We are now on the second leg, having flown from Dayton to Chicago on Christmas Eve. We were supposed to fly out on December 23 but our flight (the last one of the day) was canceled due to “flow control.” (Whatever.)

The voice of Lance Armstrong congratulated me on my longest run yet after my workout on December 21. That happened to be the run immediately following the Paula Radcliffe experience. Regrettably, I haven’t run since.

While still motivated, I’ve been sick. I contracted what turned out to be a severe chest and head cold during my travel back to Dayton, Ohio last week. Not wanting to get off track while on vacation, I figured I was well enough to run on Friday. TB and I went to a Dayton-area Bally’s—Bally’s branches offer 2-week complimentary guest passes once per year—and, following the compulsory tour of the facilities, we worked out about an hour.

I’m usually more energetic following a good run, but this time I felt horribly. Sure enough, I’ve spent the past 4 days medicated and (mostly) in bed. Being sick sucks.

We’re now in Chicago and I am feeling much better. If all goes well, I should be back in my running shoes tomorrow. I can’t let Paula and Lance down.