Last week I was honored to be selected to join The Mighty Marmots. Who are the Mighty Marmots?  We are a group of runners chosen to complete the Triple Crown of Running on PikesPeakSports.us Triple Crown of Running Race Team. It starts with the Garden of the Gods 10 Miler, then The Summer Round-up, and culminates with either the Pikes Peak Ascent or Marathon. This will be my first time running the Triple Crown and my training has started in earnest. 

I train almost exclusively with my wife. I do this for two reasons: One it keeps us working towards common goals and we get to spend plenty of time together. Two, we usually have some interesting experiences with the local wildlife. Just this past weekend we were running on the front range trail and when we stopped to turn around I was hissed at by a very unhappy goose. Now this would be perfectly acceptable if we were taking up the whole trail, or even running off the trail. It was clear that this goose had an agenda. He did not like runners. We have also had run ins with bears, marmots, and the occasional ground squirrel. 

My focus this year is to get through it healthy. I have decided that at this point this year will most likely be a building year. That is not to say that I do not expect some great things. I would finally like to have a good day on the Peak. I would also like to make a respectable showing at the other two races. The Garden 10 mile is by far my favorite race and if you have not done it start training or sign up now. I am excited and optimistic about the Summer Round up. While I have not competed in this race in the past I love to rum in Bear Creek Park. 

The coolest thing about being selected for the team is the chance to meet a whole lot more of like minded individuals. Outside of the obvious health and mental benefits of participating in running in our community you get the opportunity to meet lots of cool people. I have been involved in many sports and activities in the region and the running community here is like no other. When I first started I was a pack a day overweight smoker. Five years later I am healthier and have made loads of diverse friends just by running regularly. It is rare that I go out for a run and not see someone I know. 

So please enjoy my rambling blogs over the next few months and feel free to say hi when you see me lumbering up the local trails.