki [friskyDingo] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
I wouldn't rule out running outside. I used to go to Helsinki a lot with work, always ran outside whether time of year it was. Sea front has some nice paths for running and is well lit. Depending where you're staying there are quite a few well -lit off road areas for either running or x-country skiing. Lots of athletic tracks as well, the Finns love their athletics, though i never got round to using one.
Quote Reply
Re: Training in Helsinki [friskyDingo] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Where in Helsinki?

Most pools I have been to in Finland are connected to a gym. Not sure if Yrjönkadun uimahalli has one, though it is an experience to go there (short, oldschool pool where you swim naked)

Outside running in February is just fine, if you have the right equipment...
Quote Reply
Re: Training in Helsinki [Davidsson] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Umm well, I guess avoiding short old school pools where one swims naked is kind of my point of asking fellow Slowtwitchers for suggestions:)

I don't have accommodation booked yet, I would love to do so in central'ish location where training would be doable:)
Quote Reply
Re: Training in Helsinki [friskyDingo] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
I lived outside of Helsinki for about 3 months from Jan-March a few years ago, and running outside isn't bad...just prepare to run on packed snow in many places. It's not ultra slippery because it's not always ice. Once it gets cold there it generally doesn't ever warm up above freezing to get anything melted and frozen again, so really, you have pretty good grip on the snow. You don't want to be in a place like Helsinki and just stay inside. It's a beautiful place, enjoy it.

Also, you could go XC Skiing. There are trails all over the place and it's a great workout.

Also, take advantage of the saunas. They're ubiquitous and wonderful. Although those generally involve nakedness as well...not sure if you're against that.

"hei" is "hello"
"kiitos" is "thank you"

good luck!


Dtyrrell
Quote Reply
Re: Training in Helsinki [friskyDingo] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Hi,

I'm living here and just spend some time swimming in the greatest pool in finland. This is called "mäkelänrinne". It has olympic 50m pool with 16 lanes (usually 8lanes with 50m and other part is split into double 25m 8 lanes). This pool has hosted big events, such as european championchips. If you go there early morning you might get your own lane. On weekends at later time i.e. 7pm you migh get this also... This pool can be reached via tram from central in 10minutes or so.. Summer time you could use velodrome on other side of the steet.

There is gym on second floor with treadmills etc. But for sure you can run outside. Depending of weather it migh be cold, but currently we dont have snow on the ground. But in february, you never know.

Let me know if you need more info, happy to help. Depending where you will stay there is various gyms, places to run etc.

—
Quote Reply
Re: Training in Helsinki [JanneK] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Thank you all very much, looking fwd to exploring!
@Dtyrrell Not too worried about the naked part, but somehow I feel like minimizing that in training will make for better results.
Quote Reply
Re: Training in Helsinki [friskyDingo] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Another finn here. I'll second mäkelänrinne. Great pool, and it has a small gym with treadmills. If ypu find yourself staying somewhere outside helsinki center you might want to consider the pool in espoonlahti. It's a lot less crowded and usually has 8 50m lanes. It's about 20k outside helsinki, so if you are staying in the center just go to mäkelänrinne. And the pool in espoonlahti has two gyms but no tradmills (wtf?!).

Im february we should have lots of snow, but in case we get another black winter there are lots of good places to run. Keskuspuisto os the big park in the middle of the city. It has miles upon miles of good gravelroads and trails. In case the streets are covered with snow and ice you'll have no problems finding a gym with treadmills. If you have any questions feel free to pm me aswell.
Quote Reply
Re: Training in Helsinki [jpanula] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
So looks like we'll be pretty much right in city center from what I can tell: Yrjönkatu, and there's a public pool right down the street. If anyone has any more specific recommendations, please send them my way; I'd be up for a run as well (I'm there Feb 10-16)
Quote Reply
Re: Training in Helsinki [friskyDingo] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Sounds like the swim naked place :D (fine you dont have to be naked, but there will most likely be other naked people there if that bothers you). Problem is that it has alternating days between men and women so you have to adjust your schedule to fit. Mäkelänrinne (http://www.urheiluhallit.fi/eng/makelanrinne.html), as recommended earlier, is probably the best place to go.

Finally got some snow and ice to make the running more interesting ;). Fairly warm weather also, so no problems with the cold when running.
Last edited by: Davidsson: Feb 4, 15 23:22
Quote Reply
Re: Training in Helsinki [Davidsson] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Yeah, separate schedule sounded suspicious:) Thanks for the heads up!
Quote Reply
Re: Training in Helsinki [jpanula] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Wanted to add a few questions on to this post. I'm moving to Helsinki next month for 1-2 years. Office is near Espoo but will be living in the City Center (aiming for Kamppi area). In general, are there any good gyms I should look at? Ideally something with maybe group strength training classes? Also any run groups/marathon training groups you'd recommend? I hit the endurance stuff hard for 10 years but have laid way off the last 1-2 years but want to do get a little involved as I figure it is going to be a great way to meet people. Thanks in advance for any help!

