Look At Those Thighs!

“Yes, it’s more accepted to win a 10 or a 30-kilometer,” says Marit.

“If you could chose a medal from any distance which one would you pick?”

“Undoubtedly the 30-kilometer gold,” says Marit

Sondral shakes his head and disagrees, but comments that it’s not exactly comfortable to have your strength in the short distances.

“It’s pure hell if you have been unlucky enough to be born with the genes we have. You simply risk puking twice per week because it hurts so much to sprint,” says Adne.

He thinks that it’s a lot harder to race short, fast and anaerobic than long and more aerobic.

“You are more concerned about the weather when you are racing long events,” laughs Adne.

Adne pulls out a measuring tape and puts it around Marit’s thigh.

“Are you doing lots of weight training?”

“Not really. I have never focused on the sprint. I’m just talented.”

“How much can you squat?”

“160 kilo.” (350 pounds)

“Whoa — that’s good.”

Adne looks at the measuring tape and declares 56 centimeters. Bjorgen protests.

“OK, 59 centimeter but I don’t dare to measure higher up,” grins Adne who had his own thighs measured at 66 cm two years after he retired.

More Muscles

Bjorgen won her first World Cup race in the Dusseldorf sprint race in October.

Cross-country skiing has changed with the switch to sprint races and more mass-start events. The changes have allowed more body-types to have a chance at becoming successful.

“The women have more muscles than a few years ago,” says Adne

“Yes it’s more speed and duels,” says Marit.

“You should focus on the sprint,” says Adne.

Marit shakes her head.

“I want to win a long race some day.”