Summertime. Life is good.

Wow. Time really flies when you're having fun. I had no idea it had been 3 months since my last post, but it's not for lack of new stories and adventures... but rather, because I'm too busy living them!

Here we go:

ULTRA TIME!
As you'll notice at the top of the page, I now have a REAL race on the schedule. In less than 3 weeks, I'll be returning to Washington state to run one of my favorite 50 milers, the White River 50 which I originally ran in 2011. Back then I was able to run 7:48 and place in the top 10... this time I just want to finish. I think sub-10 is a reasonable goal, but regardless of my time, after a 2 year hiatus, just crossing the finish line will be a huge personal achievement.

PACING
While I might not have a 100 miler on my race schedule for the foreseeable future, I won't be completely out of the loop this summer. I've been given the opportunity to pace some friends as they tackle the best Colorado has to offer. First, in 5 days I'll be in Silverton to get my buddy John Sharp through the night hours at Hardrock, and hopefully a huge PR on that course! I had my crack at Hardrock in 2010, and was humbled with my first DNF after only 44 miles. In a coincidental turn of events, I'll get to pace Sharpie through the miles that immediately follow Ouray, the site of my throwing in the towel in '10. Can't wait.

I'll also be in Leadville to bring a friend and first time LT 100 runner home from Fish Hatchery to the finish. While Leadville is a circus these days, the race will always hold a special place in my heart based on the range of memories associated with the race... both good and bad!

PIKES PEAK ASCENT
In the morning before I head up for my Leadville pacing duties in late August, I'll be running the Pikes Peak Ascent for the 5th time, and first time since 2009. I'm not shooting for any PR's this season, but rather, I'm just enjoying the experience like I did when I originally ran the Peak in 2006. This was the race that originally piqued my interest in trail and distance running, so how fitting that I run it again as I'm slowly getting high on adventures in the mountains all over again!

COLORADO MARATHON
Wow, I forgot to mention that I finished my first marathon since surgery in early May. Nothing special, but I finished the Colorado Marathon in Ft Collins in 3:34. More importantly, Holly ran a new 1/2 marathon PR in 2:09 at that race, making for a special weekend running the roads.

MUSTACHE
Not necessarily sexy, but I decided to give facial hair an attempt starting at the beginning of June. For fear of losing followers or what remains of my self respect, I won't post any photos today. Hoping the 'stache helps John Sharp and I harness the spirit of Pre' in Hardrock... then I'm shaving. Holly only needs to tolerate the grossness a few more days!

HEALTH
Last but not least, I had my 6-month post-surgery follow-up colonoscopy in May. It was expected that at this time I would be given a plan of immunosuppresive therapy based on the severity with which the Crohn's was manifesting itself...

Surprisingly, I have no signs of recurrence of the disease. What?!

This would rightfully be the highlight of my year so far.

So in a nutshell, I'm slowly but surely returning to my old self. My physical and mental health are the best they've been in 2 years (if not ever), and everyday I run is new and exciting. If one good thing came from the recent health trials I've endured, it's that I LOVE running again! No time goals, no watch, no GPS, no mileage tracking, just pure, unadulterated fun in the mountains the way it should be!

Brooks