WTS Hamburg/WTS Edmonton

Trying to get caught up before I get too behind, 

And while some of the races are fresh in my mind.

Since I last wrote I’ve done three races 

Ending up in three different places.

For the Hamburg individual race I finished fourth,

And in the Mixed team relay we were a few places north.

Our USA team finished second in a tight finish,

Celebrating with Erdinger instead of Guiness.

This past Saturday was WTS Edmonton,

Where I was happy to get on the podium again!

I finished third behind Duffy and Knibb,

Competing with them there’s no way to ad-lib.

After Hamburg where I didn’t really check off any process goals,

(I just ran like my feet were on some really hot coals),

I was happy to put more things together this past weekend,

Finally having a good swim where I was quite close to the front end.

I also had the fastest transition in the race!

For me that is not very common place.

I got onto my bike in great position, 

even though getting my feet in was quite the mission.

I got to the hill right where I wanted to be,

And then I watched Duffy and Knibb climb away from me. 

I tried to go with them but didn’t have the response spark or fire,

And ended up in the chase pack (not where I desire).

I worked hard, but didn’t put any time on the two,

But at least was in good position until I came to T2.

Coming into T2 I was at the back,

So that first part of the run I had to attack.

I was happy for the first 1k of the run,

Getting to the front in the Edmonton sun.

I ran with Summer Cook for laps two out of three,

And on the third knew I had to decide where I wanted to be.

So I pushed out of the transition up the hill to try to create a break,

Then ran scared to the finish knowing the podium was at stake.

Though overall I’m happy with the pieces I executed,

My feelings on the race are somewhat convoluted. 

In a way I am close to achieving what I want,

And I certainly feel much more drive than daunt.

I’m already looking forward to the next opportunity I get to be my best,

Which is Montreal this Saturday for yet another suffer fest! 

So proud to get to share multiple podiums these last few weeks,

As those steps are what everyone in the race seeks.

Also really thankful to share these moments with my family who came far,

Having you at each of the races felt like a gift from Caspar!

Mom, Dad, Aunt Terri, Uncle Jim, Aunt Mary Ellen, Bernie, (Aunt Terry)

 and Uncle Chip meet Pepe at WTS Hamburg!

Tommy's parents Nancy and George came to watch WTS Edmonton! 

My boy working. Also all these pictures are taken by Tommy Zaferes.

Reconnect x 3

In the realm of blogs I'm off to a slow start,

But besides that I'm doing well in every other part.

I've had four races by now,

And already visited 5 countries somehow.

In my races I've finished 7th, 1st, 4th and 2nd,

And am loving the process more than I reckoned.

I see the fruits of my labor coming to fruition,

From working on skills (mental and physical) to what I eat in the kitchen,

To enjoying the places I get to go,

And always making sure I keep my coach in the know.

I've been focusing differently and learning how I work,

To try and prevent my brain from going bezerk. 

This past race in Yokohama may have been the most unique one yet,

As it is a race experience I won't soon forget.

I was tested in quite a few different ways, 

And to each challenge I could feel myself raise.

Starting with the swim where I didn't get out fast enough, 

Finding myself quite far back was pretty rough.

I came out 30 seconds down from the front of the pack,

Knowing in order to connect on the bike I'd have to attack.

I actually caught on to the main chase pretty quick,

And handled the bike well even though it was slick.

I positioned myself riding mostly at the front,

Catching Flora and Sophie was what I want.

But at one point I did find myself almost last,

When the girl in front of me slid and had a crash.

I ended up in the barrier trying to avoid hitting her,

For me bent hoods and a dropped chain was all that did occur.

So I got back on my bike 30 seconds behind my group again,

But to me catching back on was not a matter of if-but when.

Halfway through the final lap I got on the group,

And went straight to the front to finish the final loop. 

Out on the run I ran most the race with fellow American Kirsten Kasper,

But the 2nd to last lap I had a minor sunglasses disaster.

They fell off my head and since I didn't want a littering penalty, 

I circled back to pick them up after a moment of confused Katie.

Then continued onward to yet again reconnect,

Happy that any doubt/frustration I was able to deflect.

I ended up in second and was proud of how I raced,

Dealing with each bit of adversity that I faced.

But that's what racing is I guess learning how to deal,

No matter the conditions, circumstances or how I feel.

Staying in the moment and never losing faith in you, 

Just continuing to go after what you came to do.

My challenges in this race were a mix of controllables and not,

but I finished the race knowing I'd given everything I got.

I shared the podium with Kasper and Duffy the succeeder,

What's also cool is that I'm now the World Series Leader, 

My next race will be Escape from Alcatraz in June,

Until then we are now in Maryland and then our tiny house cocoon. 

Also all these awesome pictures are from Tommy Zaferes,

with a new website that shines like Polaris!

You can visit it at Tommyzphotos.com,

Not going to lie it's pretty much the bomb! 

Off to On

Off season to on season, 

has got me wheezin’.

In the beginning I’m not ready to come back,

And start reconsidering the foods that I attack.

I hate the feeling of that first step on a run,

And after time off from the water swimming’s no fun.

Since when did the water get so heavy?

I'd rather be hanging out with my bevy. 

I feel like I can feel the extra body weight,

And that I’m constantly at my max heart rate.

Trying to figure out how do I do this again?

How many minutes in, what?! Only Ten?

Well ok looks like it’s time for a walk,

Tommy, stop trying to chat I can’t talk.

How can something I do for months now seem so foreign,

I now regret saying that off season was boring.

What?! In-N-Out shouldn’t be in my daily diet anymore?

What if I get “protein style” that’s acceptable for sure.

Ok, breathe, I can do this one step at a time,

Better stop to pick up this dime. 

Katie focus. Slow and steady will get you on pace,

So that in a couple months you’ll be ready to race. 

Take your time and start implementing change,

As your schedule continues to arrange.

Don’t put too much thought on how the body feels,

Rather just put in the work and start spinning the wheels. 

Wow nice, see now things are starting to feel better,

Good thing I didn’t put in my resignation letter.

Now I remember why I like what I do,

Going outside and starting to feel good too.

Then doing some sessions where I exceed expectations, 

I’ll never get tired of the success with the feeling of elations. 

I’ve even started working on things I’ve struggled with in the past,

Hoping that this next season will be even better than the last.

Ok I guess those struggles to get out the door were worth it,

Everyday working hard in the belief that practice makes perfect. 

Another year to be great has begun,

Welcome to the 2017 season everyone!