Karrn Bales

Karrn Bales San Antonio, TX F30-34

Karrn (wife of James) is another accomplished triathlete and member of our Armed Forces.  A US Air Force Flight Surgeon, Karrn completed IM Florida '05 ("the biggest emotional and physcial challenge of my life") and then went back for more in '07 shaving 20 minutes from her previous time.  Karrn's goal is longevity in the sport.  As for qualifying for Kona, Karrn says "it WILL happen, even if I have to do it in the 70-75 age group.  I'll be that little ol' lady still kicking butt"! 

Two months before IMFL '07, (and one week before her wedding to James), Karrn crashed on a training ride.  In true 'bride-to-be' spirit, Karrn insists all she could think about as she was going down was 'please, no road rash for my wedding dress'.   The road rash was minor, but she suffered a broken hand.  To salvage her wedding day photos, Karrn cut off her cast for the ceremony.  <You go Girl!> 

Karrn's entry into endurance sports came during med school when the rigors of her schedule left her with little time, money or sanity.  She began running to regain her fitness and soon after, she ran her first marathon.  Triathlons came a few years later and now she says she's hooked.  One of her secret motives for training & racing is her love of chocolate chip cookies.  She also follows her husband's strict pre-race diet of DQ Blizzards.  Other than cookies and blizzards, Karrn swears she eats healthy.  (We believe you Karrn).

Karrn is a founding member of Tri Solers Racing Team in San Antonio and a self-described social butterfly.  Fellow teammates get a heavy dose of her enthusiasm whether they like it or not (and some pro bono tips on sports medicine).  Beyond triathlon, Karrn and James enjoy scuba diving, mountaineering and travel.