The most noticeable thing about Karu’s approach is that motivation is rarely dramatic. There are no elaborate rituals, rewards or self-persuasion tricks before training sessions. “I am generally good at following plans and being disciplined,” he says simply. Consistency, rather than bursts of excitement, is what carries him forward. Yet the past few weeks have still forced him to think about balance. “What is challenging about endurance sports is justifying the hobby against other aspects of life,” he reflects. “Your family, work, and social life should not be sacrificed just because you become obsessed with training.”
That awareness may be one of the most important strengths he has discovered during this process. The challenge is not only physical – it is learning how to pursue ambitious goals without losing perspective. And still, there have been moments that surprised even him. “During the first race of the season last Sunday, I felt light and capable the whole time,” he says. “My power output still has room for improvement, but I already feel much more capable than I used to.”
It is a subtle but meaningful shift. Not the sudden transformation often romanticised in sport, but the gradual realisation that consistent work is changing something fundamental. Weeks earlier, many of the demands of structured training felt unfamiliar: riding to precise power targets, carefully fuelling sessions, getting used to a new bike fit, learning recovery routines, and staying mentally engaged throughout every ride. Now, those habits are becoming second nature – and the results are beginning to show.
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Interestingly, Karu believes the greatest obstacle for him is not mental, but physical. When asked what gets in the way most, he mentions his body. “I need to give it enough time to recover in order to avoid injuries and fatigue.” That answer says a lot about where he is in the process. For many riders, motivation fades before the body does. Karu’s challenge is the opposite: learning when not to push.
Behind the scenes, support from home has also become a crucial part of the journey. He credits much of that stability to his wife, particularly when it comes to nutrition and recovery.
“She is an excellent cook, so for her, food is never just ingredients,” he says. “She puts real effort into creating delicious dishes that also meet my nutritional needs.” More than that, she understands the time and energy the challenge requires. “Of course, she also tolerates my absence because of training,” he adds with a smile.
As the workload builds and L’Étape draws closer, Karu is becoming increasingly aware of just how demanding this process truly is. Asked whether he could maintain this level of preparation year-round, his answer is immediate. “No. At the moment, this clearly goes beyond the boundaries of a hobby.”
And perhaps that is exactly what The Unseen Stage is meant to uncover: the moment when an ordinary rider realises they are capable of far more than they originally imagined, even if only for a single season, a single goal or a single start line.
Don’t forget to vote on Markko’s success on The Unseen Stage website. Answering the question, Will Markko become “the best version of himself”, or will everyday life catch up to him?, will get you entered in a draw for a high-end Superior bike or a one-year TrainingPeaks subscription!
