Metro Area Athlete Profile - Dee Dee Kohn

SBRStL – Thanks Dee Dee for taking the spotlight for us.  We’re happy to have the opportunity to chat with you.  What’s your training diary looking like these days?

DDK – "In the winter I really mix it up and let my body recover.  1. Weights 3x/wk, 2. Spin or ride 3x/wk, 3. Run- sprints 2x/wk and hill intervals3x/wk, 1 long run and finally yoga 4x/wk. In the spring, I’ll slowly build the mileage, add speed and interval workouts and add quality swim bricks back into the mix…Everyone knows I burn out on swimming easily!"

SBRStL – I recall a Post Dispatch article about you in which you described your introduction to triathlon.  Would you recount a bit of that for us?

DDK – "After running my first marathon in 1997, a friend mentioned that I should capitalize on the base that I had built and try a triathlon. I swam in my younger days so it wasn’t too much of a stretch. The only problem was I didn’t have a bike. So I went to a second hand store and bought an antique. It was the South County Y and I placed third overall ---I never looked back and finally bought my own bike."

SBRStL – Dee Dee, I know you have incredible demands on your time, but I’m wondering if you have any interest in squeezing an Iron distance training regimen into your days?

DDK –"This season I plan to concentrate on the Olympic distance. Since I have 2 active boys, run a business and started the Ironmom Foundation time is limited. Someday I would love to do one with my boys or an Ironmom recipient."

SBRStL – Do you recall your thoughts and emotions the first time you were the overall women’s winner at a triathlon?

DDK – "In the beginning, I loved being the silent underdog at races but when Mesa Cycles offered to sponsor me, I felt an obligation to win in their name. It really wasn’t about winning but trying my best, a motto I try to instill in my children these days."

SBRStL – Will you be working or racing the Spirit of St Louis Marathon?

DDK – "Since I’m chairing the Pasta Party the night before, I’m running a relay. We are defending our first place title this year so we have our work cut out for us!"

SBRStL – Have you set goals for 2003 that you could share with us?

DDK - "I plan race the shorter distances- South County, Mrs. T’s, LSL and some races in Colorado. In September, I plan to race the Medoc Marathon in France which runs through 56 vineyards and oysters are served at the 25^th mile! Remember it’s all about balance!"

SBRStL – Describe, if you can, your perfect training session?

DDK – "A 30 mile ride up Mt. Evans in Colorado—a 3000ft+ vertical climb and the view is spectacular at the summit with a quick jog afterwards. (Lance and his team use this site to train) Of course the message afterwards isn’t bad either!"

SBRStL – Some of my most enjoyable days came when my daughter was able to train with me.  Have you managed to foster that kind of relationship with your sons and can they keep up with mom?

DDK - "The boys participated in Ironkids and really loved it. In addition, they road race with me on Sunday mornings and run the St. Louis Marathon Read, Run and Right Marathon--- It promotes an excellent message by combining education and community service while focusing on a fitness goal."

SBRStL - Dee Dee What have you learned about yourself through sport that perhaps wouldn’t have eventually evidenced itself in another facet of your life?.

DDK – "The triathlon experience changed my life. In ’99 the media dubbed me as the Ironmom. As I trained the long hours, I realized that what enabled me to achieve my dream was the support of family. When in fact the true Ironmom is the single mother aspiring to achieve a balance between body, mind and spirit. In 2000 I founded the Ironmom Foundation and have dedicated my career to supporting these women who lack the resources to exercise and yet have the power to influence the next generation through exercise and a healthy diet."

SBRStL – It seems you’re still getting faster every year.  Where do you find your motivation?

DDK – "Carpe Diem—I believe that the older I get the wiser I train. I believe in recovery time and implement a periodization schedule so that I peak by the end of summer. It also helps to live a life in balance—you’ll go further and faster in the end."

SBRStL – Thanks again for talking with us and best of luck this year!!