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

There were well over 2,000 people in attendance, including, but not limited to:  singer/song writer, Margo B, who sang the national anthem,  Hip-Hop icon, DJ Biz Markie, who also has a cartoon on national TV, as well as a comedy sitcom , model/actress “Bella” Lisa Smith,  former Pittsburgh Steeler and current Judge, Dwanye Woodruff, and former Pittsburgh Steeler, Chuck Sanders. Also, there were five professional fights, with one of them being a World Boxing Foundation All Americas Light-Heavyweight Championship title fight.  I had a great time working at the PowerBar booth, alongside of friends, world champion boxers, the WAR Girls, the Miller Girls, and my girlfriend, who was also a WAR Girl. There was a great article about the event published in the Pittsburgh Courier; Saunders pulls ‘trifecta’ by promoting, managing and winning at his own event.

RAYCOWAR PROMOTIONS PRESENTS… three World Boxing Foundation championship bouts, 21 May, 7pm. Title bouts include a Light Heavy-weight bout featuring Pittsburgh’s own, WBF Champion, Rayco “WAR” Saunders and a Cruiser-weight bout featuring Johnstown’s, WBF Champion, Andres “Taylor Made” Taylor.

2x PA Jr. Golden Glove Champion and 2007 Ring Side World Champion Jaque Lutz and some of the WAR Girls promoting PowerBar products during the weigh ins

The PowerBar Table during the Weigh Ins

The Miller Lite girls and I promoting PowerBar at the professional boxing fight on May 21st!

My girlfriend Coco, 2x PA Jr. Golden Glove Champion and 2007 RingSide World Champion Jaque Lutz, and another one of the WAR Girls promoting PowerBar during the fights

Billie Jo (Miss Hawaiian Tropic Finalist), Jaque Lutz (2x PA Jr. Golden Glove Champion and 2007 RingSide World Champion), my awesome training partner, and my girlfriend Coco promoting PowerBar during the fights

The Premier Fight: Rayco “War” Saunders defended his WBF light heavyweight title by stopping Bruce Rumbolz, of Sterling, Ill., in the eighth round

My girlffriend Coco and I. She worked and helped out with the event as a VIP Host

My friend D and I. She was a big help throughout the event.

Coco and I after a very successful event!

Make sure to check out the all new 100% Natural PowerBar Pure & Simple Energy Bar and also the PowerBar ProteinPlus® protein bar, with 30 grams of protein.

]]> http://www.richardburgunder.com/war-in-the-east-championship-boxing-event-and-powerbar-promo/feed/ 0 http://www.richardburgunder.com/2010-team-compex-sponsorship/ http://www.richardburgunder.com/2010-team-compex-sponsorship/#comments Fri, 14 May 2010 05:29:58 +0000 rburgunder http://www.richardburgunder.com/?p=154

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

The Empire State Building -  86 Floors and 1,576 Steps to the Observation Deck

It’s showtime!

Team MGD 64 Athlete

“I run on the road, long before I dance under the lights.” – Ali

Trevor Folgering getting some advice from superstar Thomas Dold. Trevor used to be a professional body builder too.

Tony brought out the big guns for the ESBRU

Elaine (USA), Thomas Dold (Germany) and Trevor Folgering (Canada)

Each race started with a dash across the newly renovated Empire State Building lobby. Photo by New York Road Runners© 2010

The start of the Men’s Elite Heat. The 33rd running of the Empire State Building Run-Up drew 324 runners from 17 countries. Photo by Timothy A. Clary/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images© 2010

Runners jockeyed for position at the start of the first men’s heat. Photo by New York Road Runners© 2010

Serious competitors focus on reaching the doorway to the stairwell at the front of the pack. Photo by New York Road Runners© 2010

86 Floors and 1,576 Steps to the top. Photo by Timothy A. Clary/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images© 2010

A New ESBRU PR – 14:46

Tony, Mark and I Promoting MGD 64

The Finish on the Observation Deck.  Photo by Justin Lane/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images© 2010

Lower Manhattan from the Observation Deck

Upper Manhattan and the Chrysler Building from the Observation Deck

Thomas Dold, 25, of Germany won his fifth consecutive NYRR Empire State Building Run-Up today, tying Al Waquie of the United States (1983–87) and Paul Crake of Australia (1999–2003) for most victories in the 33-year history of this race up 86 flights (1,576 steps) to the observation deck of New York’s tallest building. Melissa Moon, 40, of New Zealand won the women’s race in her debut.

