Tweak, tweak

This week starts with more than a little anxiety here in Hog Heaven.  For the third time in the past nine months, I tweaked my right calf during a race:  Saturday's inaugural Run 4 the Hills 5K trail race.  Despite having to stop twice, I still managed to hold on to win my age group.  Trophies are always nice, but they can't compensate for a possible injury.  I've been massaging the calf since and it's improving, but the big challenge is tomorrow's long run.

My schedule calls for a long run (24 miles) sometime this week.  But, not necessarily tomorrow.  The weather forecast points to tomorrow as the only reasonable day this week to run long.  Beginning Wednesday, the local weather turns hot and humid with high temps in the mid- to upper 90s.  Tomorrow promises more seasonal weather with a high in the low 80s.  So, I plan to rise at 3:30 and be on the road by 4:15.  If, of course, my calf cooperates.  Stay tuned. 

I hope many of you were watching this weekend's high drama in northern California and Eugene, Ore.  At the iconic Western States 100 in Calif., Timothy Olson and  Ellie Greenwood took advantage of what Greenwood called "fast weather"--i.e. cold--to smash the men's and women's course records Saturday.  For coverage of the race see here:  http://www.irunfar.com/2012/06/2012-western-states-100-results.html

At Eugene, the U.S. Track & Field Olympic Trials produced a world record in the decathlon; redemption for Amy Hastings in the 10,000 meters after she finished 4th (and missed making the team) in the Marathon Trials back in January; and a dead heat for third place (and a spot on the Olympic team) in the women's 100 meters final.  For full results through Sunday, June 24, see here: http://www.runnersworld.com/olympic-trials

There are still lots of events left before the Track & Field Trials end on Sunday, July 1.  I'm particularly looking forward to the women's 1500 meters: qualifying on Thursday, semifinals on Friday, and finals on Sunday.  I'll be rooting for Jenny Simpson, a personal favorite.  For a video profile of Jenny (produced by her sponsor New Balance), see here:  http://running.competitor.com/2012/05/videos/video-jenny-simpson-more-than-gold_52446