DC Triathlon Club

Katie Tobin

January, 2019

Katie came to triathlon piecemeal and through peer pressure. She swam and played water polo competitively during college, then started biking to procrastinate grad school homework. Thanks to a glass or several of wine, her friend convinced her it would be a good idea to sign up for the Baltimore half marathon. She then figured it would be fun combining the sports, and it was all downhill from there. Katie joined DC Tri Club in late 2011, just as the masters swim program was starting. She became one of the coaches in early 2012, the same year as her first 70.3 in Augusta. Energized from that event, she signed up for Ironman Lake Tahoe in 2013; after surviving the 40 degree air temperatures, 7000′ altitude, 10k of bike climbing, two flat tires, and an unlit run course, she decided to stick to shorter distances. In 2014-2017, she competed in world championship races in Canada, Sweden, and Mexico, ranging from 70.3 to aquabike to aquathlon to long distance events. In 2016, she discovered SwimRun, which involves racing while tethered to a partner, running in a wetsuit, and swimming with shoes on; it was ridiculous and social and scenic and the most fun thing ever. Since then, she has competed in eight swimruns and looks forward to the sport’s expansion into the United States. 2021 will be Katie’s third year with the DC Tri Elite Team.

Date of Birth/Location: July 18/Fairbanks, AK
Current Residence: Arlington, VA
Years Racing: 9
Strengths on the course: Swimming, finding dogs to pet, post-race snax
Family status: Married to a triathlete (yes, we met while swimming)
Nickname: KT
Goals for 2021: Return to the race course when it’s safe to do so; help bring much-needed diversity to the sport; and qualify for 70.3 worlds
Currently on my iPod: Lots of audiobooks
Little known fact about me: In high school, I raised a guide dog and was an exchange student to Finland and Switzerland (not concurrently)
Favorite Race: SwimRun North Carolina – beautiful course and incredible community involvement
Favorite Result: Twice so far, my friend and I have podiumed at SwimRun NC, earning some cash money, beautiful wood plaques, and the chance to celebrate with a teammate, which is the best thing ever.
Favorite TV Show: Parks & Rec
Favorite thing when not swimming, biking, or running: Anything outdoors, ideally with mountains. And maybe wine.
Blog: http://kttobin.net/

 

2021 Race Schedule

  • Rumpus in Bumpass Sprint
  • USAT Aquabike Nationals
  • Blue Ridge 70.3
  • Ohio 70.3
  • Swimrun Casco Bay
  • ITU Aquathlon Worlds
  • Swimrun North Carolina

 

2019 Race Schedule

  • SwimRun Georgia
  • Rumpus in Bumpass Sprint
  • Kinetic Olympic and Sprint (#dothedouble)
  • Rock Hall Olympic and Sprint (#doubledouble)
  • SwimRun Minnesota
  • SwimRun Virginia
  • SwimRun North Carolina