Katherine Phillips W25-29

tucson, arizona

How did you get your start in Triathlons? The local parks and recreation dept. put on a kids triathlon when I was 10. I won sporting a Huffy Whiteheat bike accessorized with pink streamers and Snoopy horn. After that I was hooked!

What is your favorite workout? Swimming with Carlsbad Masters and running with former college teammates whenever I get back to San Diego.

“When I’m not training/racing, I enjoy…” cooking, playing Scrabble and watching Pixar movies.

If you could train for a week with one other triathlete who would it be and why? My husband Allan. I am lucky to have a husband that shares the same interest and lifestyle.

Describe your biggest race disaster. At a big race my wetsuit zipper malfunctioned. I had to stand around the transition area for five minutes while a frazzled volunteer looked for a pair of scissors. After being cut out of the wetsuit  I proceed to get a mount line penalty.

What culinary indulgence do you allow yourself after a big race (that you don’t normally partake of)? Cherry Coke preferably out of the fountain

What is the worst job you’ve ever had? I worked in a call center polling people as part of a course in college. I learned pretty quickly I did not want to be a telemarketer!

Finally, do you have any advice for athletes new to multi-sport competition? I know it is tempting to want to race a half Ironman or Ironman right away but take a few years to build up to the distance. Regardless of whatever distance you choose training is a cumulative process where each month and year should build on each other.

Recent Results: Tucson Sprint Triathlon, 2nd AG; Desert Int’l Tri, 1st AG; 5th OA;  Tempe Int’l Triathlon Sprint Distance, 1st AG, 4th OA

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