After I retired from athletics I went to live in central Finland. I actually saw Lasse in a shop one day.
The Finnish summers are ideal for running, so many miles of forest trails, finish the run with a cool dip in a lake of your choice. But winters, forget it. Running was possible but xc skiing would be a much better choice. I think the training for xc skiing would make a tough runner even tougher. In fact xc skiers are the only sportsman/women I look up to, except the cheaters of course.
I didn't come across any decent Finnish runners in the 5 years I lived there. Probably still none. Surprising because Finns are sport mad, the country grinds to a halt for the winter and summer olympics, especially javelin, ski jumping and any ice hockey match, the big one being against the old enemy - Sweden.
I remember the Finnish team pulling out of a triangular match with UK and USSR when UK announced drug testing would take place at the meet. Highly suspicious behaviour!
Drinking hard and fast is the Finnish national pastime, starts lunchtime Friday, ends Sunday pm in time to sober up for work Monday. Unless of course professional drinkers are involved, then no limits!