Two years ago, we missed it because our puppy came down with an extraordinary type of respiratory movement involving a sudden inspiration (intake of air) due to an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm accompanied by closure of the glottis. It is also know as hiccups.

I will pause here for the laughter to die down.

Last year, it did not fit into our schedule.

Third time was the charm. Today, Lisa and I finished our first race of the season – Disney’s Race of the Taste 10K. The race started in Wide World of Sports with around 3000 runners heading out into the morning darkness. From here, we zig-zagged our way through MGM to the Boardwalk, and finally finishing at the Epcot parking lot. What started out as a cool breeze and a bright crescent moon soon turned to a stifling, smothering heat. I was amazed at the numbers of people walking off or getting sick.

Aside from the heat and humidity, what made this a tough run for me was that it was my first back-to-back of the year. Yesterday’s 18 miles was followed by today’s 6.2. Last year’s first double was a 10/2 . Nice to be ahead of the game.

Today, I was the side note. Lisa was the star. Lisa or as I now refer to her – “Flash” knocked down her second PR of the week. Monday, she ran a 9:23 mile and today, in spite of numerous challenges, recorded another PR. (Today, I recorded more like a CPR )

One of her friends called her “lucky” in that she is healthy and successful and has the means to train for events like this. Few words evoke a stronger, liver twisting reaction in us than “lucky.”

“S/he is lucky.” This is the mantra of those unwilling to lay it on the line. They would rather take the job they hate (because of the benefits of course) than start their own. Stay in a poor relationship because it is at least familiar. Watch rather than run. And attribute others successes to “luck.” They are partially right. There is a 4 letter word that does fit perfectly. It is called risk.

I watched Lisa get up at 4am every Monday for the past 2 months and train as hard as any one has. She risked not being able to complete the training. Risked coming in last. Risked looking foolish. She hates the heat and her system is not designed for it, yet logs miles upon miles ever week. Next May, she and our friend Tammy will be doing the Danskin Triathlon. It will be Lisa’s first. Another risk. By the way, she can’t swim yet.

Lisa is the master of risk.

Guess that makes me one lucky guy.