LAKEWOOD – Bethany Michalak said she’s had bad luck prior to state championship events this year and feared more might be on the way.

However, the “stomach bug” she awoke with on Saturday didn’t keep her from a stellar performance in the 1,600-meter run. She finished in four minutes, 47.47 seconds, easily crossing first and adding it to her 3,200 title from Thursday.

“I wasn’t feeling well this morning, so I didn’t have a clear goal going in,” Michalak said. “I just wanted to come out here and give it my all for my last time with my teammates.”

The night prior to the state cross country race in October, Michalak wrecked her car, but still managed to finish sixth to help Air Academy win the 5A title.

As Michalak entered Jeffco Stadium for her final prep track and field event, “something felt off.”

“I don’t know if it was something I ate or if it was nerves, but I was not feeling well this morning in warmups,” Michalak said. “I was just happy I felt good out here. But I don’t think – at least I hope that it’s not – it’s anything serious.”

Michalak kept pace with Fossil Ridge’s Tatum Berg for the first 400, but shortly after the second lap, Michalak peeled off from the pack. The closest competitor finished in 4:52.20, nearly five seconds behind the Kadets senior.

“I knew if I was feeling good at 800, I’d try to go. I felt good and I kept the gap,” Michalak said. “It’s never as easy as it looks. It’s always hard because the field is so talented. Anytime you go out here and win a race with these competitors, it’s going to be tough.”