Meet Kait!
Kait started triathlons in 2015! Since then, she has completed numerous multi-sport events ranging in distance from sprint through IRONMAN 70.3. As you will read in her Q & A below, her triathlon journey began with her first and favorite event, Escape the Cape which led her to complete another two tri’s that very same summer. Kait has done many of the local short course classics like Tri the Wildwoods and Atlantic City Triathlon while also competing in longer course events like IRONMAN 70.3 Atlantic City, IRONMAN 70.3 Lake Placid and IRONMAN 70.3 Eagleman. Next, she has her sights set on a full IRON distance event.
Kait has been training with AME since the beginning of the year! She is consistent with her training and puts in every ounce of work. This has paid off immensely for Kait. Despite having a brief foot injury as she came on board, she has made immense progress in her training. She has cut over four minutes off her 1000 yard swim threshold, improved her average wattage on her bike threshold by 30% and dropped one minute and six seconds per mile off her 5k time! Her biggest race gain is seen in her most recent finish at IRONMAN 70.3 Eagleman where she dropped 57 minutes off her time from her last 70.3. GO KAIT!
Kait has a strong drive and love for the sport. This was evident in her training and completion of numerous virtual events throughout the closure of live races in 2020 during the pandemic. She has a go-getter attitude to dive in and take what comes next. Her energy, excitement and positive attitude make an impact on all around her and keep her growing to be the best she can be!
We are THRILLED Kait chose AME to share in her journey!
What got you into triathlon and endurance events?
My cousin originally got me into triathlons, which is funny because she had never done one prior to our first race. A few weeks before Escape the Cape (2015), my cousin asked if I wanted to do the race as registration was still open and since it was right around the corner, I was like “why not!” I will admit that I had no wetsuit or bike until two days before and had no idea how to transition until my first T1. (If you’re thinking about pulling the trigger on a specific race, but are nervous, do it!)
What is your favorite event and why?
Hands down Escape the Cape! It will always hold a special place in my heart as it was my first race and got me hooked. Nothing else beats jumping off the Ferry to start the swim.
What about triathlon and endurance sport brings you the most joy?
All the wonderful people that I have met through the sport. I have met one of my good friends, Rachel Leal, through triathlon. There are so many incredible athletes and volunteers coming together to accomplish something incredible.
If you could choose anyone to do a triathlon with, who would it be?
My dad. He continues to toy with the idea of doing a tri but hasn’t pulled the trigger yet. After my race this last weekend at Eagleman, I think we might be a step closer!
What is your favorite part of training?
I enjoy seeing the improvements over time. Training for months on end is tough, mentally and physically, but seeing the capabilities that I have achieved through training is such a great feeling.
What is one thing you want people to know about you?
I DNF’ed at Ironman 70.3 Lake Placid and it absolutely sucked. Race day was in the mid-30s, the water was in the mid-60s and despite all of my training, my body couldn’t handle the temperatures. I struggled with that for about two years and put off triathlon completely. A DNF is rarely talked about in the sport as most people are embarrassed, but at the end of the day it ALWAYS beats a DNS.