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Name: Therese Fostervold Mathisen
DOB: April 20, 1977
Family: Living with my husband Arnstein and our kids, Helene and Henrik
From: Born and raised near the capital Oslo, living in the outskirts of Fredrikstad since 2004.
Education/ work experience: 3 years at the Norwegian Sports College, achieving the title Health and Excercise Therapist. Since 2006 I also hold a Dietist master degree – parts of my basic studies were done at the University of Loughborough, UK.

Alongside with my studies I’ve been an instructor and PT at gyms and health clubs for years.

My Athletic Fitness results:

• 2nd Regional Championship of Southern Norway 2002
• 2nd The Nathional Championship 2002
• 2nd Oslo Athletic Fitness Physique Challenge 2002
• 2nd The Nathional Championship 2003

I first started focusing my training on Athletic Fitness in the autumn of 2000. At that time I’d been competing in Power Lifting for 8 years. Feeling a lack of progress, I lost my motivation for competing but still wanted to continue that way of training. At the same time I met my previous boyfriend, an experienced bodybuilder who motivated me to give Athletic Fitness a try. I went to see the 2001 Nathional Championship in Athletic Fitness, and afterwards I met with some of the girls competing. I still keep in touch with them: Mari, Ine and also Tanja – you’re such great friends and motivators!

When I finally started feeling ready to enter the stage, I joined the «Partner Gym» in Oslo. Here I got to know several experienced AF profiles, who contributed with invaluable tips and motivation throughout my first diet. From barely being able to do one pull up (chin), my capasity increased weekly, adding one repetition each week. Springtime 2002, my training partner (Janne M Johansen) and I together entered the stage for the first time, and placed first and second respectively! During that first year of competing in Athletic Fitness, I achieved 3 silver medals in 3 competitions – with Janne always right ahead of me. The following year, 2003, I only did one competition, the National Championship, where I once again became the runner up after Janne.

I was very pleased with my improvements from the 2002 to the 2003 season. I came to realize that I needed to focus more on the qualities needed in the obstacle course, and not only do what I like the best – which is lifting weights in the gym! I did sprinting and jumping sessions a couple of times a week – I found it hard to motivate myself for this kind of training, but when it was done I always felt really good!

I love to do some kind of training every day! During my competing days I actually had no days off, but I allowed myself a day’s break whenever I felt the need for it, or when my studies needed to be prioritized. Off-season, my schedule consisted of 6 weeks of basic strength training (10-15 repetitions), followed by 6 eeks of «hard core training» (6-8 reps).

In 2004, my training was aimed towards the National Championship in the fall. However, circumstances has had it that I, as of winter 2006, yet haven’t gotten back on stage. A period of 3-4 months of my studies was taking place in Loughborough, UK – going through a period of dieting on my own simply became too hard. My husband (then boyfriend) Arnstein was preparing his comeback as a professional bodybuilder, and I wanted to be there for him 100% during the pre-season! To top it off, I became pregnant. I was lucky to be able to work out during the whole pregnancy, and I was aiming to compete again in the spring season of 2006 – but after careful consideration I chose to focus on finishing my masters degree, and as of fall 2006 I am once again happily pregnant.

My typical week of training was as follows:
Monday: back and abdominals
Thuesday: sprinting and triceps
Wednesday (off..)
Thursday: legs and abdominals
Friday: shoulders and chest
Saturday: sprinting and biceps
Sunday: (off..)

During my competing days, almost every morning I did 40-60 minutes of power walking, thoroughly enjoying the kick start it gave my day. I was specially particular about this morning routine on my «off training» days – and more often than not I was doing another walk in the evening!