Johaug Pulls the Emergency Brake: – I've Started in Better Shape Before

Therese Johaug felt compelled to pull back on her training load ahead of her comeback season, stating that the overall strain had become too overwhelming.

At 36 years old, she shared this with journalists as she arrived at the stadium in Beitostølen on Wednesday, describing the past month as a "challenging time."

"I believe that the recovery period has been too short. The advantage is that I know my body quite well, so I hit the brakes at the last moment," Johaug said.

This decision led her to skip the national team gathering in Idre, Sweden, earlier this month, opting instead to test her skis at Sjusjøen. "It felt entirely right, to be honest. It’s just about gaining a surplus. It’s not about the physical aspect, but about making smart daily choices, like training a bit less. That has been working out well lately. I have started in better shape before at Beitostølen," Johaug told Dagbladet.

In the summer, Johaug accepted a spot on the cross-country national team. Originally retiring as a top competitor in 2022, she is now back and aiming for success in a season highlighted by the World Championships in Granåsen. This weekend marks the national season opener at Beitostølen.