Today our spotlight is on sweet Katie van der Velde. Anyone else think her picture on the podium at Oilman with her son is one of the best of 2023?
WHEN DID YOU JOIN VALHALLA + VALKYRIE RACE TEAM?
I joined at the end of 2019 and can’t believe it has been FOUR years!
WHEN DID YOU START TRIATHLON?
I did my first triathlon while I was in college in 2010 (and then proceeded to do another 5 that year).
TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRIATHLON JOURNEY:
I was never super active and was more of the “book nerd” in school. When I got to college everything was new. With the encouragement of a family member, I joined the tri club at my university to make friends and be more active. It was wonderful and I actually ended up participating in Collegiate Nationals in Lubbock at the time. I then went on a ~10 year sabbatical from tri – got married, got a dog, moved, had my son, grew my career, and then finally got back into it at the end of 2019 when I joined the team.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RACE?
I don’t know if I really have a favorite race I’ve done… maybe because I don’t race often enough – but when I do I love to be out there and just enjoy it. With all of that said… my favorite race is always my next one 
The only triathlon I’ve done more than once is Oilman.
The only triathlon I’ve done more than once is Oilman.WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THIS SPORT?
Getting my health back and working everyday to be a better role model for my son. A close second was coming in 1st at Oilman for my Age Group AND having my son stand on top of the podium with me.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Food. I like to eat and swear I am always hungry. 
Besides that, it is a challenge balancing day-to-day life, work and training.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE POST RACE FOOD?
A burger and a beer sound great! An actual beer though. Like a Stout or Porter.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.
My husband, Nelson, is from Venezuela. We’ve been married for a bit over 10 years and live down in Cinco Ranch. We have one son, Liam (7), and a Wire Fox Terrier named Milou. Milou was diagnosed with something called Degenerative Myelopathy (the doggie form of ALS/Lou Gehrig’s) in April… so this year has been quite a challenge. We like to travel and are constantly at a soccer practice or game of some sort.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL LIFE.
I’ve worked in Product Stewardship/Regulatory Affairs my entire career and have worked at a variety of specialty chemical companies – Nalco Champion, Sasol and now Clariant. Most days I feel like a shepherd trying to make sure my flock doesn’t jump off a cliff… I enjoy my job (mainly the people I work with). I can’t wait to retire, but have ~35 years left until supposedly I can.
WHAT IS SOMETHING NO ONE WOULD EVER GUESS/KNOW ABOUT YOU?
Two facts:
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I traded a watch with a Maasai warrior for his sword while I was in Kenya.
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I was a sports photographer in college.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS TEAM?
The people and this journey we are on together
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR?
I’m not sure I have a true favorite. I’ve read a lot of meaningful books that have helped shape my views of the world. I love reading international works, but also history and fantasy.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
I like Qin Dynasty off of Buffalo Speedway.
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
My son, always.
WHAT EXCITING PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE NEXT YEAR?
Texas… 
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
This year hasn’t been the easiest for a lot of people, myself 100% included. I just wanted to say if anyone is having a similar year… just keep moving. Things may be rough, but it will always get better.
