The BulleTin • Wednesday, June 23, 2021 A7
U.S. OLYMPIC TRACK & FIELD TRIALS
DEAR ABBY
Write to Dear Abby online at dearabby.com
or by mail at P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069
Dear Abby: My patients,
like most Americans, believe
memory loss is a normal part
of aging. But memory loss is
never normal. In fact, it can
be a symptom of mild cog-
nitive impairment (MCI), a
precursor to Alzheimer’s dis-
ease. Nearly 1 in 7 people age
65-plus have MCI, but there
is no treatment — yet.
I’m proud to lead the NIH-
funded MIND (Memory
Improvement Through Nic-
otine Dosing) Study, which is
testing whether memory and
functioning can be improved
in people with mild mem-
ory loss using an unexpected,
low-cost and naturally occur-
ring ingredient — nicotine.
I realize that because of its
association with smoking,
nicotine gets a bad rap. But
the tar and thousands of other
chemicals in cigarettes are
what cause cancer, heart dis-
ease or respiratory illness —
not nicotine. If we could push
Alzheimer’s back, by even a
few years, it would make so
much difference for millions
of American families.
The MIND Study is enroll-
ing healthy nonsmokers over
the age of 55 with mild mem-
ory loss. I hope your readers
who are interested will call
(toll-free) 1-866-MIND-150
or visit MINDStudy.org to re-
ceive more information.
— Paul Newhouse, M.D.,
Project Director, Vanderbilt
University School of Medicine
Dear Dr. Newhouse: I hope
so, too, and that they will be
intrigued enough to join your
study. I know that your study
is valid and wish you — and
the readers who choose to
participate — the best of luck.
Dear Abby: I had several
rough years in my marriage.
We finally hit a good patch
and had sex again. I told my
husband to keep our sex life
between ourselves and not
discuss it with his family. Well,
three days later, my daughter
overheard him on the phone
with a family member, explic-
itly discussing the intimate
details of our encounter.
Unfortunately, she was
unable to get to the door
to close it and heard things
that shocked her. Although
she’s in her 20s, what he was
saying about our relation-
ship should not have been
heard. She told me what was
said, but not all of the de-
tails, thank goodness. When
I confronted my husband, he
denied it! I approached him
twice more, and he pretended
he didn’t know what I was
talking about. Then he mum-
bled, “Don’t worry about it.”
He never admits he is
wrong and thinks he should
be able to discuss our sex life
openly despite my strong dis-
approval. Our kids still live at
home at 24 and 26. I am dis-
gusted, hurt beyond forgive-
ness and strongly contem-
plating leaving him. Should I?
— Old-Fashioned Wife
Dear Wife: Your husband
had no right to invite his fam-
ily into your marriage bed.
Talking about your sex lives
with the “children” (adult or
not) is inappropriate unless
they are as “liberated” as he
is. He seems not only to lack
boundaries but also to have
a problem telling the truth.
Because you are rightly em-
barrassed, draw the line. Tell
him that unless he consents
to accompany you to couples
counseling, you are packing
your bags. Do not say this,
however, unless you mean it.
YOUR HOROSCOPE
By Georgia Nicols
Stars show the kind of day you’ll have
DYNAMIC | POSITIVE | AVERAGE | SO-SO | DIFFICULT
MOON ALERT: Avoid shopping or making important decisions after
7 p.m. PDT today. The Moon is in Sagittarius.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2021: You’re
a generous person. You are also dynamic, talkative and very astute. You’re a
good listener and can often mimic others. Some might consider you eccentric.
You are curious about people and enjoy interacting with them. This year is a
year of learning and teaching for you. Study as much as possible. Soak it all up.
ARIES (March 21-April 19)
This is a fabulous day to entertain at home. It’s also a great day to
have a group congregate where you live. Be open to real-estate deals or ways
to improve or expand your home. You might even find better digs! Tonight:
Clarify travel plans.
