The last time we saw Brandon Birdsong-Johnson he was hobbling around on crutches and dragging a rebuilt foot behind him. A road runner with an easy stride and a knack for guitar strumming, he faced a long and arduous recovery period. But the 27-year-old grad student learned to walk - and then run - again. On Saturday, he'll step to the starting line of the Pikes Peak Ascent in his first big test back from an injury that could have ended his running career. Here's a quick Q&A with Brandon.

Pikes Peak Ascent, is this your first race back from injury and why choose such a tough race? Not quite, I ran a 5k on the track in NYC a month ago, but wasn't able to finish due to discomfort in my foot. In the past I probably would have limped to the finish, but I would like to think I have matured as a runner.  With the main focus being the Olympic Marathon Trials, I did not want to jeopardize my health in any way.

(Photo: Brandon and Brittni Hutton providing refreshment at the 2014 Barr Trail Mountain Race.)

I chose the Ascent because I have the itch to compete again. My foot is more comfortable running uphill and on soft surfaces because of the reduced impact.

Your injury seemed like some serious stuff, can you tell us what happened and what the recovery process has looked like? I had a rare condition called osteochondritis dissecans. Basically, I chipped my talus and had fragments jammed between my tibia/talus. My bone was considered dead and wasn't going to heal on its own. Instead, the doc (Dr. Pak) cleaned out the bone, performed microfracture, and replace the damaged cartilage with cadaver tissue.

Although optimistic, the healing timeline has been longer than expected. I was non-weight bearing for two months and started I walking with crutches shortly after before learning to walk again (around three months).

In mid-March I started to run again - kind of. My first run back consisted of something like running one minute and walking three-to-four minutes for two miles. It has been a slow progression, but I have been grateful for every moment of putting one foot in front of the other. Since then I have been building my mileage to around 30-40 miles per week with some good and bad weeks. Weeks with negative thoughts of never being normal again or never being able to compete at the same level. The last couple weeks of training have opened my eyes and I am sure that I will be back to full form in the future.

You have done some training on Pikes Peak, how did your first runs there go and what is your early impression of Pikes Peak? Yes, I have done some training up the Peak. My first experience on the Peak was great. The plan: run with Simon Gutierrez to Barr Camp and walk the rest of the way. We made it to Barr camp in under 75 minutes. It felt like an easy effort and I was very distracted by the beauty of my surroundings. I hiked the final 6 miles or so, making it to the peak in 3 hours and 13 minutes. 

My next experience on the mountain was not as great. The Plan: run hard to Barr Camp and jog moderate to easy the rest of the way. I was a bit ambitious early. Suffering, I made it to Barr Camp in 71 minutes. I slowed the pace down and was prepared to run easy up the peak.

Shortly after Barr Camp, I slipped a couple times agitating my foot and decided to walk the rest of the way to make sure I was healthy on the start line the day of the race. Despite walking, I started bonking with about two miles to go (nutrition is not my strong point). Suffering and cramping, I finished in 2 hours and 57 minutes. Not ideal, but I learned not to run too aggressive up Ruxton, Hydro, and the W's (especially for my fitness level).

I could be wrong, but you were more a road runner before your injury right?. Will we see you on the trails more now? In the past I have been more of a road runner, but I really want to mix it up on the trails. Not only is the atmosphere incredible, but I believe it's best for sustainability. I want to be able to continue running, and becoming a more versatile runner is a great approach.

A few people know you can play guitar and sing beautifully. When do you launch the music career? Thank you, I dabble a bit and my mom is my biggest fan. It's a fun hobby and it allows me to embrace my inner N'SYNC (hey, they're vintage) every once in a while!

Do you have your facial hair style worked out for the weekend? Any surprises in store for us? No, I haven't decided yet. Maybe a porn stash. For children and those without a sence of humor, a Snidely Whiplash mustache!

What would success on Pikes Peak look like for you? A successful day would be me competing, not being too ambitious too early, and remaining healthy. I am realistic and know my fitness isn't where it has been in the past or what it will be in the future. Regardless, I want to run within myself and run smart. With that being said, as a competitor, I always line up ready for battle. Anything can happen on race day!