One of the top skiers in the country, Swedish-born Kristina Strandberg took the overall victory in last season's FIS North America Marathon series. She was also an NCAA champion in 2000.
This year she looks set for another strong year on the marathon circuit, while simulatneously working on a PhD. We asked her a few questions here at West Yellowstone, where she is training with the rest of the factory team.
Ok first things first: What is your favorite band?
– I listen to a lot of different music and I don’t think I have a favorite band. Driving between the races last spring we played a lot of Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and of course Johny Cash.
How are you able to make things work financially as an elite ski racer? Do your sponsors take care of you completely or do you have to mix in some other work with the training?
– I work as a Research Assistant at the University of New Mexico to fund my graduate studies. The Subaru Factory Team is what makes it possible for me to keep skiing. We are fortunate to work with some of the best companies in the outdoor industry and they are taking very good care of us.
Did you ever have a childhood ski hero that inspired you?
– Growing up Tomas Wassberg was my big hero. He had a great attitude towards training and racing and he was tough as nails.
How did you feel about your summer/fall training this year? Did you focus on anything differently than in the past?
– Training has been working well from late summer and throughout the fall. I do have a lot of school work so I am a little pressed for time but I try to train well and use my time efficiently. I have been doing more intensity training than in the past and I hope that will pay off.
![](http://images.fasterskier.com/oldsitearchive/upload/051123factoryteamheadshot.jpg width=213 height=223 border=1><br />
<BR><font size=1 face=verdana></font></center><BR></p>
<p><B>How long have you been on snow this season?</B></p>
<p>– I got one week of skiing in August on Eagle Glacier outside Girdwood, AK, which was great. After that it was only dry land training until the days before the first SuperTour races in Fairbanks and Anchorage.</p>
<p><B>Is there anything you work on particularly when you are first getting on snow?</B></p>
<p>– I try to focus on technique, there is always work to be done in that area. </p>
<p><B>How did the NorAm races in Alaska go for you?</B></p>
<p>– Those races did leave a lot to wish for! I had moderate expectations for the races in Fairbanks since I only got a few days on snow before race day. I should have done better in Anchorage but I felt very heavy and slow. I got sick mid week and that might have set me back a little.</p>
<p><B>What is your plan for peaking this year?</B></p>
<p>– I have no peaking plans, I just want to have a good season. Skiing well at US Nationals is always fun since the best skiers in the country, college included, are all there. </p>
<p><B>What races are you aiming for this year? What are your goals for the season?</B></p>
<p>– I am looking forward to the longer races at Nationals, in particular the classical 10k. My main goal is to defend my victory in the FIS Marathon Cup from last year. </p>
<p><B>On race day, how do you pump yourself up or get ready to go fast?</B></p>
<p>– The week(s) before an important race I ski it (and win it) in my head over and over again. I guess it’s a little bit silly, but it works for me!</p>
<p><B>Thanks so much for your time, and good luck racing!</B></p>
</div></div><!-- /btArticleContentInnerInner --><section class=)
![](https://fasterskier.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2020/09/FasterSkier-logo-sq-320x320.png)