Dr. Paul Laursen and Marjaana Rakai

Meet Dr. Paul Laursen and Marjaana Rakai

Dr. Paul Laursen, PhD, is a renowned exercise physiologist and professor dedicated to advancing sports performance and athlete development. Residing in the picturesque surroundings of Revelstoke, Canada, Paul relishes the lakes, forests, and mountains with his family. He selectively coaches high-performance athletes in triathlon, cycling, and running, helping them achieve peak performance. As a co-founder of HIIT Science, Paul is committed to growing the reach and impact of high-intensity interval training. He is also at the helm of Athletica, a cutting-edge technology company that integrates training science with coaching to optimize athlete outcomes. Paul co-hosts the Training Science Podcast with his colleague Martin, where they delve into the latest research and practical applications in sports science. In addition to his entrepreneurial and coaching pursuits, Paul actively contributes to research at the University of Agdar in Norway, focusing on Sports Performance and Athlete Development Environments (SPADE).

Marjaana Rakai, MSc, CPT, is a passionate and dedicated fitness professional with extensive experience in coaching, mentoring, and empowering mothers, including perimenopausal athletes, to embrace a healthy, balanced, and active lifestyle. As the creator of the "Tired Mom Runs" brand, Marjaana has fostered a supportive community focused on Fit Motherhood through holistic health and wellness. In addition, she enjoys sharing her passion and knowledge as a co-host of The Athlete's Compass Podcast and working for Athletica.ai. Equipped with a Master’s Degree in Sports Science and a Diploma in Business Administration, Marjaana holds several certifications, including HIIT Science, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, GGS Women's Coaching Specialist, and Triathlon Canada Community Trained Coach. Her expertise lies in the intersection of coaching and sports science, with a focus on endurance sports such as running, Nordic skiing, and triathlon. Marjaana is particularly adept at addressing the unique needs of perimenopausal athletes, helping them navigate hormonal changes and maintain peak performance. A lifelong athlete from Finland, Marjaana began her athletic journey as a junior cross-country skier and now competes in long-distance triathlons. Since 1998, she has been an expat, building a vast international network and working seamlessly with people from diverse backgrounds. She is fully trilingual, speaking Finnish, Norwegian, and English. Through her work, Marjaana is dedicated to supporting women in their fitness journeys, empowering them to achieve their goals and thrive at every life stage.

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