OLYMPIC DIARY: COLIN
Finding time for K-2s and kitties

Periodic reports from Kailua's Kathy Colin, a member of the the United States women's Olympic kayak team, appear in the Honolulu Advertiser. Colin will be competing in K-2 and K-4 races. Her reports will continue through the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. The Games end Aug. 29.

By Kathy Colin
Special to The Advertiser

Four days to the Opening Ceremonies, two weeks to the start of my competition and three weeks until it is all over. It sounds long and short at the same time.

Since April I have been home (in San Diego) very little. It is not pleasant to have to pack up and leave again tomorrow. I haven't had a chance to unpack from (training in) Mammoth! Of course, don't get me wrong. I wouldn't change my situation for the world. I just love my bed, my shower, my kitchen, and most of all my kitties.

Today began with a K-2 time trial. While Lauren (Spalding) and I felt great and very aggressive, our time was a disappointment. I don't know what to say or think, except I know we are both tired from the training and traveling and hopefully we will be able to recover mentally and physically and be ready to go on race day. That is the only performance that matters.

The time trial was followed by a tough workout. Lauren and I gritted it out, feeling good the whole way despite exhaustion and hunger. That wasn't the end of training for the day either. Paddling was followed by weights and some light cardio ... for recovery.

I am now home trying to organize my life to be gone for another six weeks. I fear my kitties will file for divorce soon. I hope they hang in one more time, as I plan on being around a heck of a lot more after this trip....

Remember to watch the Opening Ceremonies this Friday! We will be the group of athletes that looks like a bunch of teenage hoodlums in our sweatpants, baseball shirts, and backwards baseball caps. No joke.