Emma Katajalaakso
Date of birth: 31.10. 1999
Home town: “I was born in Rauma, but I’ve lived almost my entire life in Kannus. I consider myself a Kannus resident.”
Lajit: 1500 m, 5000 m, and 3000 m steeplechase. Clearly more long-distance races than middle-distance.
Achievements
Bronze in the 1500m, Finnish Championship 2021
Bronze in the 3000m steeplechase, Finnish Championship 2021
Emma on social media
“In running, you get to push yourself to the limits”
Emma Katajalaakso, a promising middle-distance runner whose career took a leap when she moved to Lahti and rebuilt her life around athletics. Emma manages to step out of the sports bubble as she works as a substitute teacher in elementary and middle schools. In the classroom, shared successes are experienced when a student grasps a tricky math problem.
There has been a more collaborative atmosphere in women’s middle-distance running as well. Emma shares that her affinity for running developed quite naturally.
“I’ve been doing sports with my family since I was little, trying various sports. Middle-distance running seemed to be something I had qualities for. I like running because it doesn’t require equipment, and you can easily measure your progress. There’s also something fascinating about the physicality – pushing yourself to the limits. I enjoy that a lot!”
Emma describes herself as a clear individual athlete, appreciating that both successes and failures are largely within her control. Overcoming oneself and stepping out of the comfort zone appeal to her. Rainy training sessions are part of the sport, and according to Emma, they build character.
“Intense training and race performances are physically demanding. I also enjoy it a lot, in a somewhat crazy way,” admits Emma with a laugh.
Emma suffered from a difficult state of overtraining that affected her for four years. The move to Lahti and a new coaching setup in a new club last fall proved to be a turning point for the better.
“I rebuilt my life entirely based on athletics. That decision has been perhaps the most significant moment in my career so far.”
A professional training environment, coaching, and training partners changed the whole game. Her body had also recovered from overtraining.
In the summer of 2021, Emma performed well, earning bronze at the Finnish Championships in both the 1500 meters and the 3000 meters steeplechase. Achieving a level that had long felt distant, and reaching the podium in adult competitions, felt good.
Now, Emma’s goal is to work steadily, gradually improving her records and performance. Realistically, the main targets with specific qualifying times are still years away. Staying healthy and, as Emma puts it, doing the “basic work” are the most important aspects at the moment. Of course, there’s the goal of performing well at the next summer’s Finnish Championships.
From excitement to enjoyment
Emma admits she used to be a nervous competitor. However, over the past year, she has sought help from a sports psychologist and has been able to turn her nervousness into an advantage. Emma feels that her mental development has also reflected in her results.
“Now, one of my strengths is that I can enjoy the competition and running. It has become the place where I really want to be.”
In last summer’s competitions, Emma often led the pack. Solo training has influenced her ability to maintain a certain pace. However, she acknowledges that her focus on different aspects varies depending on the competition situation.
Middle-distance running combines many elements. The performance is highly physical but also relatively prolonged.
“Every race is a maximal effort. In longer distances like the 5000 meters, there are many moments when your mind says you can’t go on. In reality, your body can endure longer than what your mind tells you. You have to learn to tolerate the feeling of discomfort and trust yourself. If you say you can’t, then you definitely can’t.”
The foundation for success is built through diverse training, including basic fitness, various forms of speed endurance training, and closer to the competition season, maximum endurance.
Emma usually cycles once a week to save her legs during basic fitness training. In addition to endurance, she practices speed and strength, both in the gym and in sport-specific activities such as hill sprints.
“Patience is crucial. I’ve learned that especially speed endurance needs to hit the right stress zone. It’s not a case of the harder the training, the better. I used to be a bit too eager, pushing too hard. Precision is required, and, for example, basic fitness training needs to be light enough.”
Training has become more professional. Emma mentions that her lactates are measured weekly, providing information about which zone a specific workout targets to keep overall stress in check.
“There’s no approximation; we are always aware of the situation,” Emma explains.
Stepping out of the sports bubble into the classroom
Emma tells that the atmosphere in women’s long-distance running has improved in her opinion. The camaraderie in the GP races has been one that encourages everyone to perform at their best. As a result, the level of Finnish women in mid-distance running has been on the rise. Everyone wants to win, but that goal can be approached from many angles.
– There has been a bit of an attitude that when we collectively deliver a good performance, as many as possible run well. We no longer think of each other as enemies, but rather push forward together,” Emma says.
Emma finds balance for her sports life by working as a substitute teacher in both primary and secondary schools. She feels that she can step “outside her sports bubble” when teaching. However, at the moment, Emma does not dream of a career as a teacher, even though she enjoys the work. Her favorite subject is mathematics in secondary school, as it allows her to experience successes together with the students.
– In secondary school, not everyone always has the best attitude towards mathematics. It’s amazing when someone understands how a certain calculation is done. That’s my favorite, but I’ve been able to teach a variety of subjects, which is fun,” Emma says.
– In sports, there are your own workouts, your own meals, and your own sleep. It is somewhat selfish in a certain way. When interacting with students, you can focus on others’ needs and forget your own everyday life. I gain energy from social interaction.
Emma has also studied at the open university, including courses in sports psychology. She says these have been helpful for her own sports.
Confidence in the coach is crucial in sports
Emma does not name specific role models but mentions that she admires athletes in general who have not given up in the face of challenges and difficulties.
Time spent with family and friends is essential for Emma. She also enjoys cooking and knitting. She credits her family for both encouragement and financial and time support.
– Belief has always been created that anything is possible. I have not felt pressure from home to study; it has been seen that there is passion for this and we are moving in the right direction. It has been a significant thing, and I don’t know if I would have dared to make my current choices without their support.
When asked about a reliable person, Emma highlights two people: her mother and current coach Ville Hautala.
– I have shared many thoughts with my mother, and she has been involved in both life and sports. She used to ski when she was younger, so she can relate to many things.
– With Coach Ville Hautala, we have a very high level of trust in how we do things and in each other. I feel that the relationship of trust is a very important thing. We can talk openly about anything. I am really grateful for my situation.
Emma is also grateful for the new partnership with Renta.
– I have a very positive impression of Renta’s activities. I think it’s great that Renta has been involved with many top athletes, both financially and in other ways. It’s cool to join such a strong team!” Emma exclaims.