Therese Johaug is a Norwegian cross-country skier who has competed for the clubs Tynset IF and IL Nansen. In world championships she has won four individual gold medals along with three gold medals in relays and she is a three-time Olympic medalist.
At the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, she won the silver medal in the 30 km mass start (free), the bronze medal in the 10 km classical, and finished fourth in the 15 km skiathlon.
Lets read through Therese Johaug’s spectacular journey in her exclusive interview with Namita Nayyar, President Women Fitness.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You are considered to be the World’s Best Cross Country Skier having reached the pinnacle of success by winning four individual gold medals along with three gold medals in relays and becoming a three-time Olympic medalist. Walk us through this spectacular journey and tell us how it all began?
Ms. Therese Johaug:
Ever since I was a little girl, I have been skiing. On the farm where I grew up, we had winters rich on snow, and often, my parents took my three siblings and I out for little adventures. We would ski for a while, before making a fire, and drink hot cocoa. When I got a little older, I joined a club, and started training. I remember my grandfather had me running up and down the fields outside our house as practice. I always found joy in training and competing. Success did not come early, but I tried to set goals for myself that were reachable, and took everything one step at the time.
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Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Introduce us to a day in your life, preparing for the World Championships.
Ms. Therese Johaug:
Its a typical athletes life really. I have breakfast around seven. First session from 9 to 12. Then lunch, physio, sponsor activities, or relaxing. I start my second session before 4pm, and then it´s dinner and an early night.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine that you may like to share?
Ms. Therese Johaug:
One exercise that is one of my favorites, is called “Elghufs” in Norwegian, with sort of translates to moose movements uphill. It´s running with skiing poles on a steep slope, trying to imitate the cross country movement. I do 6+5+4+4+4 minute bursts, with three minute pauses in-between.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Ms. Therese Johaug:
A lot of people think that top athletes have to follow a very strict diet. This is normally not the case at all. We just have a little extra focus on eating enough carbs and proteins at the right times relative to our training. Also it´s important to not fill up on food low on energy. We eat a lot of cakes and “unhealthy” food, but it´s always dinner before dessert.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Share with us your haircare and skincare routine?
Ms. Therese Johaug:
With regards to hair, I try to do cures and use oils to keep the structure and the shine, multiple times a week. All the training means a lot of showering, so I want to avoid it becoming dry and getting split tips.
As for the skin, all the different sorts of weather that we train in, can sometimes require some extra care. I focus on using a good moisturizer regularly.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and budding skiers who all are your fans, they shall like to know from you, what they should do for their climb to ladder of success in this field?
Ms. Therese Johaug:
I was never a star as a kid, and had to work my way to the top, step by step. I think the most important thing you can do is to set yourself small goals, keep pushing your limits, but most importantly, have fun with it.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
At the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, you won gold in the 4 x 5 km relay, what was your training like before you made this accomplishment?
Ms. Therese Johaug:
At that time I had been developed under the wings of the national team for a few years, and of course, the Winter Olympics was our big goal, so basically everything I did that year was leading up to those competitions. To have it pay off with a gold medal, was just a dream come true.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Who has been your greatest influence and motivator in your success in the field of your career in skiing?
Ms. Therese Johaug:
My biggest role model has always been Marit Bjørgen. It is incredible to think that I used to sit at home on the couch and watch her race, and now she is my opponent, my team member and one of my best friends.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Tell us about the challenges that you are facing as an athlete due to your suspension from the future Games and Championships.
Ms. Therese Johaug:
I have got to know the best and worst sides of being an athlete, and for sure the last year has been especially tough. I am glad it has been shown that I have not in any way tried to cheat, but because of the rules that all athletes are bound by, I will not be able to race this winter. I try to focus on the joy of skiing, and all the good things in my life, and I very much look forward to the next time I get to start a race again.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
While playing professional sports, athletes often face injuries and other difficulties, would you like to tell the audience about how to cope up and make a comeback after an injury?
Ms. Therese Johaug:
When I get an injury, I always try to find ways to train around it. If I have problems with my arms, I go skiing without poles. If there is something hurting in my feet, I can go double poling without using my legs. Also it is important to work on having a strong and agile core, as it often prevents injuries from happening in the first place.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
With a massive following who look upto you and follow you, how does it feel that you are able to influence and inspire the healthy lifestyle of so many individuals?
Ms. Therese Johaug:
I really appreciate the opportunity to be a role model, and to hopefully inspire those around me to a healthier lifestyle, through the joys of training. It inspires me back, to see what a little motivation can do for someone who needs it.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What do you wish to say about the website Womenfitness.net and message for our visitors on our 18th Anniversary?
Ms. Therese Johaug:
I think that awareness around the benefits of training on health is imperative, and that in focusing on how exercise can improve life quality, you make every day a little better for everyone. Happy 18th, and keep it up.
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All content on this site is copyright of Women Fitness and no part of any article found on this site may be reproduced without an express permission and highlighted, do follow link crediting http://www.womenfitness.net/ or preferably the original page as the source. This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2017 Women Fitness