Norseman isn’t just a triathlon. It’s the triathlon.
Fifteen years ago, I lost my brother to leukemia. That moment changed everything. I began to look after myself differently, mentally, physically, and emotionally. I quit smoking, started running, and became more conscious of my health. As I progressed in running, my love for cycling resurfaced, and I had a background in swimming from my younger days. Triathlon felt natural and by far exciting.
Being married to a Norwegian, I was introduced to Norseman early on. It just captivated me. Thirteen years ago, I began applying through the race’s ballot system, only 250 athletes are selected for this self-supported race. The course is brutal and famous for its ever changing weather conditions.
- 3.8 km swim in a fjord, jumping off a ferry
- 180 km bike ride with 4,000 meters of elevation,
- 42.2 km marathon with 2,000 meters of elevation in the final 17 km
My family and friends have known for over a decade how much this race meant to me. I’ve trained hard, completed multiple Ironman, and reached peak fitness levels, but I never qualified. As a “mortal,” not an elite athlete, it was always a long shot.
Then, last year, while bikepacking in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, I received an email: “You’re in.” It was October. I had nine months to prepare for a dream I’d chased for so long, I couldn’t believe it. I wasn’t in my best shape; life, work, and other priorities had taken their toll. But I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I committed fully.
I was fortunate to have the support of my Norwegian family. One of our neighbors, Jon Breivold, the current Norseman record holder and 3 times winner, agreed to coach me. A week after returning from Morocco, we had our first Teams call. I thought training would begin in January. He said, “Let’s start Monday.” It was Saturday.
From that moment, my training ramped up, from 3-4 hours a week to structured, consistent sessions. Jon tailored the plan around my demanding work and travel schedule, focusing on intervals and consistency rather than volume. That approach made all the difference.
Over nine months, I trained between 9 and 11 hours weekly. The intervals, on the bike, in the pool, and on the run, were transformative. They helped me sustain effort and build resilience. That 9 months training journey was not easy, logistically and disciplined made me feel very guilty to miss some training but ultimately we do our best to make the most of it.
But Norseman isn’t just about the athlete. It’s about the support system, during training and on race day. My wife and father were my primary support crew and my mother-in-law helped us with our two kids and the cheering. Their full support made this journey possible.
A few weeks before the race, I flew to Norway alone to preview the course. The plan was to do the first 130Km but the bike handle bar broke during the trip and we had to adapt to the circumstances. I rode 90 km in freezing conditions, around -1°C, climbing 2,400 meters. It took me three hours, and I was shivering for 45 minutes afterward. That ride gave me confidence and clarity. I left my bike with my in-laws to ensure everything was ready for race day.
In August, it all came together.
Norseman 2025: A Race, A Dream, A Journey
Two days before the race, we arrived in Eidfjord. I had a couple of swims with the Norseman collective, and everything felt surreal. The atmosphere was electric. I was a bit stressed, to be honest, but my father-in-law and my wife did everything they could to keep me calm and focused.
On race day, I went to bed at 9:00 PM and I was up at 2:00 AM. I prepared my gear, my Factor 02 road bike with aero handlebars, and a cold-water wetsuit from Sported, recommended by David Hunt. It was a game-changer.
By 3:00 AM, I dropped off my bike. At 3:30 AM, I was on the ferry with the other athletes, heading out into the fjord for the 3.8 km swim. That moment on the boat was surreal, everything around you fades, and you enter your own mental space.
Jumping off the ferry; about 3 to 4 meters into the cold water, was intense. The temperature was around 12-13°C, no more. We had about 15 minutes to swim to the start line. The first 500 meters were chaotic, but things settled quickly. I exited the water in around 70th place out of 300, with a swim time of 1:06, a solid start.
Then came the bike. As soon as I clipped in, I told myself: steady, no rushing. I wanted to preserve my legs. But I could feel they weren’t as strong as I’d hoped. I reached the 90 km mark in 3 hours and 40 minutes, about 40 minutes slower than my previous effort in June when I was in peak condition.
Still, I stayed consistent. I followed my nutrition plan, gels every 45 minutes, electrolytes, water, and solid food. The first part of the bike was cold and windy, but by the time I reached Geilo, it was scorching hot. Then, near Vasstulan, where I saw my family, the weather turned
Again, rain and cold. The last climb was brutal, after 120 you hit Immigflied, 9km 9% with little to rest. I was cooked, but on the descent to the run transition, I hit 88 km/h, passing many riders. It was exhilarating.
The run started well. The first 7-8 km felt okay, but then cramps kicked in. I alternated between running and walking until km 25. It became a mental battle. Then came Zombie Hill; 11 km with an average gradient of 10-12%. I walked most of it, with my wife following me closely.
At the plateau, it was freezing. But I made it to the cut-off point. I finished the race, but missed the black T-shirt by 13 minutes and 3 spots. That was tough to accept. I had trained so hard, and I was so close
But after reflecting, I realized how proud I am. Life over the past months has been demanding, and yet I showed up, stayed resilient, and finished one of the toughest races in the world.
Seeing my family, my kids, and everyone who supported me was emotional. Now, I’m thinking about what’s next, similar to how I felt after completing Ironman Nice and Hispaman Triathlon in 2017 and 2018. Thatpost-race void, the question: what now?
I still have my amazing coach, my family, and a deep appreciation for this journey. I’ll reapply to Norseman as many times as it takes. I earned the white T-shirt, and I’m proud of it. But I know I can do better.
Crossing that finish line in under 16 hours, in those conditions, was a personal achievement. I may not have the black T-shirt yet but I am a Norseman.
A big thank you to my Coach Jon Breivold, my wife Cecilie, Karl & Nina, and my two super kiddies Philip and Kiara and all the support I had during the race.
Lastly, a thought for the ones who are missed deeply everyday and help us build resilience and put life in perspective.
Posted on 12th Sep 2025
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