The Oslo Marathon has always been something I have had in mind all the years I have lived in Oslo. But not because I wanted to run there but because. the atmosphere, all the people, all the stories and that I could join the party of my friends who ran in the evening. Running was something that never occurred to me and even though I played a lot of football over the years, I would rather run as little as possible. In January 2013, I made a choice and wanted to be the best version of myself, physically and mentally. It was the start of an incredible journey that has led to a weight loss of 35 kg, several marathons and ultra runs under the belt, new career opportunities and not least I have made an incredible number of fantastic friends in the running environment.

It took some time in 2013 before I fell in love with running. It all started with me running Sentrumsløpet for fun and it went really well and it was incredibly fun to run in the city with so many people cheering. Then it happened that I ran the Forest Marathon and then I also had to run the Oslo Marathon. But I had decided that it would be my very last long race. In fact, I had intended to invest very hard in fitness and classic bodybuilding, but something changed along the way when I ran the Oslo Marathon in 2013. There was something very special about that race and I decided that running was something I wanted to explore further. My goal was to come with well under 4 hours but I got it incredibly hard on the second round and met the wall at the Opera. It was 3:54 in the end. In 2014 I was really revenge week and since I had pushed during the Holmestrand Marathon (3:29) I had ambitions to approach 3:15. But again it was tough and the cramps took me 10 km before the finish so it was a respectable time of 3:42.

In other words, I feel like I have a proper hen to pick with the trail and this year I am better prepared than what I have been the last two years and have faith in a good time. But I will enjoy myself, enjoy the atmosphere and let my legs do the work so that time will be as it is. I'm so fresh that I still run that I have plenty of time before I aim for the magic sub 3 hour limit.

Through running I have come in the shape of my life, I have been abroad and run and it has led to unimaginable opportunities for me. My blog has become popular and I now have over 2400 followers on instagram and it's quite fun. I want to spread as much motivation, inspiration and dedication as possible. As well as show that most things are possible in this life if you dare to go for your dreams. I love running and that is the core of my love for this sport and I like to push myself. Find out my limits and challenge them. In the years ahead, I have many exciting projects underway when it comes to running and the Oslo Marathon is a race that I want to run for many years to come.

Running is so easy and it is for everyone. Start with short, quiet walks, vary the surface and forget your heart rate, time and clock in the beginning. You will get there sooner or later but do not get too hung up on it in the beginning. The joy of running should always be the most important thing because if it sits, the other will come by itself.

Good luck to everyone who will be running around beautiful Oslo on 19 September. See you on the trail!

Thomas