I am now officially selected for the World Championships in marathon, held this year in Tokyo in just two weeks. It’s a major event, both in terms of prestige and the personal goal I have been working toward for a long time. A WC ticket in hand not only means that form is on the right track; it’s also a confirmation that hard work pays off, even when it has been uphill.
For those who have followed my earlier articles here on RunningXpert.com, it won't be a secret that I encountered some challenges earlier this year. I sustained a significant injury and had to take a three-week break from running. During that time, especially towards the end, I prioritized cycling a bit too highly in an attempt to build fitness without too much strain. In theory, it seemed like a good idea.
Back as a Runner
The form was good, and I felt strong, but in my case, cycling took up too much space and became too intense. This compromised both recovery and the necessary running volume—and thus also the actual build-up.
Therefore, about two months ago, I made a conscious decision to drastically cut back on cycling and instead focus on the two most important elements for a marathon runner: recovery and running training. In the last 7-8 weeks, I have finally been able to increase running volume again, and it has been noticeable—both in the body and mind. It’s as if the system has slowly started to find its rhythm again. I’m starting to feel like a runner—not just someone training to stay active.
Patience and Focus
It’s still early, and two months is both a lot and a little at the same time. But for the first time in a long while, I feel I have an upward curve to build on, and form-wise, I’m in a good place. It provides calm and motivation—and not least the belief that I can stand at the start line in Tokyo with ambitions for a great result.
Being selected for the World Championships means a lot! It's more than just a place in a starting field. It's recognition of the work put in and a symbol that someone believes you have more to offer. For me personally, it’s also a reminder of why I do this: I love competing, but I equally love the process—the small advancements, the daily choices, and the long, solitary runs where you know you're building something.
Now it's about continuing to build—smartly, controlled, and with a sharp focus on the goal in Tokyo. I look forward to sharing the journey there and hopefully achieving the goals I've set.
