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Member Bio Questionnaire

Date: 4/3/03
Name: Kathy RitzOccupation: MS, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, BS, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Male/Female: Female (or, at least that was the status quo on my last shower)
Age Group: 40-44  (43 y/o)
Years in Triathlon: 13 years and counting……….

Single or Family, if Family, how large: In Albq., NM: 1 best friend / husband with awesome bike mechanic and coaching skills, 1 3 y/o blue heeler / boxer mix (loves running with Mtn. bikes) and 2 ferrets.

In Hotlanta, GA: 2 adult daughters, and 1 granddaughter expected in Sept. 2003

Where do you live: Heaven: the Sandia foothills exactly a 1/2-mile from the Spain trailhead.

Short paragraph of Triathlon background to include, how long you have been doing Triathlons, maybe some names of races you’ve been in, any top finishes? My 2 favorite finishes were at the Great Floridian Ironman.  1991: The event’s inaugural race and my first Ironman. -Finished 6^th in my age group out of 12. (Prior to 1990 I had been a “smoking” couch potato.)  1992: Same race during my honeymoon.  -Was able to be with my new spouse and 2 daughters for a age grp 2^nd place finish.

Top Finishes: Recent: 2^nd age grp  Defined fitness Du 2001, 3^rd age grp WSMR Tri 2003.  Old: 2^nd age grp 1994 Great Floridian Ironman, First woman overall 1999 Howling Wolf Half (Ironman) in UT. –The field consisted of 12 guys almost young enough to be my sons and myself.  J

Worst Finishes: It was a best and worst situation: 1991 Crawfishman (1/2 Ironman) in LA. The swim was in (huge) lake Ponchatrain.  The “surf conditions” conditions became so bad some of the assistance craft sank.  The swimmers were blown all over the lake.  The race support positioned a helicopter up over the start / finish to help give us orientation.  My mantra that day: “To finish well, first you must finish”.  And besides, it wasn’t a good day to die as; it was my youngest daughter’s 13^th birthday.  The best part is: I lived to tell this story.

Favorite Race(s): Jay Benson, Evanston, WY: Sprint (Season opener for WY, UT, CO), Calloway Gardens, GA Mid Dist. Tri: The Bike portion is on the golf cart paths through the azalea gardens, Muncie Indiana World Long Distance Championships, due to the heat, was able to catch up with some of the amateur elite women from Europe. There was a great feeling of “world citizenship” as we cheered each other on.

Funniest thing that has happened to you during a race:  1997: My first Tri in the west: Cottonwood Canyon Sprint in SLC, UT.  (I had never done a Tri with a pool swim.)  I had a good race, finished and packed up my car to return to WY.  Then, I stopped by the race director’s vehicle to introduce myself and say “thank you” for a fun event.  He appeared somewhat agitated…  “Where were you earlier?” –I was packing my car…. “Well, next time you need to attend the awards ceremony!”  Then he handed me this big trophy.  “-Gosh, y’all sure do give big trophies for age groupers.”  -Then I read the inscription: First Place Over All.    –I swear this is a true story.

One piece of advice: Never, ever, ever, give up.  You never know what’s going on with your competitors.  A last place finish ALWAYS feels better than a DNF.  –And besides, you can use the training as, every race will teach you something new.

Big race(s) of the year: Will try to race as many events: Tri’s, Du’s, Running, and Time Trials as possible this year.

Favorite After Race recovery food: Steak or Lean Hamburger and Gatorade.  I usually only eat red meat when I need extra protein.  Daily recovery food: egg whites. 

Best excuse for a bad performance: I got lost on the course……….  But then, I get lost trying to find my way out of a paper bag.

Favorite Training routine: Running or Mtn Biking in the foothills.  Rides in the Tijeras / Otero Canyon areas.  Indoors: Running / weight interval training.

Short paragraph about life outside of Triathlons:  I am married to my best friend. My dog; Sydney is one of my favorite training partners. I love all kinds of “critters” and would be completely lost without regular contact / grounding with the outdoors.  ”.  I enjoy movies (especially the old classics).  2002-2003 was my first season to ski downhill on a regular basis.  I also enjoy cross-country skiing.

I’m still trying to get used to the idea of being called “Grandma Ritz”.