Thomas Dold of Germany won his fifth consecutive Run-Up; his time was 10:16. Photo by New York Road Runners© 2010

German runner Thomas Dold wins fifth straight “Empire State Building Run-Up” Photo by New York Daily News© 2010

5x Empire State Building Run-Up World Champion Thomas Dold of Germany and I

The Overall Male and Female Award Winners:Men – Thomas Dold (Germany), Matthias Jahn (Germany) and Matthew Byrne (USA) Female – Melissa Moon (New Zealand), Gretchen Grindle Hurlbutt (New York) and Amy Fredericks (Connecticut) Photo by New York Road Runners© 2010

Thomas Dold (Germany) and Melissa Moon (New Zealand) – The Overall Champions

Mark and I celebrating

How high can we go? And this was after we ran 86 flights and 1, 576 stairs…

Elaine and I “Jumping”

In addition to the excitement of competing in the race, I had the opportunity to meet several very intriguing athletes from all around the world. Some really cool people that I met included Elaine, Trevor, Tim (aka “Running Raw”), the Germans and Patel. Elaine is an American endurance athlete who will be competing in the Comrades Marathon in South Africa and then three days later climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Trevor Folgering is a Canadian who’s a fitness professional, former pro body builder and also the current director of the Canadian Stair Climbing Association. Trevor hopes to implement an elite level stair climbing circuit throughout Canada that would attract extreme athletes from around the world.  Tim Van Orden started “Running Raw”, a grand experiment in diet and athletic performance focusing on athletic performance athlete while eating a 100% raw vegan diet. Patel Devang is only 20 yeas old and ran an astonishing 14:26 in his first Empire State Building Run-Up. I also want to thank my ultrarunning friend, Mark Saxon, for being my VIP guest to this event and the designated photographer.

A Pyramid
Mark, Trevor (Canada), Elaine, a random Italian girl and I

Good times with some new friends

2010 NYRR Empire State Building Run-Up Medal

Thanks again to all of my sponsors, teammates, fans, friends and family for your loyal support. Your encouragement and support goes a long way!

Richard Burgunder has joined up with SmashFit.com. SmashFit, owned by Heather Frey, is a one of a kind personal training website that uniquely matches clients with trainers. What makes SmashFit exclusive is the site’s unique matching capability. The idea is to match the client with their ideal trainer, and to match the trainer, with the ideal client. Both client and trainer will get to specify their preferences so when a match is made, they’ve basically screened each other! In other words, a SmashFit!

This week I have been chosen to be the FIRST male featured trainer along with the FIRST female featured trainer Tera Busker (Fitness To Go). This is an amazing honor and I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of the Smash Fit Team. Head on over to the Smash Fit website and check out my profile.

GET FIT, GET HEALTHY, GET MOVING!

The Empire State Building

Defending champion Thomas Dold of Germany looks to join only two other five-time winners when he headlines the field at the 33rd annual NYRR Empire State Building Run-Up on Tuesday, 2 February.

Thomas Dold takes his third consecutive Empire State Building Run-up, Photo by New York Road Runners© 2008

Dold, 25, who has won the last four Run-Ups, would equal Australian great Paul Crake (1999–2003) and Al Waquie of the United States (1983–87) for most victories in this signature race on the NYRR calendar.

Crake – 9:33 – and Andrea Mayr of Austria – 11:23 – are the men’s and women’s course record holders.

Dold, who graduated in 2009 from his college in Stuttgart, Germany, is a standout in the sport of professional tower climbing, with a lengthy list of victories around the globe, his own website, and several sponsors. Since December, he has commuted to Frankfurt twice weekly to train at the Main Tower, a skyscraper that is 200 metres tall (52 floors and nearly 1,000 stairs).

A Mad Dash, Photo by New York Road Runners© 2009

Cindy Moll-Harris, 41, of Indianapolis, will once again aim for her fifth title. Moll-Harris is the only woman to have won the race four times (1998, 2000, 2001, and 2003).

Ginette Bedard, 76, of Howard Beach, NY, and Piero Dettin, 72, of Venice, Italy, are the oldest female and male participants entered in the race. On the other end of the age spectrum, 24-year-old Kacie Lauren Fischer of Shell Beach, CA, and 18-year-old Anthony John Scimone of Lakeland, FL, are the youngest competitors.

