I can’t wait for you guys to meet Katie Hosch– top collegiate triathlete, UCSD student council representative, and Awesome gal all around. I have the sweet honor of calling her my friend…
When you head into the Transition Area at your next triathlon, watch out for this lady–just in case she happens to also be there (and even if she isn’t, because you just never know). Katie could probably quit everything and become an overnight success story in professional transitioning if she wanted. She rehearses transitions during her study breaks, and has won multiple awards for her speedy metamorphoses between disciplines. She once changed superhero costumes and savored a cup of coffee in T2 and came out 24 seconds before her nearest competitor could tie her shoes. That’s pretty much what happened.
Current place of residence: La Jolla, CA
Hometown/place of birth: Oxnard, CA
Day job: Student, at UC San Diego
Favorite sports or hobbies (besides triathlon): Playing guitar or lounging at the beach reading a book
Current (2015/2016) triathlon/race goal: Earn an elite license/ Place in the top 10 at NCAA Women’s Nationals
Best triathlon race leg (swim, bike, run, T1, T2, beer garden): Definitely beer garden… but if we are being serious… T1
Dream race: Olympics
Race mantra: Keep going–you can die after you cross the finish line
When/how/why did you start triathlon/endurance sports? I became obsessed with swimming after watching a swim meet, and I’ve always been running; it seemed like a logical step once I realized my hand-eye coordination is not good.
Hardest race and/or workout you’ve ever completed: Swimming with the Olympic hopefuls on the “D-Squad”
Most memorable training and/or race moment(s): Racing my first draft legal race and being around all the people with elite licenses
If you had to remove one leg of the triathlon and swap in a new sport, what would you subtract, and what would you add, and why? I would’t change it even if I had to. Thats how much I absolutely love this sport.
Words of wisdom to someone considering training for their first triathlon/endurance event: Remember to breathe
Something you’ve learned about yourself through triathlon/endurance sport: I am capable of basically anything
Pre-race ritual or superstition? Quadruple-checking my transition area
Training/racing “secrets”/tips? Never forget about training for transitions
Training/racing pet peeve(s)? When people wear their swim caps sideways *shiver*
Why do you keep Tri-ing/running? Because I am certain I would lose my mind if I didn’t
What does “Fuel” mean to you? Something that will push me to be my best– good food and goals included
What does being “Fit” mean to you? Feeling good about myself and my body, and feeling good while out training
Quick Picks:
Long swim, long ride or long run? long swim
Open water or pool? I cannot possibly make this decision
Trail or track? trail–the track is evil
Solo or group training? group
Chocolate or cheese? chocolate
Watch on your left wrist or right? left
Morning or evening workout? morning– sunrise > sunset
Hat or visor? snap-back hat worn backwards
Swim cap or no cap? swim cap
Cheerios or Wheaties? Cheerios, although still dreaming of one day being on a Wheaties box
Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate? COFFEE