MIND, BODY, SOUL: ELENA HIGHT

"Born on Kauai and raised in Lake Tahoe, California, Elena Hight is one of professional snowboarding's shining stars. At 13-years-old, Elena became the first female to land a 900 in competition; and it 2013, she became the first snowboarder, male or female, to land a double backside alley-lop rodeo at the Winter X Games Superpipe finals in Aspen, Colorado. 

Now at 24-years-old, she's already a two-time Olympian and quickly asserted herself as one of the most recognized females in the sport. In addition to snowboarding, Elena's passion for running, yoga, surfing, and cooking balance her love for living an active, healthy life."

( ^^ lil excerpt from Elena's website. ) Elena and I caught up after her crazy winter season to talk about all things mind, body, and soul.

+ when did you start snowboarding ? did you play any other sports as a kid ?

I started snowboarding when I was 6 years old, my dad taught me when my family moved to the mountains. Growing up I did gymnastics and also played soccer.

+ thoughts before starting a contest run ?

I always start my contest runs with a deep breath and just the thought to have as much fun as I possibly can! I always ride my best when I am having fun so that is always my main goal.

+ advice for aspiring snowboarders ?

Any newbie to a snowboard should know that it takes most people 3 solid days to get the hang of it so don't give up!

+ fav snowboarding memory ?

Winning the US Open was one of the best moments of my career. It was a goal of mine for so long and it was a moment when I was completely in the moment, not worried about anything else but just snowboarding!

+ let's talk training. ultimate pump-up song ?

I love listening to Aloe Blacc, Ellie Goulding, HAIM...pretty much anything with a good beat!

( check out Elena's killer ab exercises here! )

+ what's a typical day like ?

Well I really have no typical day! During the season when I am not traveling and am just training, I snowboard the first half the day and either go to the gym or yoga in the afternoon. If we are competing, my schedule is totally dependent on how the contest is set up. In the summer my schedule is all over the place! I train, run, do lots of yoga, travel to snowboard in the southern hemisphere, surf...try to do it all!

+ how do you fuel-up for a day on the slopes ?

My favorite breakfast is a good veggie scramble. I love to scramble eggs with tons of mixed veggies, top it with avocado and salsa, and have it with yerba-mate tea and almond milk. That is the best fuel for the hill, it keeps me going all day!

+ mantra ?

I have always lived by the mantra carpe diem...seize the day!

To follow Elena Hight on Instagram, click here. x.