Katie Peterson
>> Age: 28
>> Residence: Kailua
>> Occupation: Restaurant server
Katie Peterson — long-distance runner, canoe paddler, and lacrosse player and coach — no longer has to choose between fashion and performance when looking for athletic wear. With more clothing brands tapping into the fitness market, there are ample options for the multisport dynamo.
“Victoria’s Secret, Roxy, Billabong and Lulu Lemon, to name a few, all have really cute lines for female athletes,” she said. “A few years ago you could find me in mesh shorts and some boring T-shirt, but now I actually get excited about buying new clothes to work out in.
“Plus, having a new workout ensemble gives me more motivation to hit the gym or go for a run.”
Peterson has been instrumental in bringing lacrosse to a more prominent position in Oahu’s sports scene. She coached for the Aloha Youth Lacrosse Association and encourages more women to join local teams. She’s also a regular at NuFitness gym in Kailua and paddles with Hui Pakolea canoe club, peppering her workouts with hikes, runs, surf sessions and cliff jumps into the ocean.
When she’s not working on her fitness, Peterson is a waitress at Formaggio Grill in Kailua and works one night a week in the taproom at Lanikai Brewing Company.
>> On the water: I usually wear a pair of Teeki leggings. They are form-fitting yet comfortable and dry quickly. They are also made from recycled water bottles so the eco-friendly factor is a plus. For a top I like to wear a comfy bikini top or sports bra with a tight fitting racer-back cut. I like the more form-fitting outfits for paddling so I don’t feel like my clothes are weighing me down if they get wet.
>> Favorite sun shields: I have some awesome Hawaii Lacrosse trucker hats made by this local company called Villain that I absolutely love. … I also like the short-billed trucker-style hats that Roxy sells. They have some fun colors and are more feminine. For sunscreen I am obsessed with the brand Coola. They have this one mineral sunscreen that has a matte finish and is made using natural ingredients. I use it on my face and it just feels like a light moisturizer. I also use Zinka brand, and that has SPF 50 and is water resistant for when I go surfing or paddling.
>> No-sweat transitions: These days I am into graphic tanks. I just got this really soft tank from Victoria’s Secret that says “Burpees Don’t Like You Either,” which made me laugh and is totally my style. I like to keep an extra lightweight tank or T-shirt in my car in case I need to make a quick wardrobe change before running into the grocery store or grabbing lunch. If it’s a chilly day or if it is raining, I like to throw on a sporty zip-up. I have some Dri-Fit ones I prefer.
I am also into essential oils. I use those to freshen up after a tough workout or after a lacrosse game. I will just dab a few drops of my favorite oil (lavender or peppermint) on my wrists and I’m good to go.
>> Favorite accessories: I am a girly-girl at heart and love my earrings. I make jewelry as a side hobby and sport my own designs on the regular. I also have this wrap bracelet with turquoise and rudraksha seed beads that is a simple accessory. I also love my rings. I almost always have on a simple wave design ring on one hand and a sea glass ring on the other. I’m a big fan of jewelry that I don’t have to take off at the beach or when I shower. Simple is sometimes better.
By Erin Smith, special to the Star-Advertiser. Island Lookbook is a weekly feature that spotlights local trendsetters. Contact features@staradvertiser.com.
