TrainingPeaks member profile: Katie Weaver, triathlete
Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at 12:38PM 
After giving birth to her third child in 2005, Katie Weaver somewhat spontaneously got into triathlons to get back in shape. “I started into the sport of triathlon on a whim. My youngest son was just born in 2005 and I wanted to get back into shape and get rid of the baby weight so I started jogging. My friend came to me one day and asked if I wanted to do a small triathlon and I just kind of jumped on board. I didn’t own a bike, I hadn’t swum in about 10 years, but triathlon was always something that interested me. I remember watching Ironman Hawaii on TV as a kid and thinking it was so cool. So, I tried it and just fell in love. I was never a runner, cyclist, or a swimmer but I instantly became addicted. It gave me that free time for myself away from my three kids and work. I learned so much about myself and about my determination and drive.”
Because of her busy schedule as a working single mom, Katie trains alone most of the time. “I’m someone who’s forced to train alone about 70% of the time because I’m a single Mom to three kids so my time is VERY limited. Luckily for me the other 30% of the time I am able to train with my significant other who’s a long distance triathlete. I train religiously with my heart rate monitor and I swear by my computer for numbers when I am in full on 70.3 and Ironman training mode. I prefer to just listen to music but because I usually have kids under my feet as I’m on my bike or sitting on the floor next to my treadmill, I am usually stuck watching a movie that will entertain them as well. Alvin and the Chipmunks is a house hold favorite (good tunes actually!) and I seem to see A LOT of the Star Wars movie. When I have a long treadmill run and I don’t have to worry about kids, GI Jane is my favorite movie to watch.”
Katie started using TrainingPeaks with a coach to help her manage her time and training more effectively. “I started using TrainingPeaks when I started working with my first triathlon Coach. Anything and everything I can think of goes into TrainingPeaks for my current Coach. Even when I am struggling to get a workout in because of kids, I tell her those things via TrainingPeaks. It’s very normal for me to reference a movie and complain about Iowa’s weather even. Having used TrainingPeaks for three years now, I love to go back and look at different workouts especially when I’m start feeling fatigued. I like to read through my notes and comments and I do this often. I like to reference how I was feeling at different month of previous years, and I love to see all the positive improvements. I often blog about TrainingPeaks because using it is a normal part of my day. I would, and have, recommended TrainingPeaks to just about anyone and everyone.”
This year, Katie is focusing on making it to race day at Ironman Wisconsin in September, and also on getting her family more involved with triathlon and other sports. “My goal for the 2009 season is simple: survive! This will be my first full season as a single Mom of three so even getting to race day will be an accomplishment of its own. I’m hoping for a solid Ironman this September in Wisconsin. Ironman is the one distance I’ve yet to be happy with my performance at so I’m focusing on that. This season is also going to be all about family. Since starting into triathlon, my family has started to join in and a couple of the races I am going to be participating this year will be with them. My twin sister ran her first marathon in January, my older sister who is a recent cancer survivor will be doing her first marathon this year and my Dad will also be doing his first triathlon this year. My 9 year old daughter is a pro at logging onto my training peaks account while I’m training to give me info if I forget or need to double check something!”
Happy training, Katie!
Reader Comments (5)
good post and love the photos!! especially that last one!! keep tri-ing
Awesome blog and great uniforms! Where did you get them? ;)
You are an inspiration! 3 Kids AND training for Ironman. Thanks for sharing your story!
KATIE - Kate! Nice to see you recognized here! YOU GO! :)))) Keep up the great work!
Hey have you seen the new low impact running shoes that totally protect your joints? They increase stamina, endurance, and distance. Theya re a great trainging tool. Http://www.kangoonation.com. I got a pair and I love them. Nothing hurts anymore. Yahhhhh