Inspiring story with Julius Taskinen: From Cyclist to Marathon Runner
The Early Years: A Passion for Endurance Sports
You have been drawn to endurance sports for most of your life, it seems. Why is that? How did you get into cycling and sports in general?
My younger brother Joel got into mountain biking when I was 11 or 12. He quickly became quite good at it, and I felt the need to match his level. I wanted to start mountain biking myself, so I went to my first race at the age of 12. For the next few years, we participated in Finnish XCM races around the country. When I was 14, I was selected for the Finnish Junior national team in road cycling, and I fully transitioned from off-road to road cycling.
I was quickly attracted to the long duration of the races in cycling, and I felt like I was good at it. I also enjoy long training sessions — being outside for hours, just me and my thoughts.
The Switch to Running
In 2021, you switched from cycling to running, which is a pretty big change. What was the main drive behind it?
The switch from cycling to running was influenced by many factors, including my early ambitions for a professional cycling career, which I outlined during my junior years. During my time in the army’s sports academy, I got to know many great runners and orienteers, and I started going on training runs with them, even though I was still a cyclist at the time. I remember one of those orienteers, Akseli Ruohola, bet that I couldn’t run a sub-3-hour marathon after a cycling season. I signed up for a marathon in Hanko and ran 2:43 in 2019. I was excited and found myself enjoying running. I started thinking about switching sports if I didn’t make it abroad to the French cycling teams.
After Covid-19, the number of races and training camps abroad decreased significantly from what I was used to. During the summer of 2020, when there were very few races, I did a lot of training with friends who were XC skiers and orienteers. I started to think I would see how my last year in the U23 category would go, and then decide whether to switch.
The spring of 2021 was tough for me in many ways, and I found myself more inclined to go for a jog than a cycling loop. After the national elite road race in June 2021, my coach called me and suggested I take a break from competitive sports. Instinctively, I responded, “No, I will become a runner.”
Chasing Marathon Milestones
You ran a marathon with a time of 2:23:46 earlier this year, which for someone who has only recently gotten into running is a big step up. Was it a surprising result, or rather expected?
To be honest, my goal has been to run sub-2:20, and in Copenhagen, I ran a 1:09 first half. It was my new personal best, but I wasn’t satisfied then. I will try for sub-2:20 again in Malaga in December. I know I have it in me, it’s just a matter of time before it happens.
Balancing Military and Athletic Life
You are also part of the Finnish military forces. How does that fit into your career as an athlete?
I'm a reservist now, but I did my active service time in the Finnish Defence Forces’ sports academy. Being able to use their facilities and benefit from their expertise has helped me a lot in my career. And hey, I wouldn’t be a runner without it!
Representing Finland in Nordic XC
Your next main event is the Nordic XC running championships. How did you get selected for that, and do you aim to run off-road more often?
After switching sports, one of my “secret” goals was to represent Finland in running as well, so this is a huge deal for me! I got third place in the selection races two weeks ago, and soon after that, I received an email saying I was selected. It felt amazing!
I’m not sure if this will become a regular thing, but it definitely gave me a lot of motivation for off-road running!
Looking Ahead to 10Mila
Next year, you plan to test out your skills in orienteering and take part in 10Mila. Is that just for fun, or do you have a specific goal for that as well?
I ran in 10Mila in 2023, and my team was around 10th when my leg started. Running in the dark forest with some of the best orienteers in the world was an experience I’ll never forget. Remarkably, I had never been in an orienteering race before that. So I definitely want to experience it again. If our guys can get me into that lead group for the “Långa natten” (the long night), I’ve promised them I won’t get dropped from those guys, no matter what comes in front of me. In 2023, we saw that I have the speed. I was able to follow one Swedish guy from the start of the 3rd leg, and we gained 1 minute and 20 seconds before the first TV control at the 3 km mark.
Life Beyond Training
When you are not training and running, your daily life still revolves around sport. What exactly do you do, and don't you get tired of thinking about sport all day long?
Nice question :) I love sports and truly breathe the life around endurance sports! I work part-time for a sports club. Additionally, I’m a sports manager for Finnish NR holder marathon runner Alisa Vainio and 3-time vice World Champion orienteer Miika Kirmula. I also finished my studies in Sports Business and have been responsible for marketing the Motonet GP Lappeenranta for three years now, an international-level track meet located in the city next to my home municipality, Taipalsaari. I’m also happy to help Finnish cycling clubs make the right choices when deciding on their cycling gear, and I endorse TRUE STORY!
Winter Training Tips
We are currently stepping into the winter season, which is the time when runners put in their base training work and often spend a lot of time training alone. Can you give some of your best tips on how to motivate yourself during the darkest months of the year?
This is so clear for me! Get yourself a good headlamp and hit those trails! It’s the best feeling of “speed” — I can guarantee it! I also do a lot of XC skiing; the classic technique pairs really well with running. During the Covid lockdown year, I did around 3,500 km of XC skiing. Training camps are also a great way to take a break from the darkness and get some sun while doing those base miles. Eat well, and spend some time out there — those are my go-to tips!
BR,
- Julius