This winter, she decided to focus on both Ski Classics and traditional cross-country skiing, with the 2025 World Championships as her goal. However, this summer, the 28-year-old from Norway had to radically change her training to avoid a complete halt.

In the Norwegian season premiere at Beitostølen, Magni Smedås, Team Eksjöhus, competed for a podium finish in both distance races. Still, her top form for the season start was not guaranteed.

The season preparation has not been smooth for the 28-year-old from Dalsbygda, Norway.

“I’ve had a bit more interruption this year for various reasons,” explains Magni Smedås, who competes for the Swedish Pro Team, Team Eksjöhus.

Last winter, Smedås had a breakthrough in Ski Classics, including a victory in Marcialonga and several podium finishes in prestigious events.

Inspired by Astrid Øyre Slind’s World Championship gold and strong performances in both the World Cup and Ski Classics last winter, Smedås decided to double down on both long-distance and traditional cross-country skiing, with the 2025 World Championships on home soil as a primary goal.

Read More: Magni Smedås aims to fulfill her skiing dreams

Two Rounds of Rhabdomyolysis

This summer, Smedås became overly enthusiastic in her training and experienced not one but two episodes of acute rhabdomyolysis, a severe condition where muscles are damaged due to overexertion, potentially leading to kidney failure.

“I got a little carried away. But that’s something you have to endure,” says Smedås to Langrenn.com.

How did it happen?

“Well, I wanted to push some boundaries, so I was a bit aggressive in training. I did a lot of poling in the first strength sessions and went straight to pull-ups afterward. That was a bit too much.”

What happened then?

“You swell up, and then you lose feeling and all strength in your arms. Rhabdomyolysis is acute cell destruction, so it’s definitely not good,” says Smedås, adding that she tried to learn from the episode.

Also Read: Benefits and potential disadvantages of block training

FACTS: Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis is a medical condition characterized by the destruction of skeletal muscle tissue and can lead to potentially deadly kidney failure. Symptoms may include muscle pain, muscle weakness, and dark urine. There are several causes of rhabdomyolysis, including extreme exercise and excessive muscle use. In the cross-country skiing community, attention was drawn to this condition when Vibeke Skofterud was hospitalized with acute rhabdomyolysis after a highly demanding training session during a gathering with the long-distance skiing team led by the Aukland brothers in 2014.

Source: Large Medical Encyclopedia

Changing Training Approach

After the two episodes of rhabdomyolysis, Smedås realized that she needed to rethink how she structured her training, especially strength training.

“I haven’t done a single pull-up since June when I got the first episode. But then I got a new episode in August. So, there have been two rounds.”

“I’ve had to realize that I shouldn’t excel in the weight room. It’s on the ski trail,” she says.

Now, Smedås has completely stopped strength training.

“I haven’t done any upper body strength training since those rounds of rhabdomyolysis. I’ve always trained a lot of strength, and it has worked very well for me, but this year I’ve had to do it differently. Now it’s just poling, and that has worked too,” she says.

However, even regarding poling, Smedås has changed her training approach this year.

“I’ve used the pole machine much more this year. I’ve got an Ercolina machine, so I stand in my shed and pole on that. It’s very effective, especially in the fall when it’s cold and dark outside. Then I can just go in and get very specific poling training there. So, there’s been a lot of Ercolina,” she says, adding:

“I’ve become more meticulous about incorporating more massage and flexibility training now. I have to admit that I’m getting older too.”

Read More: Close and personal with Magni Smedås

No Change in Goals

Despite the challenges, Smedås believes that doubling down on both long-distance and traditional cross-country skiing has worked well so far. Having coach Marthe Kristoffersen, her former coach from the regional team Team Elon Innlandet, back on board has added to her enthusiasm for the project.

“It’s great to have her back. Marthe and I work very well together, so it’s lovely. I love it,” says Smedås.

“It has worked very well, actually. But, as I said, I’ve had a bit more interruption this year than last year with illness and such. But when I’ve trained, I’ve trained very well, so I feel well-prepared for the season.”

How do you plan your efforts to make it to the 2025 World Championships?

“I take it gradually. It will mostly be long-distance this winter. And then it will be more traditional next year. But I’m looking forward to starting the Ski Classics season and getting to do long-distance races and traveling with the team. It will be fun to ski races again. I’m excited to win Marcialonga once again. That would be great.”

In the season premiere at Beitostølen last weekend, Magni Smedås secured solid results: sixth place in the 10-kilometer classic and seventh place in the 10-kilometer freestyle.