What a fun and rewarding series of races the Triple Crown Running Series was this year! I did all of the little "extra additions" this year as well, including bringing along a family member to the inaugeral 5k in the Garden of the Gods as well as participating the 10k Road Ascent only a week ago.

I was part of the PikesPeakSportsTripleCrown Runners Team this year, something I wanted to do to become more involved in the running community. For years now, I was always the "rushed runner", going to the races, leaving quickly, always with something "very important" to do  right afterwards.... I wanted this year to be different, to stop and smell the roses a little bit more, to enjoy the little things other than just the quick run and rushing off.

I made a priority out of doing the 10k Road Ascent this year as I wanted to support the inaugeral event. I was surprised there were not more people with the reasonable entry fee and the gorgeous scenery. With the news of the Waldo Canyon burn scar area trails being closed for up to 10 years, I have become more explorative in my training. The Road Ascent sort of took the place of my Pony Express run(canceled due to the burn scar) this year. The Road Ascent course was difficult, and the fact I have not been to any real altitude to train since the Ascent did show--but none-the-less this was a great workout. I was relieved to find the little gift shop at the finish line at Crystal Lake was open when we finished--it was a great place to get warm. I wished I would have brought a little cash along to buy something in the shop, though.  Note to self--bring a little cash up next year!

We Colorado Springs natives are ALWAYS the worst about never going to these places that are right in our backyard. Do you believe this was the first time I had actually stopped in this area?  There were even little historical signs to read along with the great views on this frosty morning!

A few days later was the awards ceremony. I enjoyed seeing all of the runners and volunteers in a different environment and giving credit to everyone for pulling these events off so successfully for yet another year! I even went to the Bristol Brewery part afterwards this year with yet another small group after the awards.

Thanks again to everyone! What a wonderful community of folks involved in this! My intention of running for the PikesPeakSports team has been fulfilled!  And I think I will forever stop and smell the roses far more in the future Triple Crown Series races.  Hope to see you next year!