I have been reminiscing this week quite a bit. About 4 and a half years ago Michelle and I were on the Front Range trail talking about races we would like to do. I remember looking up at Pikes Peak. It was either winter of 2010 or early 2011 and the mountain was covered in snow. I told Michelle that I was interested in trying to complete the Ascent. I cannot remember her exact words but she pretty much told me that I was nuts. Fast forward a few months and we were training for our first Half Marathon with an eye on achieving a qualifying time so that we could give it a shot. We were also preparing for our Wedding. We would meet and make plans with folks for the wedding and then go for training runs. Up to that point in my life I had spent almost no time on Barr Trail itself with the exception of a few hikes up the Incline and a very punishing Mountain Bike ride years earlier to Barr Camp. I initially wanted to do it because I grew up in Colorado Springs and it was by and far the biggest race in town. I think that more than any other time my love for running really began to take hold. 

This time of year has become an annual event in our lives. We celebrated our fourth anniversary this past week and now it's time to focus once again on the Peak. 

Training has been OK, but not great. I did get some good cross training in last weekend at the UpaDowna ROAR! event in Colorado Springs. I was fortunate to have some smart and hardworking teammates and we were able to pull out the win! We did the long course which amounted to just north of 19 miles on the bike and between 4-5 on foot. Aside from that I have gotten on the peak as much as

 possible. We have been logging runs up Barr trail and on Ute Pass. The best part is that I am still healthy with no lingering knee or Achilles problems.  

I know that this year will be special because I line up with more experience and almost no expectations except too finish. In some ways this takes some of the pressure off. I want to be the guy smiling and encouraging everyone else, thanking the volunteers and being loose. 

Thursday night there is a huge celebration in Downtown Colorado Springs celebrating 60 years this race has taken place. This will be a huge party with vendors and even a couple of beer gardens! Even if you are not signed up for the race come out and celebrate a great and unique annual event in our community. Hope to see you all there!