In less than a week, the 5th annual XTERRA Japan Championship will kick off in historic Marunuma Kogen, Japan! The world class off-road triathlon and 30km trail running championships will be held in the majestic Marunuma Kogen (sometimes known as ‘Malnuma’), located in the northeastern area of Gunma Prefecture. With the magnificent Mount Shirane as a background, Marunuma Kogen is well-known as offering excellent skiing and outdoor adventure. The surrounding area is also full of ancient history, especially the town of NIKO. There will be a lot of elevation gain as the course goes up several steep climbs throughout mountains, open fields and dense forest. Last year, several hundred athletes from all over the world participated in the off-road triathlon, 10km, and 30km events. This will be my 5th XTERRA championship level event that has been highlighted by strong finishes at the 2008 and 2009 XTERRA Trail Running World Championships and winning the title of 2009 XTERRA New England Trail Run Series Regional Champion.

Marunuma, Japan

Mount Kusatsu-Shirane

XTERRA Japan Championship Preview:

This year’s race will feature quite a few elite and amateur athletes from all over the world, representing numerous countries.  The event has grown tremendously over the past several years, and a diverse, strong field is expected.

Schedule of Events:

Saturday, August 28^th

XTERRA Japan Championship
SWIM: 1200m / MTB: 25km / Trail Run: 10km

XTERRA JAPAN DUATHLON
1ST RUN: 1.5km / MTB: 25km / 2nd RUN: 10km

XTERRA RELAY
SWIM: 1200m / MTB: 25km / Trail Run: 10km

08:30- Registration
10:40- Mandatory Briefing
12:10- Championship & Relay start
12:20- Duathlon start
17:30 Course Closure
18:15- Award Party

Sunday, August 29^th

XTERRA TRAIL RUN
Trail Run: 30km

XTERRA light TRAIL RUN
Trail Run: 10 km

XTERRA KIDS&LIGHT
SWIM: 200m / MTB: 4km / Trail Run: 2km

XTERRA FAMILY WALK
Walk: 5km

05:30- Trail Run Registration
06:30- Trail Run Mandatory Briefing
07:00- Trail Run start
07:10- Light Trail Run start
07:30- Family Walk start
08:00- Kids&Light Mandatory Briefing
09:00- Kids&Light Start
11:30- Kids&Light/Light Trail Run Award Ceremony
15:00- Trail Run Award Ceremony

For more information, contact Mai Chiku at XTERRA Japan.

Mai Chiku
XTERRA Japan Office
office@xterrajapan.net
c/o ATHLONIA Corp.
1F, 17-10 Sarugaku-cho,
Shibuya-ku, TOKYO
JAPAN 150-0033
TEL: 03-6277-5131
FAX: 03-6277-5132
URL: www.athlonia.com

http://www.xterrajapan.net

About the XTERRA Trail Run Series:

XTERRA is on a mission to produce the most recognizable, enjoyable, root slipping, mud hopping, tree ducking, river crossing, hill climbing, dirt on your shirt, sweat in your eye trail runs this side of Grandma’s house!

More than 50 races across the U.S. comprise the XTERRA Trail Run Series and offer age group athletes the opportunity to become regional champions. We’ll also crown National Champions in Bend, Oregon on September 13 and World Champions in Hawaii on December 6.

Along the way XTERRA Trail Runs give back to the community by involving not-for-profits as beneficiaries at our events.

ABOUT XTERRA TRAIL RUNNING

XTERRA is on a mission to produce the most recognizable, enjoyable, root slipping, mud hopping, tree ducking, river crossing, hill climbing, dirt on your shirt, sweat in your eye trail runs this side of Grandma’s house!

More than 50 races across the U.S. comprise the XTERRA Trail Run Series and offer age group athletes the opportunity to become regional champions.

The 2010 XTERRA Trail Run Series features runs across the country ranging from 5km to 25km.

The Series is grouped into geographic regions, and each region has anywhere from 3-to-7 races that runners can compete in and accumulate points towards their regional championship.

Regional Champions are awarded free entry into the XTERRA Trail Running National Championship – an off-road half-marathon to be held in Bend, OR.

There are also several Xduro’s (endurance trail runs ranging from 18-to-42km in distance) in the U.S.  and each one qualifies runners to compete in both the XTERRA Trail Running National and World Championship events.

XTERRA trail runs have also gone global with off-road half’s in such exotic locations as Brazil, New Zealand, Japan, Italy, France, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.  At the end of the year, runner’s from all over the world will unite in the majestic Kaaawa Valley at Kualoa Ranch on the island of Oahu for the ultimate Xduro – the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship on December 5, 2010.

