Joacim Lantz

Ockelbomaffian

At some point most runners will come across injuries in one way or another. In fact injuries played a big part in how Running Is Dead came to life. But that’s another story. This one’s about the youngest member of Ockelbomaffian, Joacim Lantz, and how he has dealt with injuries lately…

In trail running circles many would probably consider 30 as young. For a man of that age Joacim Lantz already has an impressive list of accomplishments however. Trail Running Sweden’s Trail Runner of the year in 2019 had a solid 2nd place both in the 90K Ultravasan as well as in the Kia Fjällmaraton under his belt in 2019. He was one of the select few to run the Lidingöloppet together with our friend Linus Hultegård in 2020 and he was a part of the Hoka One One Project Carbon X2 100K race in Phoenix, USA in early 2021 alongside Jim Walmsley. As of late he has however had to deal with what most runners come across at some point – injuries.

When did you get injured?

I have had some issues with my left foot on and off throughout the entire year but when I was running a race called Björnfrossa Ultramarathon 63K near Sandviken, Sweden back in June I started feeling increasingly severe pain in the lower part of my right leg which eventually got to the point where I just couldn’t continue. So at 44K I called it quits.

How has this affected your training and subsequent races?

The first couple of weeks after the race I couldn’t run at all so I had to stick to cycling. However, week by week I have been feeling better and have been able to add more mileage to my weekly routine.

You also had COVID earlier this year?

Yeah, I started getting symptoms shortly after having come home from a trip abroad but fortunately my symptoms were very mild. Although I did go through a bit of a rough patch training wise after that. Feeling fatigue a bit sooner than usual during my training sessions and all that.

Ockelbomaffian

Joacim Lantz

At some point most runners will come across injuries in one way or another. In fact injuries played a big part in how Running Is Dead came to life. But that’s another story. This one’s about the youngest member of Ockelbomaffian, Joacim Lantz, and how he has dealt with injuries lately…

In trail running circles many would probably consider 30 as young. For a man of that age Joacim Lantz already has an impressive list of accomplishments however. Trail Running Sweden’s Trail Runner of the year in 2019 had a solid 2nd place both in the 90K Ultravasan as well as in the Kia Fjällmaraton under his belt in 2019. He was one of the select few to run the Lidingöloppet together with our friend Linus Hultegård in 2020 and he was a part of the Hoka One One Project Carbon X2 100K race in Phoenix, USA in early 2021 alongside Jim Walmsley. As of late he has however had to deal with what most runners come across at some point – injuries.

When did you get injured?

I have had some issues with my left foot on and off throughout the entire year but when I was running a race called Björnfrossa Ultramarathon 63K near Sandviken, Sweden back in June I started feeling increasingly severe pain in the lower part of my right leg which eventually got to the point where I just couldn’t continue. So at 44K I called it quits.

How has this affected your training and subsequent races?

The first couple of weeks after the race I couldn’t run at all so I had to stick to cycling. However, week by week I have been feeling better and have been able to add more mileage to my weekly routine.

What’s your rehabilitation plan?

I’ve spent a good bit of time on the bike and at the gym focusing on exercises that have helped me work on my foot strength. I’ve also been seeing a specialist, Andreas Norlén, at AN Fysiocenter in Östersund where I live and while I’m still unable to go at full speed I do see significant improvement day by day.

Are you doing anything particular in terms of nutrition and sleep to speed up your recovery?

Not more than the usual really. I have an overall healthy diet and get a solid amount of sleep regardless of whether I’m in full in training mode or in rehab mode.

Runnind is dead Journal Joacim Lantz desk 009

What are your plans for the next few months given your injury?

I’m planning to run the Ultravasan 90K nonetheless and after that fully focus on getting back into shape again.

Edit: After this interview Joacim opted out of the 90K due to his injuries and ran the Ultravasan45 where he finished 3rd.

What’s your current training volume?

I have been running some 60-90 K’s per week as of late. Adding a bit of cycling and some gym time to that. So obviously nowhere near what I’m used to.

Lastly, being a resident of Östersund, any pointers for potential visitors on where they should go for a run?

For my speed sessions I usually go to the Hofvallen track or run around Lillsjön but for trails I’d say Frösöberget or Bynäset.

Thanks for talking to us and getting better! Soon!

If you’d like to follow Joacim’s return to greatness the best way to do this is by following @JoacimLantz and @Ockelbomaffian on Instagram.