Name: Kathleen Larkin
Hometown: Air Force brat
College: BS, Arizona State, MS, Troy State
Current Residence: Shreveport, LA
OSB sport: Triathlon

Athletic Background:
High school, qualified for State in diving. In my 20s & 30s, dabbled with ballet and tap dance. At 40, put out cigarettes and started running and weight lifting. At 45, started training for my first triathlon.

Personal:
Retired USAF Lt Col, 46, married, with a 16 YO daughter.

Goals:
In 2006, to run a 10 miler, run a sub-25 minute 5K, and do a sub-3 hour OD triathlon, all while keeping it fun. In swimming, learn to do flip turns and get better at bilateral breathing. On the bike, getting good enough to actually pass more racers than the lone 12 year old girl on her mom’s mountain bike. Beyond 2006, start thinking about attempting a HIM.

PRs:
Pre-Marty: 27:30 5K. With Marty: 25:25 5K (at my last tri). Pre-Marty: Sportspectrum River Cities triathlon: 2:03:53. With Marty: Sportspectrum River Cities triathlon: 1:46:07.

Why I Do This:
My mother passed away last year after a nine month battle with lung cancer. Both she and my father have had rheumatoid arthritis. I have no idea if I’ll eventually have it. After seeing how their mobility and quality of life have been compromised, I’ve vowed to keep as active as I can for as long as I possibly can. The swimming, biking, and running are incredibly fun and I’ve met a lot of really nice people through triathlons.

Since I’m fairly new to the sport, I figure I’ll reach my peak just about the time I’m eligible for the senior Olympics. When that happens, Marty will have me ready to take on any and all AG competition. Quake when you read this, people! ; )

Favorite Quote:
“Suck it up, Buttercup.” This has gotten me through the last two miles of both of my OD runs. Had to do lots of ‘sucking it up’ in the Louisiana heat and humidity.

Favorite Song:
Before my races, I’ve been listening to Girls Just Want to Have Fun. When I find myself getting nervous, this helps me calm down and remember that it really is all about having fun on race day. And so far, each and every race has been a good one.