I was super jazzed going into the final weekend preceding the first Triple Crown race, The Garden of the God 10 Mile. Our son, Jack, had a soccer tournament in Denver but I was ready. Ready to run between games and wear my goofy compression socks everywhere else. 

On Friday night an incredible hurricane-like storm hit Stapleton, east Denver, where we were. It was intense enough that the entire tournament was cancelled. It was an abrupt ending to Jack's soccer season, but he was graceful about it as we headed back home and to the pool. 

My plan was to run short Saturday and then the GOG 10 mile course on Sunday. But, by noon on Saturday I was feeling "off". I opted to relax, listen to my body and save my energy for the long run the next day. 

Following dinner with family who were visiting, I knew this was more than just "off". My wife, Erika, had already thrown up and my stomach was churning. Like clockwork a 24 hour stomach bug hit us hard. We took turns puking our guts out all night Saturday and by Sunday morning were simply wiped from the sickness.

So, I spent my long-run-day IN BED. During the ample time I had to worry about what this would do for my race next Sunday, I also watched clips of the first Triple Crown winning horse in 37 years, American Pharaoh.

I have no goals of winning races this year. For me, showing up is a win. However, I decided it must be a good year to run the Triple Crown if horses are any gamble. 

As I was easing back into an upright position last night a friend dropped by. To increase my luck, he gave me some lucky, lightening fast, undies to race in. I think they'd look nice with my Marmot Jersey!! *wink*