Since racing in the XTERRA Trail Run Series, there’s been many highlights. They include:

XTERRA HIGHLIGHTS:

• 2009 XTERRA New England Trail Run Series Regional Champion
• 4th Male 30-34 at 2009 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship
• 33rd OA at 2008 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship
• 2x Top 20% finisher at XTERRA Trail Running World Championship
• 2x Top 20% finisher at XTERRA Trail Running National Championship
• Competed in 8 events in six different states in 2009
• Competed in 9 different states since 2008

MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS:

• XTERRA Planet Magazine “Tracking the Tribe: Ambassador Rich” Featured Athlete [6/2010]
• First athlete named to the XTERRA Trail Run (XTR) Ambassador Program [5/10/2010]
• XTERRA Trail Run Worlds Press Guide Featured Athlete [12/6/2009]
• XTERRA Trail Run Nationals Press Guide Featured Athlete [9/13/2009]
• XTERRA Trail Mix Newsletter “Runner Spotlight” Featured Athlete [6/10/09]
• XTERRA Trail Run Worlds Press Guide Featured Athlete [12/7/2008]
• XTERRA Trail Run Nationals Press Guide Featured Athlete [9/27/2008]

XTERRA Planet Magazine “Tracking the Tribe” Featured Athlete –  June 2010

One of my greatest XTERRA experiences has been being crowned the 2009 XTERRA New England Trail Run Series Regional Champion, where I won the Men’s 30-34 age group, and also the overall series points total. Another fond memory of XTERRA Trail Running has been the amazing experience of competing at Trail Run Worlds twice, in both 2008 and 2009. For me, the inaugural XTERRA Trail Run World Championship, held in 2008, was highlighted by finishing 33rd out of 358, or the top 10% overall. While my overall performance at the 2009 World Championship wasn’t as strong, I did manage to finish 4th out of 36 in the men’s 30-34 age group, as the second American, respectively.

RACE GOALS:

Some of my future aspirations, when it comes to XTERRA Trail Running, include, but is not limited to, winning several regional championships, and being a top 10 finisher at World Championships. I’d also like to medal in my age group at Trail Run Worlds. Additionally, my focus will be on the XTERRA Trail Running World Tour while educating, encouraging, and informing others about XTERRA – Trail Runs, Off-road Triathlon Races, Foundation, Gear and other XTERRA products.

I hope to see you at an XTERRA event sometime soon! Live More!

Learn more at http://www.xterratrailrun.com

As of April 2010, I’m happy to announce Compex® Muscle Stimulators as a new athletic sponsor for the 2010 race season. Compex is the leader in Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) and wants to educate the active consumer on the importance of attaining maximum muscle performance and recovery. I’m excited about incorporating Neuromuscular Electrical Muscle Stimulation (NMES) technology into my 2010 training and racing. Compex can help endurance athletes achieve the highest level of performance possible.

NMES enables users to exercise more muscle fibers in less time by reproducing the body’s natural process of voluntary muscular contractions with high-intensity “optimal” electrical impulses. Numerous clinical studies conducted over 20 years have proven that when Compex is applied to the motor nerve, it provokes a deeper and more complete muscle contraction than what can be attained through standard voluntary training or activity.

NEW Compex Sport Elite

The Sport Elite is our newest Muscle Stimulator is recommended for the competitive/high performance athlete that has a rigorous training and exercise regimen. It features a total of 9 programs and 5 levels of progression will keep elite athletes challenged with every training session resulting in a true competitive advantage!

Compex Sport Elite 4 Training Programs:

Endurance Program

• Helps you cope with long-duration aerobic activities and increases muscle resistance to fatigue by building slow-twitch muscle fibers

Resistance Program

• An all-around program for endurance and strength, building both slow-twitch and fast-twitch muscle fibers

Strength Program

• Increases sheer muscle strength better than conventional weight lifting alone, with less risk of muscle-tendon injury

Explosive Strength Program

• For developing short bursts of power without the traumatic or violent movements associated with conventional training

And 5 additional programs:

Potentiation Program

• Warms up muscle faster without psychological, muscular or cardiovascular fatigue.

Active Recovery® Program

• Facilitates relaxation of muscles and reduces muscle soreness and stiffness following competition or demanding workouts

Recovery Plus® Program

• Does not contract the muscle. Helps clear lactic acid and increase blood flow at lower frequencies -perfect for muscles that are fatigued after a vigorous workout or competition..