Ducks duo Hocker, Teare ready to take the stage
BY CHRIS HANSEN
The (Eugene) Register-Guard
There wasn’t a stage too big
or competition too tough for
Cole Hocker and Cooper Teare
during the 2021 NCAA track
and field season.
The Oregon distance run-
ners both won multiple na-
tional titles, both set records
and both handled their busi-
ness with aplomb as the expec-
tations and spotlight intensi-
fied.
It won’t get any easier for
them this week as they con-
tend for a spot in the Summer
Games during the U.S. Olym-
pic Track & Field Trials at Hay-
ward Field.
“You’re going up against
guys who have competed on
the world stage, have been
on Olympic teams, or world
championship teams, but I feel
like those guys have handled
every moment,” Oregon asso-
ciate head coach Ben Thomas
said. “The NCAA was such a
competitive level this year with
everyone running so fast. I
think the recent NCAA cham-
pionships is not the same, but
close enough that they believe
now, they see it.”
Both get going Thurs-
day, as Teare is entered in the
5,000-meter semifinal and
Hocker is entered in the 1,500
prelims and the 5,000, though
the 5,000 is simply a safety net
in case something goes wrong
in his 1,500 qualifier.
When Teare hits the start-
ing line Thursday, he’ll be
almost two weeks out from
wrapping up his senior season
with a win in the 5,000 during
the NCAA Outdoor Cham-
pionships at Hayward Field.
He ran 13:12.27 in that race to
take down Bill McChesney Jr.’s
39-year-old school record and
become the third-fastest per-
former in collegiate history.
It’s also the fourth-fastest
time by an American this sea-
son, making Teare a contender
at the Olympic Trials.
“Everything after that
NCAA title is kind of icing
on the cake,” Teare said early
last week. “Feeling good, feel-
ing healthy, and really just two
more weeks. Going to keep
that momentum and take what
I learned from that NCAA
championships and give myself
the best shot of making that
team.”
The 5,000 field will include
the three men who qualified
for Tokyo in the 10,000 on
June 18 — Woody Kincaid,
Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard
Oregon’s Cooper Teare celebrates after winning the men’s 5,000 me-
ters at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene on
June 11.
Grant Fisher and Joe Klecker.
show me that, yeah, I am sup-
Fisher has the fastest time by
posed to be there.”
an American this season at
There’s no reason for Hocker
13:02.53, and Kincaid has the
to feel any differently.
top time during
The freshman
the qualifying win-
won titles at the
“Feeling good, NCAA indoor
dow at 12:58.10.
Also entered
in the mile
feeling healthy. meet
is 2016 Olym-
and 3,000 and then
pic silver medal-
with a
Going to keep followed
ist Paul Chelimo,
thrilling victory in
2016 Olympian
that momentum the 1,500 for the
Hassan Mead of
NCAA outdoor
and take what title.
Eugene-based Or-
egon Track Club
His personal
I learned from best of 3:35.35 is
Elite, and Olym-
pian Lopez Lo-
seventh-fastest by
that NCAA
mong, who has
an American this
run 12:58.78 and
He’ll have
championships season.
was expected to
the difficult task of
contend in the
with
and give myself contending
10,000 but pulled
a 1,500 field that
out midway
the best shot includes reigning
through the final
Olympic champion
of making that and former Duck
with a tight ham-
string.
Matthew Centrow-
team.”
Kincaid, Fisher
itz (3:32.81), colle-
and Lomong are
giate record-holder
— Cooper Teare,
members of the
Yared Nuguse
Oregon distance
Portland-based
(3:34.68) and high
runner
Bowerman Track
school phenom
Club.
