Thomas Willy Lindgren is 28 years old from Oslo, and in April 2013 he started a lifestyle change. Thomas weighed 120 kilos at most, and abruptly decided that he would lose weight. The same year he signed up for 10 for Grete during the Oslo Marathon. Today, Thomas weighs 83 kilos.
I really hated running, but it was very effective, and it only got more fun when I saw the pounds fall off. After I ran 10 for Grete, the joy of running with the start number on my chest became enormous, and I was really bitten by the running bacillus. I signed up for the Half Marathon the following year, says Thomas.
After completing the half marathon in 2014, Thomas was told by his coach and good friend that he was ready to complete 42 kilometers. During this year's BMW Oslo Marathon, Thomas will run his fourth full marathon.
I have a fantastic coach who helps me a lot. Thanks to him, I am where I am today, says Thomas.
Thomas has a goal of completing this year's race in less than 3 hours and 30 minutes. To prepare for the race, Thomas has a good number of leisurely runs up to 15 - 20 kilometers, and recovery sessions of between 8 - 12 kilometers. On some of the long trips he runs partly calmly, and partly at competitive speed.
I also try to get 2-3 strength sessions a week, but there is no time for that every week due to many running sessions. My strength training sessions consist of a lot of different things, but focus very much on the legs, hoarding, buttocks, back and stomach. I also use foam rollers every single day to keep myself injury-free, says Thomas.
Two weeks before the race, Thomas begins a mental training process where he visualizes the race.
Everyone knows that the wall is coming, but we do not know when. And that's exactly what I'm training for. What do I do when it hits. There is pain, there are tears, there is so much. But what makes me continue when it hurts is that I think back to where I was 3-4 years ago.
I know that the BMW Oslo Marathon is a party and I look forward to running in the streets of Oslo again, and smile to every single person who stands along the track as long as possible, says Thomas.
He also wishes everyone who will run during this year's race good luck.
This is going to be a great day. As long as you do your best you should be happy. Remember to bite your tooth together towards the end, and that the pain is only temporary, Thomas concludes.
You can follow Thomas' path to the BMW Oslo Marathon on Instagram under the name @marathon_thomas