Pre-Warmup Program

• Does not contract the muscle. Runs at a frequency specifically targeted to increase blood flow that oxygenates the muscles prior to a workout or competition. This program is recommended if there is any risk of cramp.

Massage Program

• Electrostimulation develops the blood capillary network of the exposed muscles. This improves irrigation and oxygenation.

Compex Sport Elite Kit includes: Compex Sport Elite Muscle Stimulator, Battery Charger, CD with User Manual, Electrode Placement Guidebook, Carrying Case, Easy Snap Electrode Lead wires (set of 4), 2″x4″ Easy Snap Gel Electrodes (2 packs of 2) and 2″x2″ Easy Snap Gel Electrodes (2 packs of 4)

Reach Your Goals When Training with Compex Sport

• Cyclists – Improve Endurance
• Runners – Recover Faster and Avoid Muscle Injury
• Triathletes – Build Muscle and Increase Strength
• Sprinters – Gain Explosive Speed and Power
• Football Players – Increase Your Maximal Strength
• Baseball Players – Get Quicker to Your Strength Threshold
• Basketball Players – Develop Quick Reactivity and Forceful Response
• Other Athletes – Enjoy all these benefits and more!

No matter what Sport Elite you are into they all require different physical preparation to achieve peak performance. Speed, Strength, Explosive Power, Resistance, Endurance and Muscle Recovery.
With Compex Sport Elite, you can tailor your training program to suit your exact needs.

How Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) Works

Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) reproduces the body’s natural process of voluntary muscular contractions with “optimal” electrical impulses. When an electrical impulse is applied to the motor nerve, it provokes a deeper and more complete muscle contraction than what can be attained through standard voluntary training or activity. A muscle cannot tell the difference between a voluntary contraction (triggered by the brain through voluntary activity). The result is a more efficient workout regimen with less risk of injury to joints and tendons and without cardiovascular fatigue.

Benefits of Electrical Muscle Stimulation with a Compex Muscle Stimulator include:

• Customized workouts/individualized training.
• Improve strength, endurance, speed and power.
• Exercise and build more fast-twitch and slow-twitch muscle fibers in less time.
• Increase muscle performance, strength and size.
• Potentiate muscles before a workout.
• Reduce injury and fatigue.
• Recover faster

Compex enables athletes to individualize and optimize their workouts so peak performance can be achieved. EMS is not meant to be a replacement for traditional strength training exercises, it’s a complement to your existing sports training program—allowing you to target your training for increased power, endurance, speed and strength.

Compex Sport features 5 levels of progression that will keep you challenged and help you improve with every training session. Electrostimulation is also beneficial for recovery after a workout – the Active Recovery program is a relaxing 24 minute session which will increase blood flow 4.5 times faster, remove lactic acid, release endorphins and promote muscle relaxation.

Let Compex take you to the next level so you can Discover a Better You!

About Compex
The global leader in electrostimulation

Over the past 20 years, Compex Muscle Stimulators has been the leader in Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) through extensive research and innovation. Compex is FDA-cleared and is the NMES device of choice for professional athletes, sports teams and coaches worldwide.
Compex enables you to achieve maximum muscle performance and helps you recover quicker after a strenuous workout or competition. When combined with your existing training program, Compex will help you attain peak performance with virtually no cardiovascular or mental fatigue.

To learn more about Compex products and company initiatives, please visit www.shopcompex.com or call 1-877-Compex8 (877-266-7398). Also follow Compex on Facebook and Twitter.

Compex Brand History
Developed by medical professionals

Compex was founded in the 1980s, in the midst of the electronic revolution. This era, which saw the birth of miniaturization and microprocessors, was also witness to the design and production of medical equipment for health professionals spanning a wide range of fields. The benefits offered by technological advances were no longer limited to mainstream medicine and research. Since its founding over 20 years ago, Compex has relentlessly pursued new avenues in the field of electrotherapy, with one major concern in mind: patient comfort.

By successfully merging comfort, efficiency, and practicality, Compex has forged a solid niche for electrical stimulation for both medical and training purposes. Each improvement that has taken place over the years has been devised and developed for and with the help of health professionals. The majority of the innovative features that distinguish our products today are thanks to this joint effort, an effort that will undoubtedly be the source of many more improvements to come!

Why Compex?

With roots in the medical field, Compex technology is a true science.

Compex muscle stimulators have a foundation in medical technology, which makes them superior to other muscle stimulating devices. Compex is the worldwide leader in electrotherapy –and provides athletes with the ability to enhance training and improve sporting performance. Through detailed medical research Compex developed a safe, FDA-cleared, clinically proven product that is based on a true science and, therefore, ensures consistent results with every use.

