Archive for July, 1999


Eye Surgery: Entry Five

By kate on July 25th, 1999

The first two days after the surgery were a haze of blurriness, tired eyes, and light sensitivity. I could only do things for a short amount of time before my eyes got tired. It was difficult, because my mind was restless and there wasn’t much I could do (read, use the computer, etc.) because […]

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Letter to the Editor

By kate on July 24th, 1999

This was written by me and published in the Times on July 24, 1999.
Editor, Seattle Times:
I am writing in enthusiastic support of Seattle’s animal-control police officers. I’m glad to know there are people out there doing their best to enforce leash laws.
The dog owners quoted in the July 18th article seem to think their dogs […]

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The Tricks I Play on Myself

By kate on July 24th, 1999

I keep my watch set five minutes ahead, something that seems to be fairly common. It’s my other timepieces that paint a more complicated picture…
My alarm clock is fifteen minutes fast. My wall and computer clocks are set to the correct time. My car clock is two mintutes fast. There are, to me, good reasons […]

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Triathlon: Fourth Week Review

By kate on July 22nd, 1999

Current totals:
 
Other:

Running
14.4 mi / 23.17 K
 
Hiking
8 mi / 12.87 K

Biking
95.3 mi / 153.37 K
 
Canoeing
40 minutes

Swimming
2.0 mi / 3.22 K
 
Soccer
5 games

 
The big bike ride last weekend ended up to be 33.2 miles. We only rode one way, because my knees started to be sore. However, it was still a nice, long ride, and the rest of […]

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Triathlon: Change of Plans

By kate on July 16th, 1999

 
You can imagine how disappointing it was to receive this letter. I made a personal commitment to work toward this goal, I put a lot of energy into documenting my experiences, and then I find out I can’t participate.
 
Don’t worry, though. All is not lost. I’m trying to get in touch with the Danskin people […]

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Triathlon: Third Week Review

By kate on July 16th, 1999

Current totals:

Other:

Running
14.4 mi / 23.17 K

Hiking
7 mi / 11.27 K

Biking
54.8 mi / 88.19 K

Canoeing
40 minutes

Swimming
1.59 mi / 2.56 K

Soccer
4 games

 
When I started training for this triathlon, I expected my performance, endurance, and enjoyment to have a steady upward trajectory. Maybe not a steep slope, but moving consistently upward, anyway. As it turns out, my progress […]

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Triathlon: I Look Like a Bug

By kate on July 14th, 1999

Current totals:

Other:

Running
10.6 miles

Hiking
7 miles

Biking
51.1 miles

Canoeing
40 minutes

Swimming
6425 feet

Soccer
3 games

 
Yesterday, I finally got a swim cap (those of you who know me won’t be surprised to hear that it’s black, to match my swimsuit), and headed to the pool again with my head securely waterproofed. I never realized swimmers wear so much on their heads - swim […]

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Triathlon: Junior High Memories

By kate on July 13th, 1999

Current totals:

Other:

Running
10.6 miles

Hiking
7 miles

Biking
45.1 miles

Canoeing
40 minutes

Swimming
3950 feet

Soccer
3 games

 
All the encouragement and beautiful sunny weather convinced me to wake up early on Sunday to go jogging. Steve and I chose a nice, forested park with winding trails that caters to horses but allows joggers as well.
 
As I began to run, I realized that I had not […]

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Triathlon: Second Week Review

By kate on July 9th, 1999

Current totals:
 
Other:

Running
8.6 miles
 
Rock climbing
1 visit

Biking
45.1 miles
 
Canoeing
40 minutes

Swimming
3950 feet
 
Soccer
3 games

 
Today I went for my second swim, and swam the whole 2000+ feet. I still had to rest between laps, but it was doable. Rests included, it took only 35 minutes, which means I can probably get it down to 20 once I stop resting and pick […]

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Triathlon: Epiphany

By kate on July 6th, 1999

Something occurred to me last night as I slogged through a treadmill workout. It has to get better. That is, if I do this often enough, it will get easier. All I have to do is keep doing the same thing. I never really thought about it that way, that soon (I hope), running 3 […]

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Triathlon: First Week Review

By kate on July 2nd, 1999

Current totals:
 
Other:

Running
3 miles
 
Rock climbing
1 visit

Biking
41.4 miles
 
Canoeing
40 minutes

Swimming
1400 feet
 
Soccer
2 games

 
My motivation has been very high this week, since I just made the decision to do this triathlon and am excited. I’m looking forward to the improvement I should see in my body. Because of this motivation, I was able to get myself to workout all but […]

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