From hash to daily runs

By day, Pilutaq Lundblad is a producer at Greenland's National Theater and a rapper and singer in two of Greenland's biggest bands, Toornat and Sauwestari. But besides music, he has taken on a whole new challenge: running every day for a whole year - a discipline that has changed both his body, mind and perspective on life.

From the music scene to daily kilometers

From the music scene to daily kilometers

Pilutaq Lundblad, one of Greenland's most prominent rappers and singers, has been known for years for his incomparable energy on stage and his ability to create music that touches listeners. But now he has taken on a completely new challenge – one that is not about chords or words, but about endurance, discipline and personal growth. He has set himself the task of running every day for an entire year. You would think that the project started quietly with short trips in the local area. But the reality is different. In August, Pilutaq made a decision that quickly became something much more ambitious.

- My friend's son, who I was also close to, committed suicide. I felt that I had to do something. So when I saw that the KangNu Running Race was only 10 days away, I decided to do it, says Pilutaq Lundblad.

KangNu Running Race is far from an ordinary race. It is a 56 km ultra-race that challenges participants with steep, hilly terrain and extreme conditions. Pilutaq is far from having trained for the race. Yet he manages to persuade his friend: They must complete it together, no matter what. For them, the race will not be an exercise project, but a challenge that almost demands superhuman stubbornness.

- I completed the race, but it was a nightmare. I sprained my ankle along the way, ran wrong and got cramps. And as if that wasn't enough, I started hallucinating. I was convinced that a polar bear was running beside me. But I refused to stop. I had to finish, says Pilutaq with a wry smile.

When he finally crosses the finish line, half-swaying and exhausted, he makes a promise to himself: Never run again. Even if he is in a mad rush, he will only walk. But reality will soon show that this resolution will not last long.

He will run every day for a year

When Pilutaq returns home to his family and two children after the ultra, his body is sore and his mind is racing. He sits down, feels the silence after the many kilometers and lets the experience sink in.

- I just thought: Wow, what an experience. I challenged myself in a pretty brutal way. It was exciting physically – but especially mentally, Pilutaq elaborates.

Instead of saying goodbye to running, something unexpected happens. The experience ignites a curiosity that won't let him go. At home in the living room, he starts searching YouTube, and soon he comes across an ultrarunner who is on day 1000 of a project where he runs every single day.

- It hit me right away: That's what I want too. The only question was how long. A year seemed like a suitable challenge, says Pilutaq.

The plan is simple: at least 1.5 kilometers a day. Some weeks that means 12 kilometers in total, others he ends up running 60 kilometers. It depends on time, mood and terrain. Today he is on day 79 – and the run is already changing him.

Running as a new addiction

Pilutaq describes running as a meditative practice, where each run becomes an opportunity for reflection, creativity, and peace of mind. 

- I listen to music, often just some house rhythms without vocals. If there are lyrics, I quickly become overstimulated. I need the rhythm, not the words, to be able to gather my thoughts and organize them. Running gives me an enormous sense of freedom and calm within myself, and I come home with much more energy, Pilutaq says calmly.

Every trip becomes a respite, a mental break, and eventually an addiction of the good kind.

Pilutaq is a hip-hop artist and used to an environment that is often raw and harsh – far from the calm, meditative world he is now moving into.

- In hip hop, our lyrical universe is often dark, filled with drugs, crime and alcohol. That's why it means a lot to me that young people can see that you can be a hip hop artist and at the same time live a healthy and stable life, says Pilutaq with a weight and sincerity that makes you feel that there is an honest heart behind the words.

For Pilutaq, it's not just about music and image, but about showing that it is possible to break patterns, take responsibility for your life and find a path to balance and stability.

"I've been standing still for many years," Pilutaq says, taking a deep breath, as if gathering his words before continuing.

- I have been addicted to hash and smoking every day for twenty years. I am used to doing something routine and controlled, but in the past it was something that drained me. Now I use the same discipline on something that gives me energy: running every day. If I could smoke every day, then I must also be able to run every day. I want to show that old habits can be turned into something that gives me energy, explains Pilutaq.

Suddenly, it makes sense why the otherwise tough hip-hop artist is standing up and showing that health, balance, and commitment can go hand in hand with passion – and that even a former addiction can be turned into something positive.

Fans in new forum

On TikTok, over 5,000 users follow Pilutaq Lundblad's videos, which usually mix music, humor and everyday fun. But now a new element has appeared in the feed: running. Little glimpses from his daily walks, thoughts along the way and encouragement for those watching.

- It is important for me to inspire young people in particular to move, get out and do something, says Pilutaq.

"Too many people are stagnant in life, and I'd like to see if I can't activate them," he says.

That is why he also encourages his followers to run 'with him' - even if in practice this means running separately, on their own route and at their own pace. And precisely this community at a distance is the idea behind his next goal: On day 100 he will gather as many people as possible to run simultaneously all over Greenland. Not an official race, but a shared moment where everyone takes a step out the door.

- The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and I get many inquiries from people who want to get involved and are curious about the project. That makes me really happy, he says.

It's important for Pilutaq to be honest, so when people in the comments ask how he stays motivated, he answers bluntly:

- It's not about motivation. I also have days when I'm really tired and lazy. It's about discipline and the right mindset. And usually you feel much better once you get going, explains Pilutaq.

Every kilometer becomes a symbol of how routines can turn old habits into new energy and create positive changes – not only for him, but also for those who follow.

On your own terms

In August, Pilutaq will return to the KangNu Running Race, and to the 56 kilometers he swore he would never run again. But this time it will be on his own terms. After months of daily running training, discipline and reflection, he will face the race with a completely new starting point. Each kilometer will not only be a physical challenge, but an opportunity to master his mind, manage his routines and turn old habits into strength. Pilutaq Lundblad's journey is more than a running project. It is a living example of how you can take control of your life, challenge yourself and discover new sides of yourself – no matter how established you are in your career. His message is clear: it is never too late to try something new, and small, daily actions can lead to big changes.