Karin Laberge
Brief Sports Biography: Competitive swimmer age 6 through 24, three US Olympic Swimming Trials ('80, '84, '88), International Swim Competition (1980-88), USC Swimming Scholarship and Collegiate All-American; 11 yrs in triathlon including 4 trips to the IM World Championships; 3 yrs as a Professional Triathlete.
Race Career Highlights: 1980 US Olympic Swimming Team in the 400 IM; 1981 American Record 1500scm, National Champion 1500m, 6 Time Collegiate All-American and National Team Member; qualified for IM World Championships at first IM USA, AG 1st at IM California (10:00.4), IM World Championsip AG 1st 2002 (10:12), various Tri-California AG 1st at Wilflower (personal best of 5:01 Long Course; 2:22 Olympic), Treasure Island, Pacific Grove, Escape from Alcatraz, Tinleys Olympic; AG 1st at Vineman (personal best of 4:43); USMS National Champion in 1.5mile open water swim; USAT All-American.
What is your #1 goal for 2010?: I want to continue to perform consistently and represent FMRC in the best light possible. I wish to move up in the All-American rankings to Top 10 AG and time permitting due to job obligations, compete at either the USAT Nationals or the 70.3 Championships.
Retail Affiliation: I have been a member of FMS since 1994 and love the store and Marty! Forward Motion is a great supporter of local events and athletes and provides wonderful service and products to the community. I have met so many fantastic people through this store and wouldn't trade my experiences with them for the world.
Why are you a member of FMRC?: Similar to Marty and Forward Motion Sports, this is a
great club to be a part of. There is an amazing amount of positive energy amongst our
members and everyone is willing to help others out, regardless of ability or experience.
The club offers lots of perks and incentives as well but for me, it’s the people that draw me
back every year!
Shoe: Avia Rhythm - I started wearing these last year and really love them. They are light weight but provide wonderful support and they look good. Their trail shoe is fantastic too - rugged but lightweight!
Nutrition: CytoSport is my drink of choice and has been for years. The variety that they offer is terrific but more importantly, Cyto makes a great product that helps me perform well during training and racing plus their products help me recover after these hard efforts.
Media: I've gotten my picture in Triathlete Magazine a few times exiting the water in my wetsuit. Also had a pic in Women's Sports Illustrated after winning my AG in Kona.
What do you eat race morning?: A protein Cyto shake and maybe a bag of oatmeal. Depends on how long the race is. A small cup of coffee helps too.
Favorite Training Run: I have two: Bullards Bar trail run along the reservoir. Absolutely beautiful run along the lake covered by big pine trees. Mt. Diablo's Dan Cook into Macedo Ranch - again, another gorgeous run right in our own backyard. Getting to the top of the ridge and looking out over the valley is a site to behold. Love this area!
Favorite Training Ride: Again, I'd say two: Redwood Road - I love the part where you drop down into the redwoods.This ride mixes in some great climbing with lovely scenery…which leads me to my other favorite, Mt. Diablo to the Junction. It's close, a challenge but away from the traffic too. Plus the views are priceless.
Favorite i-Tunes Play-list: I have too many favorites to single out one but if I have to, it's "Born to Run" by the Boss! Safe to say, most of my tunes are from the 80s. Does that date me?
Who is your mentor / idol?: My parents who raised me to be the person I am and my swimming coach, Dick Shoulberg, who made me the competitor and strong-willed person I am.
Favorite Food: Chocolate followed closely by a good steak!
Favorite Quote: "Whether you think you can or you think can't, you are right".
"It matters not what road we take but rather what we become on the journey".
"Carpe Diem."