has it been THAT long?

Feel's good to be back...on a number of levels. Posting will return in addition to my comeback as a semi-competitive ultrarunner. I used the term "semi-competitive" in a forced cautious tone as I don't know what will happen in the next couple of months. Time and distance will tell.

I haven't posted a thing since pre-Western States last year. This was due to frustration, fear and uncertainty over what happened during the race. I re-tore my achilles running in the snow after Robinson Flat. Enough about that.
Before and after:

(1/2Pint is in the photo with me. She was going to be my pacer after Green Gate. Hopefully I'll get to run w/ her soon. She is an AMAZING runner herself and I have no doubt that she will be running WS one day).

Mandi at Resolution Physiotherapy has done a wonderful job in getting me almost pain-free using IMS techniques. There are still some alignment issues I need to deal with but the flow will return. Before I left for the ship (mid-April) I was successfully going on very short runs. These were about an hour in length about four times a week for about three weeks. I was ready to once again hit the treadmill but the damn thing broke the first week out so I have been TRYING to keep in some semblance of shape on the EFX and bike.

I have Creemore Vertical Challenge on July 2. This will be my first test in almost a year. Super stoked yet that little voice in the back of my head is telling me to remain somewhat cautious. I'm leaning to encorporating a mid-stance and take the first loop slower than usual and then see how my body responds to a good push the second loop.

After that my focus race for the year is Grindstone. Looks like a beast. Bring it.
I would also love to return to Cactus Rose and do the 50 miler. Joe and Joyce put on such amazing events and I just freaking love running in that park. Hopefully I can save enough to afford the trip. Plus I really miss everyone in Texas.

I also purchased, before I left, a pair of Montrail Rogue Racers. Can't wait to give them a go. But I question why they didn't leave in the 'standard' two-eyelet at the end of the tongue so I can tighten up my ankle?

So incredibly happy to be back... wish me luck!