Kathleen Calkins ran her first race (an ironman) as a pro at Rev3 Cedar Point at the age of 35. YES 35! How awesome is that!? AND she took 3rd!
I'm still struggling a bit w/ this whole getting older thing. Ever since spending time at the care center (aka old folks home) with my grandmother I feel hyper aware of my age and the future. It's so great to see an athlete taking it to the next level at a stage of life that many feel their best years are behind them. Clearly not for Kathleen!!! :)
Read her race report HERE. And you can check out video coverage of her during the race below.
Kathleen Calkins Highlights - REV3:Cedar Point 2010 from REVOLUTION3 Triathlon on Vimeo.
It just so happens that she is a member of Team Trakkers. I really didn't know that when I first discovered her.
Kathleen started her triathlon career way back in 2001 at a local sprint race. She had gone down to watch her husband participate in the swim portion of a relay and they both went out the next day to purchase bikes and never looked back. How many of us have gotten into the sport in much the same way?
She rocked that tri of course and continued to compete in both sprint and olympic before moving up to the 70.3 a few years later and then Ironman. Would you believe she went to Kona and had a rough time only to find out FIVE DAYS later she was pregnant. So baby went to Kona with Mama.. thus starting a long partnership. He continued to accompany her on runs after he was born. Apparently anything UNDER 18 miles. I have pushed my fair share of joggers in my life, but I think I maxed out at 6 miles. (well I did and so did the kids) That's amazing to push a stroller that long. She says it made her stronger.. no doubt!
Age grouper Kathleen Calkins broke the overall female age group record in Kona, Hawaii with her 9:46:27 finish at the 2009 Ford Ironman World Championships. With that great time she also managed to be the 12th overall female.
In 2009 Kathleen broke the overall female age group record at the Ford Ironman World Championships in Kona with a time of 9:46:27!!! AND finished 12th overall female.
So 2010 was her first year as a pro and she is rockin and rollin! I love this sport! I love the inspiration you get from this sport. I love how REAL the people are in this sport!
Who's your favorite triathlete? Keep an eye on this lady!
One of the many benefits of endurance sports is that people can compete and improve as they age!
ReplyDeleteChrissy Wellington. She came from nowhere to Kona and smoked the competition. She is amazing!
ReplyDeleteI have also been thinking about your age issue. Just from running around here, and being married to a pretty fast runner, (masters now!) there are so many masters athletes that are amazing!!! I think you have many many great years of competition ahead of you, especially if you keep training and keep fit and healthy like you are!
Chrissy Wellington. She came from nowhere to Kona and smoked the competition. She is amazing!
ReplyDeleteI have also been thinking about your age issue. Just from running around here, and being married to a pretty fast runner, (masters now!) there are so many masters athletes that are amazing!!! I think you have many many great years of competition ahead of you, especially if you keep training and keep fit and healthy like you are!
I know I still have a lot of competition left in me... I just feel like we are on a bullet train to the unavoidable... it's all going so fast!
ReplyDeleteLove it. This is why we do what we do. Endurance athletes have no age limit as pointed out in the interviews I have conducted. Each one of them has said there is no limit.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the ride and embrace this life we lead.
Kathleen is not just smokin fast but also a very kind, humble, and approachable athlete. She's a terrific mom, outstanding really. Love her!
ReplyDeleteAmen. My triathlon career did not even begin until I turned 35. Several pair of shoes, and one Ironman later, I am convinced that it does only getter better with age.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite triathlete? Hmm.. tough one. I respect so many of them, but Jacqui Gordon is one of my favorites. I met her at Rev3, and she was incredibly supportive and down to Earth.
Hey watch out for that getting older stuff!! :) I am so inspired by athletes who are able to go bust it out like that.
ReplyDeleteI love Bree Wee and Sonja Weike...
isn't sonja awesome!? :) Sonja.. you have fans far and wide don't you!? :D
ReplyDelete