On November 11, the news came that Kalla tested positive for covid-19.
After recovery and a record-long pre-season, she is now back on the starting line in Östersund - with some question marks surrounding her physical status.
- It's a way to hike.
Especially considering that the effort in training has been at a different level than what I have had before the disease.
But I do not feel so much anxiety, so far it feels like the body has responded better and better for every training day I have completed, says Charlotte Kalla to Sportbladet.
She has not competed since the beginning of March.
- I have tried to work on patience and not let the longing take over too much but land in what needs I have here and now.
When this opportunity to compete for three days appeared, I got the urge to run two distance races, but we agreed that it is better to look after each session I need and not stress too much but choose one of the races.
And it fell on 15 skates.
Saturday's race starts at 14.00 and is an internal competition for the Swedish riders.
The first sharp competition for the Swedish national team will be the Tour de Ski, which starts on New Year's Day.
Whether Charlotte Kalla will run the tour or not will be decided after the weekend.
- I try not to think so much about what awaits but now I have really had to practice being here and now and not worry too much about what awaits but instead do the best I can in training for the day, says 33- the yearling.