The key point of differentiation between Compex and other electrostimulation devices is current control. Compex stimulators are equipped with a constant current generator, which eliminates any risk of burning and allows the device to be used safely in proximity to osteosynthesis equipment or any other metal implants.
Backed by solid clinical research and data that proves their effectiveness, Compex is the only muscle stimulator cleared by the FDA for sale in the United States without a prescription.

TEAM COMPEX

Team Compex is comprised of 50 top age group athletes who primarily compete in the sports of triathlon, running and cycling. They possess a strong passion for their sport and are dedicated to not only representing Compex through their athletic achievements, but also act as brand ambassadors in their local communities.

Meet the Team!

Become a Fan of Compex on Facebook

Ka’a'awa Valley, Kualoa Ranch

Ka’a'awa Valley, Kualoa Ranch

As compared to the 2008 race, the conditions this year were much more difficult. On race morning, it was very hot and the sun was out in full. Despite the course being slightly shortened, it also proved to be more difficult with the addition of several long and steep climbs.

The start was fast, very fast, as we quickly descended down a small hill and then hit the first series of climbs about 1200 meters into the race. I had a very strong start and felt great, until I hit the second hill. At this point, I began to have some cramping and stomach issues. Over the next couple of miles I worked through them and then got my rhythm back about six miles into the race.

The Mountains Surrounding Kualoa Ranch

Volcanic Origin Mountains

The second half of the 21k World Championship race proved to be the most grueling, as were hit several steep climbs that eventually led to a single track trail through the rain forest. This has always been one of my favorite parts of this race since it offers everything that make’s XTERRA what it is, and showcases a breath taking view out into the Pacific Ocean! Just like last year, I was so tempted to stop for a while to appreciate the amazing views of the numerous small old volcanic islands that were clustered all over the coast of Oahu.

After breaking out of the rain forest, runners are greeted by a long and steep decent, followed by a couple of miles of single track trails through fields, some small streams, forest and a downhill sprint to the finish.

International Flags

The Finish Line

Coming out of the woods, I put my kick in and came through with about the same time as in 2008. While it might not have been the finish that I was expecting, I was pleased despite my struggles throughout the early portion of the race.  I ended up finishing 67th overall and 4th out of 36 runners in the Men’s 30-34 Age Group. The field was definitely much more competitive than last year and the overall experience was amazing.

Me, Post Race

Angel and I

Me, Post Race

Angel and XTERRA All-Star Athlete, Amy Eck

Angel, Post Race

Angel and I spent about a week in Hawaii and were fortunate to experience many of Hawaii’s treasures. Prior to World Championships, we went snorkeling at Hanauma Bay and swam with three beautiful sea turtles and countless numbers of exotic fish, including a Puffer fish. Snorkeling in one of the most exotic reefs in the world was an exhilarating experience, despite having to swim through heavy current and maneuvering razor sharp coral.

Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay

In addition to spending a day at Hanauma Bay, we also walked and ran on Waikiki Beach and got to experience the massive 40-foot waves on the North Shore. This was the first time in years where the world famous “The Eddie” surfing tournament was held due to the change of ocean currents generating immense swells over a couple of days. The competition attracted the best surfers from around the globe. The waves were a truly spectacular thing to witness.

40-Foot Waves, The North Shore

Surfers, The North Shore

Three Tables, The North Shore

Three Tables, The North Shore

Sunset Beach, The North Shore

The Quiksilver “Eddie Aikau” big wave surfing event

Me, The North Shore

Angel and I, The North Shore

Waikiki Beach

Angel and I, Waikiki Beach

Angel and I, Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach

Diamond Head

Waikiki Beach

The North Shore

XTERRA Staff Janet Clark, Emily McIlvaine and I

Special thanks to XTERRA for hosting another spectacular event and my sponsors, friends and family for all of your support through this amazing race season, XTERRA athlete Rachel Cieslewicz for not letting me give up early into World Championships when times were tough and all of my supporters and fans – If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be where I am now.  Thank you PowerBar for all of the great nutrition products and the Gel Blasts have saved the day more than once this past season! Thanks SUGOI for making high quality competition gear; I loved the RSL Top that I used at Worlds. Thank you Deepak for your very professional and stellar athlete travel services. If anyone is ever looking for high quality and very reasonable travel to an exotic race location, make sure that you check out Premium Plus Sports. And thank you to my sports agent, Allen, at Platinum Sports Entertainment Group, Inc., for your diligent hard work in helping my athletic career excel.