Fjortoft competed in the steeplechase for Norway at the 2007 IAAF World Championships

Growing up as a kid in Norway, how did you develop yourself into the runner that you are now?

I started track at 10 years old. I did 60-meter dash, shot put, high jump, everything. When I was around 13- and 14-years old, I started running the 800 and 1500 meters. I discovered then that distance running is what I wanted to do.

Now, you just finished running in the Drake Relays on last Saturday placing third overall in the 1500-meter run (4:25.76). Have you competed in this race before?

I ran 1500 early this season at Arlington. It was around 4:24 (personal record). 

One of the things that you enjoy most is actually spectating this sport? What is your favorite event to watch in the track and field arena?

I like watching all of the track and field events, because there are so many things to watch at one time. It makes things exciting. It can be kind of boring watching a 10k, but there are so many other events. That's why I like watching it.

How did you come into developing as a steeplechaser?

Back at home, my coach Magne Wullum had trained people in the steeplechase. I tried, and it was fun. It is a bit more challenging than a flat race. During cross country, I don't do it at all. I start after the indoor season, working on technique and jumping every week. It's not like it's a major part of my workout. It's important, because I improve a lot of seconds with my water jump.

How did Southern Methodist University find you?

Well, it was my Wullum. He got in touch with SMU. It seemed like a really good school. And, I guess it was the coaches, because they came over to Norway. To me, then was great to put a face on the voice after all of the phone calls. They seemed really nice and interested in having me.

Do Norwegians know about your success on the oval as a steeplechaser?

Yeah, they do. We don't have a lot of top runners in Norway. The thing now about what I'm doing is that it is fun.

You ran this past August in the 11th World Championships in the women's 3000-meter steeplechase. Can you share your experience and what it meant for you then to competing for Norway?

It was a lot of fun. It was my first big international championship. I was just happy and happy to be there. I hit my knee on a barrier and that slowed me down. If I hadn't done that I would have run my PR or better. But, it was a great experience having the crowd cheering for me.

How did you fare in the cross country season this fall?

I got second at the USA Conference (17:46.0). I got first at NCAA Regionals. I didn't do too well in the national championships, because my legs felt heavy. I still finished 49th and was the first freshman to cross finish line (2k: 6:37; 4k: 13:45 6k: 21:11).

How is the distances coach Cathy Casey helping you to reach your goals this year?

She's there on the hard runs and she supports me to help me run as fast as I can. I guess she's made me believe in myself more. I don't remember any specific thing that she has said, but she's helping to get the best out of me.

What is a typical day of training in the steeplechase?

I usually have seven or eight laps where I complete water jumps, and time my laps throughout the run.

How many miles are you running per week?

I'm in a base training right now. I'm gearing up for NCAA Regionals and Nationals. I run probably 130 km per week. I run twice most days. Earlier in the winter, I had problems with my calf and Achilles tendon during the indoors, so I had to decrease my mileage at that point.

How do you prepare yourself mentally?

I don't really think about it that much. I don’t think much about the race the day before, because I don’t want to be nervous. I just love running and I think it is a lot of fun.

What are all of the races that you've run indoors and outdoors this season?

I ran the mile, 5k at conference, but I took off too fast and didn't get to finish it with a time that I wanted.

As a freshman, you are the collegiate leader in this event. What are working toward?

I really want to try and do really good, then qualify for the NCAA Championships. I'm hoping for a new PR in the steeplechase.

As an undecided major at Southern Methodist University, do you have any plans for the immediate future?

I’m not sure what I’ll major in, but… I will find something. When I go back this summer, I will run some in the Norwegian national championships and probably international meets, too. Norway has a much lower standard (9:30) than the Olympic ‘A’ standard of 9:46.00. It would be hard to get under 9:30 this year with my personal record.

What other race events are on the horizon for you?

I've not run that many 5k races. I'm going to try and improve my time in the 5k. I'll probably run a 10k too, but it seems a bit too far.