Forty days.

It's almost biblical in tone. In 40 days I'll be standing in a throng of people wondering if there Reese's Cup station somehwere along the Garden of the Gods 10 Mile Run. It's the first in the Triple Crown of Running series that culminates in the Pikes Peak Ascent/Marathon.

"Why are you doing this?" my wife asks.

I don't know if she really wants to know or if the question is rhetorical. She gives me this look like I've just told her I was going to the office barefoot for the rest of the year.

"I'm doing it for you baby," I respond. It seems reasonable.

A couple years ago I went to the doctor and he suggested I start exercising to bring down my cholesterol. Both my parents have disabilities and the doctor has some CRAZY notion that regular exercise might stave off potential disease down the road. So here I am on the Pikes Peak Sports.US Triple Crown Team.

I know. It took two years to really get some momentum. I'm a late bloomer. I'm a couch potato. I like Reese's Cups. I can't help it!

But I'm doing this for my wife and kids. Because 40 days turns into 80 days, turns into 120 days which turns into a lifetime of good trails and road races and a heart that dares you to stop it. So when I'm doubled over on the side of the trail wondering who sucked all the oxygen out of the world, my family's future will be the thing that helps me catch my breath.

They're worth it.

Here's to the next 40 days!