A total of 288 runners finished the 2009 invitational race, the second-most behind the 2008 event’s 308 finishers.

For more information, contact New York Road Runners (NYRR) or The Empire State Building.

For those of you in the New York City metro area, come join us post race for a healthy meal at my sponsor, Nature’s Grill Café, located in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Nature’s Grill Café is a juice bar health conscious kitchen serving health foods of the highest quality ingredients.

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.

In less than a week, the 2nd annual XTERRA Trail Running World Championship will kick off in beautiful Oahu, Hawaii! The world class race will be held in the majestic Kaaawa Valley at Kualoa Ranch, located on the northeastern side of Oahu. There are over 3,000 feet of elevation gain as the course goes up several steep climbs throughout mountains, open fields and tropical rain forest. Last year, more than 800 runners from 32 states and eight countries participated in the 5, 10, and 21km events. I finished 33rd overall out of 358 runners and am seeking a top 10 finish this year. To add to the excitement, my girlfriend Angel King will also be competing in the World Championship race. This will be my 8th XTERRA event of the season that was highltighted by winning the title of 2009 XTERRA New England Trail Run Series Regional Champion.

Kualoa Ranch

XTERRA Trail Running World Championship Preview:

This year’s race will feature quite a few elite athletes such as Max King (2x XTERRA Trail Running National Champion and 2008 World Champion), Ben Bruce (Runner-up at XTERRA Trail Running National and World Championships), Heather Fur (Ironman World Champion), Cindy Anderson (2008 XTERRA Trail Running World Champion), Melanie McQuaid (3x XTERRA Triathlon World Champion), Richard Burgunder (2009 XTERRA New England Trail Run Series Regional Champion) and many more.

Max King and Ben Bruce

King is a three-time member of the Team USA World Cross Country team and both he and Bruce ran in the 3000 meter steeplechase at the Olympic Trials.

Registration and Packet Pick Up:

The event is open to everyone. Registration will be open until December 5th and all levels of runners are welcome to compete.

Online registration will close and mail-in entries must be received by Wednesday, December 2. Packet pickup and walk-up registration will take place on Saturday, December 5th from 10am to 6pm at the Waikiki Beach Walk. There will also be packet pickup on race day at Kualoa Ranch starting at 7am, sorry no race day registration will be available.

This year we are offering a discount for Active Duty Military. Valid ID must be shown at packet pickup.

The first 900 runners total from all races (5/10/21km) will receive a t-shirt

For more information, contact Emily McIlvaine at XTERRA/Team Unlimited.

XTERRA/TEAM Unlimited
720 Iwilei Road #290
Honolulu, HI 96817
P: (808)792-2611
F: (808)538-0314
emily@xterraplanet.com
www.xterraplanet.com

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.

For the 2^nd straight year I ventured to my old training grounds in Central, PA for the 2009 USA 50 Mile National Championships. The race takes place on fire roads (74% dirt, 26% paved) in Rothrock State Forest. Terrain includes uphill, level and downhill grades, with shaded and open segments and some overlook vistas. The course takes in Whipple Dam State Park, Alan Seeger Natural Area, Penn Roosevelt State Park, Colyer Lake and Bear Meadows Natural Area with a total elevation gain of 5,035 ft! This area is absolutely beautiful, especially in the fall and is literally an outdoors paradise.

Elevation Profile: Gain of 5,035 feet!

Throughout the year while driving in between Pittsburgh, State College and NYC, I would make frequent stops at Tussey Mountain to run the first couple legs of the race. Since there’s also an extremely popular 50 Mile Relay held annually in conjunction with the ultramarathon, the race is broken down into stages. This year’s relay alone had close to 90 teams, which is a record number. However, the athletes competing in the ultramarathon (Championship and Tussey Mountainback) were slightly down this year to about 100.

Over the course of the year, I would train vigorously on the infamous leg one of the course that includes a very steep 3.2 mile switchback with an immediate elevation gain of about 1,000 feet. I would run anywhere from 2-3 repeats at a time at 5k pace and felt extremely confident about the first phase of the ultramarathon.

The course

On race morning, it was about 50 degrees and a heavy fog blanketed the mountains. Unlike last year, it was substantially warmer and ideal race conditions.

