Katrina Strand

How does FOX contribute to your success?
Reliable, durable and simply the best performance product.

Tell us about your bike/vehicle setup.
Santa Cruz TRc, Nomad and V10 suited up with only the best – FOX Suspension, Maxxis, Mavic wheels, Raceface components, e13 chainguides, Fizik saddles.

What else is in your garage?
Skis, snowboards, surfboard, skate skis.

What's your training regimen?
It’s complicated, but it involves a strength, cardio, and mobility program. Structured, but it has to be lenient – it really depends on snow.

Any major injuries, and how did you recover?
Destroyed my shoulder. That was a big one, 9 months off the bike. I recovered by an intense rehab program that I put together with my physiotherapist, Mike Conway from Back in Action Physiotherapy here in Whistler. Also, acceptance was key; recognizing that life continually cycles through phases of progression and setbacks, it was just my turn. I had my mind set on full function and recovery, and came out stronger than before – mentally and physically.

What's your typical pre-race/event meal? Guilty pleasure?
Pre-race meal is never consistent. And I don’t feel guilty about any of my pleasures!

How do you determine which races or events to enter each year?
It depends what I choose to focus on, what works with my schedule, and of course money.

What motivated you to get started professionally?
It was the natural progression. Tough to be on your bike every day without support.

What separates you from other professional athletes?
I’m a multi tasker – I race Enduro, XC and Downhill, as well as train and coach other athletes. I’m not a specialist, I have fun doing it all, and so I do.

What would you be doing if you weren't a professional athlete?
What I’m doing now! I’m also a trainer and coach, check out www.strandtraining.com.

What's the best thing about being a professional athlete?
The places I go, the people I meet and being able to incorporate my passion into my professional life.

What other sports are you interested in?
I LOVE my skiing. I’ll be the first girl at the lift on a pow day. I’m also into snowboarding, skate skiing, rock climbing – anything really that gets me out there adventuring in the mountains.

Any advice to the readers dreaming to turn pro?
Attitudes and beliefs influence what you experience in life. If you want to achieve, you must believe. Follow your dreams, believe in yourself. And most importantly, have fun.

What are your favorite magazines and websites?
Books! ‘Thinking Body, Dancing Mind’ – this book has come all over the world with me.

Favorite movie quote?
Don’t spend enough time watching TV or movies to answer this but I can give you a favorite quote: ‘You will find success in those efforts that captivate your heart and soul. Belief fuels passion and passion rarely fails’

Who is your hero?
No one specifically. But, I am inspired by people who have the ambition, determination and commitment to follow their dreams regardless of the hurdles and challenges they face.

Are you a Mac or PC? Mac

Top 3 bands Changes weekly. This week - The Sounds, Of Monsters and Men, Florence and the Machine.

Greatest strength My mind. I’m ambitious, driven and perseverant.

Most frustrating challenge My mind. I'm too hard on myself.

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