In a follow-up to our Facebook video interview on the trials and tribulations of turning pro, we caught up with Katie Kyme after her second race in the professional field at IRONMAN 70.3 Texas to ask her about the experience.
Colorado Triathlete: How was your second pro race now that you got the first one out of the way?
Katie Kyme: So much better! As mentioned in our previous interview, I had really been struggling with a fear of racing in the professional field and letting that control my mindset and attitude. Amazingly, even just admitting what I was going through, there seemed to be some lifting of weight off my shoulders. They say that there’s life in light and it’s true! It didn’t have such a stranglehold on me this time around and I’m hoping that with each day I’m able to stomp away the fear on its ugly head again and again.
I knew I was in for a happier day even as race day approached. There was a great atmosphere in the house I was staying in (Matt Hanson, Dede Greisbauer and Julie Dibens) and morning of there were smiles and laughter. I was even caught smiling during the 90km TT I had which is really saying something!
CT: How does racing in the U.S. compare with racing internationally?
KK: Well, you’d think that the travel situation would be easier, but alas, we were delayed in Houston due to a tornado for seven hours.
Aside from that, there’s a particular standard with North American races that is comforting and also knowing half the field was fun, too. Giving your friends a cheer as you pass by out on the course is fun!
CT: What was it like to line up against such a large and highly qualified field of female professionals?
KK: It’s awesome seeing the best female professionals in the world do what they do! I mean sure it would be easy to be intimidated, but there’s no point. I will do my best and they will do theirs and both are seriously OK. I was pleasantly surprised by how settled I felt even in the water beforehand knowing what an intense bunch were around me.
CT: What did you eat after the race?
KK: So this is my dirty and now not-so-secret secret. Always the same and it’s McDonalds. Two cheeseburgers stuffed with medium chips and voila. You have one very happy camper!
I sent my BFF Caitlin a pic from after the last race in Argentina, and she laughed. Even though I’d eaten my weight in empanadas post-race, something wasn’t quite right till I had my fix of the golden arches.
CT: What’s next?
KK: Immediately next is Vietnam. Loving this world tour 2019! And then some planning to be done. So many spectacular destination races to go to. It’s just a matter of working out which one!
