Olympic Trials

I've catching a bit of the Track & Field trials and even more of the swimming trials.  It's always amazing watching the distance track events.  They are moving so fast but look so relaxed that is until the last lap when they drop the hammer.  Webb was in the wrong position and failed to make the Olympics.  I'm not sure but it seems he always gags at the big events.  I watched the swimming trials hoping to catch some actual stroke technique.  The first event I watched the 400m free they were showing underwater shots which was really helpful.  The whole rest of the events they didn't show anymore underwaters shots at all.  LAME!!  It's just amazing at how fast they go.  Their arm turnover rate is fast yet they're pulling tons of water each time.  It's was awesome watching 41 year old Dara Torres make the trials by winning both the 50m and 100m freestyle events.  Just goes to show you it's more technique than the rest.  Not that you don't need a big engine but it's got to be easily more than 50% technique.  A similar thing was when Edwin Moses in the 400m hurdles.  Again more technique than engine can really beat a bigger engine and crappy technique.

The hamstring is on the mend.  Ice and more ice with some stretching.  I think I'm going to wait a full two weeks before hitting the road again.  This was the amount of time I rested my strained calf muscle last year.  The only concern is the hamstring is a bigger muscle but I don't think I trashed it as bad as my calf.  This will give me 5 full weeks with 2 weeks of taper.  The only plus to this whole thing is running happens to be my strongest triathlon discipline.  I'm definitely cutting it close but I'm hopeful the various long runs up to this point.

Finally, I'm flying to Oregon tonight for a week at the office.  I'll be bringing my bike which should be fun.  It will be great to do some of the old courses on the fancy new time trial bike.  This requires me to bring the bike.  With all the new airline baggage rules, I'm going to get worked by United.  It's going to cost $100 each way for the bike.  I'm just hoping my actual luggage is going to get me an additional $15 fee.  I tried to stuff all my crap into my carry-on bag.  It really didn't fit well so I went to the checked bag.  As long as the bag is less than 50 lbs I'll be okay.  I'm also bringing my nutrition powder with me.  It's a gallon zip-loc bag of white powder.  I'll be taking that in my triathlon backpack on the plane along with my bike saddle/seat post, bike helmet and cycling shoes.  It's not gel or liquid so I should be fine.

1 month 16 days...