Hobbs Kessler
“I talked to my coach before (3:34.36).
nationals and what we talked
Hocker lost to Nuguse
about was ‘Be the guy out there during the Oregon Twilight
that wants to have the most
meet this spring, but kicked
fun and wants to be there the
past the Notre Dame senior to
most,’” said Teare, who also
win the NCAA title.
won an NCAA indoor title in
“He’s definitely mature
the distance medley relay in
for his age and he handled
March and set the collegiate in- NCAAs so well,” Thomas said.
door mile record at 3:50.39 in
“I think the way they both see
February.
it is, ‘Yes, we’re young, so if we
“That’s sort of been my
make an Olympic team, out-
mindset. Know you have the
standing, fantastic. If we give
crowd behind you, know you
it our all and come up short,
have the training behind you,
it’s disappointing, but hey, I’m
know you’re supposed to be
gonna have another shot and
there, really. Coming off that
the world championships are
win at NCAAs, I think that did gonna be here next year.’
“We’ve talked a lot about
enjoying the moment. Half
the battle is just getting to that
line and not being scared to be
there.”
Hocker and Centrowitz are
just two of the six Ducks en-
tered in the 1,500, along with
John Gregorek (3:35.32), Sam
Prakel (3:35.66), Colby Alexan-
der (3:35.81) and Jack Yearian
(3:37.24).
OTC Elite also has a couple
entries in 2016 Olympian Ben
Blankenship (3:36.22) and Vin-
cent Ciattei (3:34.57).
Teare is confident Hocker’s
up to the task this week.
“I’ve literally worked out
with him every day since we
got back in the fall, and really
all of last year as well,” he said.
“And to see his progression
has been really inspiring for
me. … As much as he’s beaten
me in some races I might have
wanted to win, he’s made me
a 100% better athlete. So hav-
ing him around has been really
a blessing. … I know I can’t
sandbag it, I gotta give my ev-
erything every time he’s on the
track with me.”
Teare will go into his race
having already secured an
Olympic qualifying time,
which is 13:13.50. Hocker
doesn’t have the standard of
3:35.0, but he is No. 41 in the
World Athletics rankings,
which is high enough to secure
a spot if he finishes top three in
his race.
Being able to run with one
purpose in mind this week is a
relief, Thomas said.
“I know that was a thing
that hurt Cooper in some races
(this season), ‘Are we running
to race, are running to win, or
our we running to get a time?’”
Thomas said. “When you’re
running to get time, sometimes
you forget about the compe-
tition and that costs you. This
time for Cooper we know it’s
all about winning the race, and
for Cole as well.”
With Hayward Field occu-
pied, the duo has spent the last
two weeks training at South
Eugene High School, but
they’re ready to get back onto
their home track one last time
this year.
“You can definitely tell be-
ing a Duck in that stadium in
a big-time race,” Teare said.
“It’s a surreal experience and
will even be elevated at the
Trials. I’m honored to be here,
honored to be a Duck and it’s
always a good time to be in
Track Town USA.”
TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
Today you’re in a positive frame of mind. This is wonderful, because
the mind creates its own ease or difficulty depending on how it approaches
things. So, if you are in a positive frame of mind, you’ll be happier in what-
ever you’re doing. (Everything begins in the mind.) Tonight: Double-check
finances.
Mehra
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Continued from A5
This is a great money day! Look for ways to boost your income or
perhaps to get a better paying job. You also might see ways to make money
on the side. If shopping, you won’t be afraid to consider big-ticket items.
Tonight: Communicate clearly.
CANCER (June 21-July 22)
Today the Sun is in your sign dancing with lucky Jupiter, which is
great news because it gives you feelings of peace and harmony when deal-
ing with others. You’re enthusiastic, optimistic and up for anything! Tonight:
Double-check your work.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)
It’s easy for you to have a warm feeling in your tummy today. Of
course, nothing is perfect, because it never is. Nevertheless, things are falling
into place. Today you are more inclined to see your life as a whole and take
stock of what you’re doing. Tonight: Be vigilant about your kids.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
You will get along with others today, especially in clubs and organi-
zations, because you’re in an upbeat, enthusiastic frame of mind. Be open to
new activities, especially with groups, because you might learn something
that is edifying. (Like the meaning of that word.) Tonight: Family discussions
might be confusing.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
You look fabulous in the eyes of others today because a particular
planetary aspect makes you look successful and affluent (even if you don’t
do anything special). Knowing this, you might as well milk it for all it’s worth.
