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XTERRA Ambassadors

Jason Taylor, South Central, 35-39

Birthplace: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Occupation: I work part time in a couple of different roles. I'm a coach for Trisportcoaching and work with athletes, primarily beginners, getting into the sport of triathlon. I also work part time at Hometrust Mortgage Company as a Loan officer assistant while going to school full-time. In the beginning of 2011 I hope to have all the prereq's necessary to apply for a Doctorate of Physical Therapy program either here in New Mexico, Colorado, or Oregon.
Residence:

Marital Status/Family:
Married to wife Anna Taylor.Two dogs…no kid's, dog's names are Baxter and Kira, activities include: licking, sleeping, and pooping.

Question and Answer with Jason

What accomplishment are you most proud of: Physically - I just finished my first ultra marathon in New Mexico, the Ghosttown 38.5mile, and I placed in the top 5.   I was really pumped.  Overall though, I'd have to say I'm most proud that my wife picked me. If only she'd known what she was getting into.

When you're not racing, you like to: read and play with our dogs.

What's the craziest experience you've ever had with XTERRA?  I've only raced one year (2009) so most of my experiences have been more wide eyed wonder than crazy, but I'd say looking at the swells in the water at XTERRA NW Cup last year and wondering if I was actually going to survive is one that sticks out in my memory.   

What's the best thing about racing? The people, I've met so many incredible people through XTERRA.    

What is the coolest piece of gear you own? My after race chair.  When I'm done racing, I can sit down, grab a beer, a burger and fully relax in my comfy chair, knowing I've put it all on the line.

Role model/Inspiration/Favorite athlete: David Cloninger - first XTERRA guy I met, really encouraged me and the dude is a stud.   One of the fastest swimmers I've ever met and he's just as fast on the bike and run too. He lives well too; balances family, work, and his passions, in my opinion, the right way.

What do you do when you aren't training/racing? Unfortunately I am now usually studying or sleeping, but when I wasn't studying or sleeping, I'd be dreaming about whatever race is coming up.

Which 2010 XTERRA races do you plan to attend?  Oooh, wrestling with this one a bit,  as of right now, XTERRA Dueces Wild or XTERRA Four Corners (same weekend), XTERRA Red River, XTERRA Mountain Championship, XTERRA Austin and Nationals.

Favorite XTERRA venue:  Hands down - XTERRA Solstice in La Grande, OR.   What a race!

Dreaded XTERRA venue: XTERRA NW cup was in Farraquat State Park, ID last year. The wind swelled the water up real good and I freaked (swimming isn't my strongest leg of the race). It was a stunning venue but when I think about it, I see the water first. I'm going to have to go back and battle this demon down!

What's your favorite aspect of XTERRA?  Again, I'd have to say the people.   I enjoy the races, love the competition, the venues are beautiful whether they are in a resort or in a state park or in the middle of nowhere, but what really makes it fun for me, is the folks I meet and get to share a beer with afterward. 

Define / describe XTERRA: XTERRA is life.  In life, we all face battles, the unexpected, the "out of nowhere" situations and we have to deal with them and overcome. Xterra is just like that. There are expected and unexpected challenges, there are moments where you want to quit and moments when all around you seems beautiful and serene (even during a race), but at some point, it comes down to you and your mental, emotional and physical toughness to push through and persevere.   

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