Coach Profile

Q: How did you first get involved in orienteering?
A: As far back as I can remember. My father (born Canadian) started running orienteering when he was a kid, and he has passed on orienteering to me and my two brothers too.

Q: How did you first get involved in coaching?
A: I have always been interested in coaching but I haven't had any specific jobs until now. I guess I have coached Vegard Jarvis for a while - so he is the only athlete I've ever had :)

Q: What aspect of coaching is your favourite?
A: A very difficult task all athletes meet is how to be 100% present while taking decisions. What kind of conversations do you have with yourself inside your head when you're stressed out? Are you aware of these conversations?

Q: How do you work with athletes to help them prepare for a specific big race?
A: Athletes need to be aware of their capabilities - it's no point in trying to do things you obviously won't tackle because you haven't done it enough times before. It's all about the odds of success... In addition; you make a grand plan before a race - but what do you need to do/tell yourself to remember to execute this plan? It's so easy to just continue doing the same as before and don't apply the plan.

Q: If you had one tip for young orienteers what would it be?
A: Seek your limits, and then make a plan to stay as close to the limit as possible without messing things up. It's not possible to do anything better than your maximum, collective limits (technique and speed combined).