Immediately after the start, I jumped out with Todd Braje (represented Team USA at the 100K World Cup in June) of CA and Andrew Bartle (runs professionally for the US Marine Corps) of Johnstown, PA. I held a slight lead through the first mile and then pulled back with Andrew once Todd passed us. The three of us remained neck-to-neck until we ascended the mountain at mile 3.2 and then Todd took off on the long decent. Upon the final switchback, I looked back and realized that there was nobody in sight. The intense hill and mountain training paid off, but would I be able to hold this pace?

The start of the ultramarathon

Over the next 17 miles and up until about mile marker 20, I held the 3^rd spot overall and Andrew was less than a quarter of a mile in front of me.

It was a beautiful morning in Central Pennsylvania

Shortly after passing through Transition Zone/Aid Station #6, I started to develop some severe cramping in my calves. This would continue to be a problem for the next 10 miles and forced me to speed walk a lot during this time period. I figured it out to have been caused by the marathon flats that I wore, which likely didn’t offer enough cushion and support for someone of my size on a brutal course such as this one. Unfortunately, I didn’t have any electrolyte pills with me either and had to solely rely on the aid stations for support at this point.

Despite the cramping, I was able to come through the marathon split in a remarkable 3:29, more than 45 minutes faster than in 2008. A sub 3:30 split on this course is fantastic and a sub 7 hours finishing time was still feasible.

The infamous mile #40

The long ascent at mile 40 on leg #10

The final 10 miles of the race would prove to be agonizing, yet very enjoyable. After ascending the extremely steep and long hill that included over another 1,000 feet of elevation gain from mile 38 to 42, I regained my focus with anticipation of finishing strong. Passing through Transition Zone/Aid Station 10 is always a blessing because you will see many of the relay teams and even other ultra runners passing through there due to the out and back segment. I was extremely thrilled to see several of my friends and former PSU Triathlon teammates here, all whom offered immense support.

An amazing vista at mile #44

Refueling at the final Aid Station

After passing through the aid station, there were only 4.2 miles between the finish and I. Heading up the small gradual uphill leading into the final leg, I paced off of my friend Brody who was running his final leg of the relay. For most of the final leg of the course, I tried to stick right with him and run as consistently as possible. With less than two miles to go, I realized that I was most likely going to PR by an astonishing hour or more compared to last year’s championship! I was so excited at this point that it was difficult to even focus on the race, but gradually started increasing my pace over the final mile.

The finish line

Mt. Nittany

Brody eventually pulled a head, but another relay runner and I paced each other and he helped me pick off an ultra runner in the final 800 meters. With the final turn and Tussey Mountain Ski Resort in sight, I picked it up and sprinted through the finish line in 7:46:17. This was a 62 minute PR on this course for me and good enough for 9^th overall in the USA Championship. I earned my 2^nd USATF medal in three attempts within the past 15 months.

2009 Time: 7:46:17

2008 Time: 8:48:26

A new PR by an astonishing 1 hour 2 minutes and 5 seconds!

2009 USATF Place: 9^th

2008 USATF Place: 12^th

On a side note: My time in this year’s race would have placed me 8^th overall in 2008. The ultramarathon had about 100 finishers in the USATF and Tussey Mountainback combined. In 2008, the field was larger, but I would have placed slightly better.

Only one non USATF runner beat me, which was my old teammate from Penn State – Chris Woods. He has been training and living in Boulder, CO over the past several years and is an exceptional runner who did run for VT and PSU. Chris passed me with less than 8 miles to go, but I almost caught him in the final two miles.

USATF National Championship

Thank you to my friends and old Penn State Triathlon Club teammates who all offered tremendous support throughout the race. They include Michele, Brody, Brian, Joe, Sparky and many more. Seeing you guys out on that course was like going to heaven. You all rock!

Todd Braje of Arcata, CA won the men’s championship and Larissa Abramiuk of Wayland, MA won the women’s championship.

A great article about the race was featured in the Centre Daily Times here.

Huge congratulations to everyone who participated in the Championship, Tussey Mountainback Ultramarathon and 50 Mile Relay! Also, the Race Director, Mike Casper, did a phenomenal job once again with making this race a truly remarkable event.

Next up – XTERRA Trail Running World Championship in Oahu, Hawaii on December 6^th.