Tonight: Daydreams and fantasies.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Many of you are excited about big travel plans. Others are just as
excited about opportunities to get further education or to explore new
avenues in the media, publishing, the law or medicine. Today is full of many
possibilities! Tonight: Protect your money and assets.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
This is an excellent day to do financial transactions with others or to
decide how to share something like an inheritance. Whatever happens, you
will likely come out smelling like a rose. You also will feel generous to others,
which is a good thing, because what goes around comes around. Tonight:
Don’t trust wishful thinking.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Relations with partners and close friends are warm and rewarding to-
day, which is why this is a great day to schmooze with others. It’s also an excel-
lent day to mend broken fences or to ask for a favor, because doors will open
for you. (Expect a warm hug from someone.) Tonight: Be careful who you trust.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Work-related travel is likely today. Regarding your job, any activity with
a group or a professional association will be mutually beneficial. Furthermore,
today your mind is eager to learn something new! You will benefit from talking
to people from other cultures. Tonight: Don’t believe everything you hear.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)
This is a party day! Enjoy schmoozing with others. Take a long
lunch. Enjoy sports events. You will definitely enjoy the arts and playful
activities with kids. Treat the world with a smile on your face! (Romance blos-
soms.) Tonight: Double-check with parents and bosses.
“It’s not everything I ever
wanted, but I’m still proud to
have been in there and make it
as far as I did.”
Temperatures reached 95
degrees in Eugene on Monday,
and an NBC thermometer on
the track showed the mercury
approaching 120, according to
the Associated Press.
Mehra said that she and
other runners were dunking
water on their heads and wear-
ing ice vests to stay cool before
and after the race — their third
in four days.
A Stanford graduate who
trains with the Littlewing Ath-
letic team in Bend, Mehra is
also entered in the 800, which
starts on Thursday with pre-
liminary heats. If she makes it
through the first round and the
semifinals to reach Sunday’s
finals, that would make for six
races in 10 days.
Late Monday night Mehra
said it was “likely” she would
race in the 800, but she was
not 100% certain. She said she
would make her final decision
on Wednesday. A lingering
Achilles injury has been an is-
sue for months, she noted.
“I do want some redemption
“There’s a weight behind
the Olympic trials that
I haven’t experienced
before. To see how far
I’ve come in five years
and to be a part
of this spectacular event
is very cool.”
— Rebecca Mehra
Paul Merca for TrackTown USA
Bend’s Rebecca Mehra is introduced before the women’s 1,500-me-
ter final on Monday at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials at Eugene’s
Hayward Field.
for that (1,500) final,” Mehra
said. “I’m gonna wait and see
that (the Achilles) is all OK
and I feel truly emotionally
and mentally ready for more
rounds. Because it’s wonderful
and exciting, but it’s also drain-
ing. A potential six races in 10
days is a lot. I think I’ll proba-
bly do it as long as everything
is OK physically.”
Two of Mehra’s teammates
from Bend are also entered in
the 800: Sadi Henderson and
Angel Piccirillo.
Mehra said competing at the
new Hayward Field has been
“so different and yet so similar
at the same time to the Hay-
ward I raced at in the past.” As
a gift, each Olympic trials ath-
lete received a photo holder
made from the wood from the
old stadium.
“That was a really nice
touch,” Mehra said.
At 50% capacity for the trials
due to the pandemic, Hayward
has not provided the same
crowd roar as before, but it has
maintained a level of intimacy,
according to Mehra.
“My team and my family’s
cheering section has been so
loud and amazing,” she said. “It
isn’t the same roar that you get.
But I can hear my mom and I
can hear my boyfriend cheer-
ing for me, which is pretty spe-
cial.”
e
Reporter: 541-383-0318,
mmorical@bendbulletin.com