Karen Yokley (West Hills, CA)

Hometown: Valley Falls, KS

Education: Washburn University of Topeka, Computer Information Systems

Occupation: Consultant, Porini USA (ERP system primarily for the garment industry)

Discipline: Running, Biking and Swimming

Strengths: Running is probably my strength then biking then swimming.

Category:  Triathlon age group. 

Years Racing/training: 

Started running as an adult (life after college I still don’t consider myself as an adult just a older kid) in 1988, didn’t run my first marathon until 1993.  Mainly, because I thought anyone who would run 26.2 miles had to be crazy.   I guess I committed myself to being crazy 3 times in 1993.  I have run 20 marathons since plus a couple of ultras.  A running injury convinced me to pick up cycling.  My theory in life although not documented is there are no true cyclists they are all injured runners.  Started swimming after another running injury.  Put them all three together in 1996 and have remained pretty much injury-free.  Knock on carbon!!!

2008 Objectives: California Ironman 70.3 in Oceanside, CA - March 29

 Favorite race/event:

Admirable Athlete(s): My running buddy Marla Rhoden and my triathlete/duathlete buddy Leslie Curley.

Unique information or story about you: Nothing unique. 

Most embarassing (race/training) moment:
I was running early one morning on a busy street in Topeka, KS.  I came upon what at first I thought was just a cat, NOPE.  It was a skunk.  You got it!  I got sprayed on the leg.  Yes, I had to go to work that very day.  Trust me there weren’t many people who came and talked to me that day.  It took me about a week to wash off the smell. 

 Results/achievements I am proud of:

My best Boston Marathon is 3:08 (1995) followed by Lincoln, NE marathon 2 weeks later in a time of 3:07

My marathon PR is 3:03 at St Louis, MO (1996)

Qualified and ran in Budapest Hungary for AVON Running. (2001)

Completed the Buffalo Springs Half Ironman (5:19) qualified for the Ironman Worlds Championship 2006 for age group 40 – 44.
Big Horn Wild and Scenic 50K placed 3^rd overall woman 2004.  Big Horn Wild and Scenic 50K placed 5^th overall woman (2005) after breaking my wrist 2 weeks prior while riding my mountain bike to work.  Made two bad decisions once I arrived to work, one braking too hard and second using my arm to brace my fall.