I’m married to Bert V. Jensen, a wonderful man and amazing photographer (he took the stunning header photo of SF on my blog).
We live in a lovely Victorian in San Francisco with Zinger and Darkman, super cats who jointly rule over our lush garden.
I spend every free moment riding my OTTB (off the track thoroughbred) Now Voyager. Together we are learning dressage from Anke, a gifted trainer and friend.
2008 was a transformational year for me. I trained for and completed my very first triathlon. I would not have either attempted or completed the 1 mile swim in the ocean, 34 miles of cycling through the Santa Barbara hills and 10 miles of running without my friend and coach Allison.
A lot of this blog is about the things I did to prepare for my first competitive event in 20+ years. Things I couldn’t have imagined doing just last year. Like swimming in the ocean.
This wacky triathlon pact started with a weight loss goal set on Thanksgiving 2007 to lose 50 lbs in one year. I did it in 6 months with less food, more exercise and amazing support from Bert and Allison!
Now that I’ve completed one Olympic length tri, one sprint tri and one XC race I’m hooked on trying new things and pushing my body.
Bert and I spent the first half of 2009 training for the Livestrong Century bike ride as members of Team Fat Cyclist Fighting for Susan. We’re thrilled to report that we completed all 100 miles (a first for both of us) and the team overall so far has raised $600,000 to fight cancer! My ride report and photos and the story of Susan are all in – or linked to – this post.
This is my journey…
Love to hear from you…email me at kathleen[at]jumpmarketing[dot]com
I am training for my first triathlon too at age 48! I am very nervous, especially the open water swim with so many people.It has been fun reading your blog which I found through the athleta website. I wish you much success and send along any tips you hear about!
Susan P
Massachusetts
By: Susan on May 22, 2008
at 4:01 pm
Hi Susan!
Congrats on your upcoming triathlon! My goals for this first race is to (1) finish and (2) not get injured. So I’m planning on sticking at that the back of the swim pack. I’ll ask Morgan what her suggestions are report back…
You go girl! KB
By: forgingahead on May 22, 2008
at 6:05 pm
So I figured it out with Tony’s help! This is very cool, I get first-hand knowledge of your experience. Sounds so lovely down there, you are fortunate to be able to have the experience as well as Allison’s friendship. What was her response when she saw your skinny self?
By: patriciahewes on May 24, 2008
at 11:30 am
Hi, I think your blog is terrific — I would like to feature you on Wellsphere. Would you drop me an email?
Cheers, Geoff
By: Geoffrey W. Rutledge MD, PhD on July 29, 2008
at 11:34 am
You should be so so proud of yourself for losing 40 pounds and competing in your first triathlon! HUGE accomplishment that you should always be proud of. Have fun!
By: Charisa Wernick on October 3, 2008
at 8:44 pm
Kathleen, sorry I am so late responding to your comments you made on my blog about my Tour de Cure century, I just found it! I guess by now you have done yours, I hope it went well. I have found HEED to be a good product, I like most of the Hammer stuff. Personally, I use the Sustained Energy (about 1/2 strength) in my bottles and keep a soft flask of gel (1/2 vanilla, 1/2 apple-cinnamon) in my jersey. Also, the Endurolytes capsules are great for maintaining electrolytes and preventing cramping. I just think it’s too important not to hydrate and fuel well. I am not the first across the line (not my goal) but most days I make it across the line. Again, sorry for taking so long to respond.
By: Michael Rhodus on August 3, 2009
at 2:37 pm