Harstad was born in the municipality of Birkenes in the southern part of Norway.

[5] The following year in Brezno-Osrblie, Harstad won gold in the team event, alongside Karianne Væting, Liv Grete Skjelbreid and Eli Merete Melheim.

[7] Harstad finished with a bronze in the relay, having taken the anchor leg and racing with Liv Grete Skjelbreid and Karianne Væting.

Harstad did not catch on and she only had a total of six starts in the World Cup, the best of which was two 53rds in Lillehammer in 1996–97.

[10] Additionally, Harstad won 7 medals at the Junior Norwegian Biathlon Championships, of which four were gold.