_________________________________________
Kathleen
http://kcwoodhead.blogspot.com/
Quote Reply
Re: Training in Helsinki [KWTriGrl] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Hi. There are lots of gyms around, but I havn't tried any others than my regular one. The gym I go to is in Meilahti, and it's really great. Lots of space and good classes. It's a bit expensive though unless you arexa student. If you like swimming getting a card to mäkelänrinne might be a good idea. It has a small gym aswell. Elixia and SATS are the main gyms here I think. Havn't been to either one, but both offer lots of classes.

If you still like endurance stuff Helsinki triathlon is the biggest club in the area, about 500 members I think. Lots of cuclinggroups, but HePo is the biggest one with lots of rides every week.
Quote Reply
Re: Training in Helsinki [KWTriGrl] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Maybe not what you're after and certainly not free, but a lot of local running talent involved (as coaches) there:
http://runhigh.fi/valmennus/eliittiryhma/
See bottom of page for English version. They also have other groups, so might be a good idea to just get in touch with them.

Another good alternative could be to throw out a question in English here:
http://juoksufoorumi.fi/....php?29-Yhteislenkit
That is the section for running groups in a popular runners forum. It obviously involves a certain amount of trust though.
Quote Reply
Re: Training in Helsinki [KWTriGrl] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
I've got a trip to Helsinki in a few weeks. Any chance you found a reliable spot for indoor training while you were posted there? Thanks in advance.
Last edited by: tcecil: Jan 11, 18 8:33
Quote Reply
Re: Training in Helsinki [tcecil] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
I ran outside the entire time I was there. Granted, I had icebugs to run when it was icy. Salomon speedcross trail shoes worked perfectly in snow and regular running shoes were fine for most of the city center if the ice wasn't too bad.

If you want to swim, check out Yrjonkatu swimming pool: https://www.hel.fi/...onkatu-swimming-hall. Fun fact - Yrjon translates to George and katu is street. Yrjon is the Finnish equivalent of Ralph - as into puke.

Indoor biking - I never really sought that out.

What part of town are you in? What hotel are you staying in? Hotel Kamp and the Glo Kluuvi in the City Center share a decent gym with an awesome spa/sauna.

_________________________________________
Kathleen
http://kcwoodhead.blogspot.com/
Quote Reply
Re: Training in Helsinki [KWTriGrl] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Also - if you want to run on a Tuesday night, there is a group that runs a casual 10k from the Olympic stadium area each week. I can put you in touch with them if you are interested. I also was a member at Elixia/Sats - those are full gyms that are pretty similar to American gyms. Only thing there is I'm not entirely sure what the guest policy is. I'm sure you could call and ask about day passes. They are located all over the area. My favorite one was in the City Center building, and the one at Kamppi was nice too.

_________________________________________
Kathleen
http://kcwoodhead.blogspot.com/
Quote Reply
Re: Training in Helsinki [KWTriGrl] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Thanks. All great info. I haven't picked out a part of town yet, so I'll keep this in mind when I do!
Quote Reply
Re: Training in Helsinki [tcecil] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Man time flies... Mäkelänrinne was indeed an awesome pool. I did also end up swimming a couple of times at that place in the city centre where I shouldn't have been swimming - it was across the street from where I stayed so I went for it. Running was fine outside for the most part. I tried to go early morning when there wasn't too much traffic, and it worked out fine. Just bundle up and watch out for ice, or puddles if it's warmer.
Quote Reply
Re: Training in Helsinki [friskyDingo] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Hi, If you are visiting our beautiful city of Helsinki, come to say hi at the TRIATHLON CORNER (address: Vallila, Kuortaneenkatu 7B). The only specialised Triathlon shop/training center in Finland. Large selection of gears and a kickass bike studio aka "the Pain Zone". Welcome! www.triathlon-corner.store

Last edited by: yanbusset: Jan 12, 18 8:19
Quote Reply
Re: Training in Helsinki [yanbusset] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Well - I got in and out of Helsinki. Stayed near the city center and was easily able to take a tram up to Mäkelänrinne for a swim on the one day I could sneak away in the morning. Google Maps and the HSL mobile app made it all pretty simple. Also learned the lane with the "nopeat uimarit" sign is the place to be.

Running outdoors wasn't bad at all on the one day when it wasn't snowing. Many sidewalks were clear enough. Other days I just stuck to the treadmill - I have enough trouble staying upright as it is.

Didn't get a chance to visit the tri shop in town. Maybe next time.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. Happy to return the favor if any of y'all find you in Corpus Christi, TX.
Last edited by: tcecil: Feb 8, 18 14:21
Quote Reply