Anna Jönsson Haag, the skiing superstar, shares her journey and insights in this exclusive interview with ProXCskiing.com. She talks about the ups and downs of her recent season, career highlights, and plans for next Winter. With her wealth of experience in the sport, Team Kaffebryggeriet’s athlete also shares her thoughts on the development of cross-country skiing and the advantages and disadvantages of long-distance skiing compared to traditional skiing. 

And as a mother of two young children, she gives us a glimpse into her training routine and how she manages to balance it all. So, let’s dive in and learn from one of the best in the business.

Anna, how was this season for you? What were the best and most challenging moments?

“This season didn’t turn as I thought it would be. I thought I would have more time to prepare since both kids were in daycare/preschool, but as all parents to small kids, all the sickness comes with daycare. So instead of training, I was fighting with sickness from April to November. And then the season started; I missed the first race due to having a fever, but then January was full of surprises with a better performance than I would ever dream of, and I started to dream about more because it felt so good!” 

“But coming home after multiple weeks in the Alps, we struggled with sickness again, and at the end of the season, the goal was more about trying to stay healthy and be at the starting line and trying to do a good performance. Even though I really enjoyed the last weekend up in the north of Norway, especially Summit 2 Senja, where I decided before the start to ski more relaxed and enjoy, which made me have a lot of energy left in the second half. That was so much fun! My highlight from the season was Marcialonga and the toughest was Orsa Grönklitt and Reistadløpet, where I didn’t feel like myself at all.”

Looking back on your career, you have had many successful races. What were the best moments of your career so far? 

“Oh, yes! I have plenty of memories from my career, and to be honest, the beginning of my carrier started to fade, but one of the races I do remember is my first top 5 race at Davos World Cup in 2007.” 

“I never got tired and could continue to ski as fast as I wanted forever and ever. And then I have sort of the same feeling, even though I did fight a bit more for that, in Lathi 2017 at the World Championships, where I also took 5th place. Of course, the relay gold medal in Sochi 2014 and my silver in Vancouver 2010 are big memories I am proud of.”

Now that the winter season is finished, what have you decided about next Winter?

“I haven’t decided yet. Time will tell. Right now, I’m training less than in a while, trying to keep healthy and building up my body again with a lot of running, strength, and cross fit. And I love it! So, we will see. I haven’t had the chance to start at Vasaloppet yet…”

As someone with a lot of experience, what are your thoughts about the development of long-distance skiing? 

“I’m not a person that puts so much effort into thinking about that stuff since I think other people do it better. But I like the attitude that there is among the long-distance skiers who are up to anything and then give feedback instead of questioning a lot before we even know how it will turn out. From my point of view, I have been doing many things during my short time in the long-distance circuit that I would never have thought I would do or manage to make when I was doing traditional skiing.” 

“So, with that said, I think sometimes we need to try before we give feedback, but some ideas may not be worth trying. And it is important that new ideas go through people who know the sport very well; otherwise, there is a risk of doing more damage than good.”

From traditional skiing to long-distance, why did you decide to participate in long-distance races? What are the advantages and disadvantages when compared to traditional cross-country skiing?

“For me, it was the challenge and the adventure that hooked me. I have always liked longer races, and it feels like my body is more shaped for longer work. So, when I quit traditional skiing, I dreamed of doing some racing, but I didn’t think I would do two seasons with a Norwegian team and enjoy it so much. I must accept that I am not in the shape I was before, but I am still happy both at the starting and finish line.” 

“The biggest difference is the amount of time the races take and that you need to do training sessions that are longer than I ever did as a traditional skier. And with small kids, that has been a challenge! But I have enjoyed them a lot. I have enjoyed training more specifically than before, with almost just double poling and longer sessions with some blocks of intervals.” 

How do you train nowadays, especially with two kids? The same volume as before?

“Not even close. Especially this year. I usually train between 6 to 7 am, intervals, strength, or specific sessions that are not longer than 1 hour. Then I have breakfast, we get the kids to preschool, and I train my next session. So, I’m often done with 1 to 3 hours of training before lunch, and that’s it! It is not much compared to before, but much more than many other mothers with small kids. And between 11 to 15, I work.” 

Finally, what will be your goals for next season?

“To have a strong body! The future will tell what other goals I will have!”

Here you can find Anna Jönsson Haag’s Ski Classics results.

More information about Ski Classics you can find at skiclassics.com.

Also Read: How Can Johaug Train During And After Pregnancy? Bjørgen’s Training and Jönsson Haag’s Advice