DON'T BE A BEAR.
It starts out innocently enough – the familiar sounds of red bells can be heard “ding-dong-ing” outside of shopping centers, carols sing whimsical tunes to us on our daily commute and the neighborhood trees and house trims are styled with twinkling lights of various hues.
The holiday season is notorious for sneaking up on us – from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, the dates in-between are often lived in a flurry. Amidst the wonderfulness of winter and extra cheer come increased responsibilities (and often, increased pounds) as we skimp out on workouts and reach for the silver tins of homemade sweets.
Our advice to you is this: Don’t be a bear this winter! There’s no point in packing on the pounds for hibernation when there are all sorts of awesome indoor and outdoor “active” activities. Sorry, unless you are playing “Dance Dance Revolution”, videogames don’t count as being “active”.
Read on to learn about XTERRA’s newest winter games and expert advice on running in the snow.
Until next time… gotta run!
Talk to us! If you have a trail running story or update that you want to share with other Trail Mix readers, simply send an e-mail to Monica@xterraplanet.com
COOL!!!
The world-renowned XTERRA lifestyle is taking its show to the snow with the inaugural XTERRA Winter World Championship this March 7-9. It’s a 3-day long, multi-event sports extravaganza at the site of the 2002 Olympic downhill competitions at Snowbasin Resort.
The main event, the XTERRA Winter World Championship, is a first-of-its-kind, uniquely XTERRA multisport race combining the four disciplines of ski mountaineering, mountain biking, running and snowshoeing. The race is open to both professional and amateur competitors.
For qualified athletes, there will be several snowshoe titles up-for-grabs including the boys & girls junior national 5k, senior women’s national 10k, and senior men’s national 10k. In addition, a citizens 5k, kid’s kilo, and 2 x 5k team relay races will also be available to all-comers. No qualification is required.
More Information on the XTERRA Winter World Championship
EXPERT ADVICE: DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW
Veteran runner Brian Metzler of Boulder, CO shares his advice on running in the snow.
His resume includes being the founding editor of Trail Runner Magazine and Adventure Sports Magazine. Brian has penned articles for Runner's World, Running Times, Men's Journal and Outside magazine. He has run more than 400 races during the past 25 years, ranging from 50 meters to 100 miles.
Every time I enter a snowshoe race, I remember my first one.
About 12 years ago, a couple of friends convinced me I should enter a 5K with them in the foothills west of Boulder, Colorado. As an avid trail runner who wasn’t adverse to the cold of winter, I agreed. Running a race on snow sounded like a fun way to enjoy a morning, especially after the foot of snow that had fallen over the previous days.
Dressed in a Gore-Tex jacket, nylon running pants, a pair of hiking boots and a pair of large mountaineering snowshoes, I showed up at the race no idea what to expect. Those were my first mistakes. But sprinting away from the starting line with the lead group was my worst blunder.
Five minutes into the race, I was an overheated, exhausted and stumbling ball of sweat.
The reason I remember that race is because of how much I learned about this fledgling sport. Snowshoe racing is a great way to experience the splendor of winter trails while also doing an intense anaerobic workout. Plus, prancing through the snow — regardless if you’re going fast or slow — can be a heck of a lot of fun.
READ MORE
Competitive snowshoe racers will meet at the 8th annual PowerSox U.S. National Snowshoe Championships on March 9 at Snowbasin Resort in Ogden, Utah. For more information about the race and regional qualifying events, visit www.snowshoeracing.com or xterraplanet.com.
RACE RECAP: OCONEE HERITAGE PARK HALF-MARATHON
On November 25, 2007 in Farmington, Georgia the inaugural XTERRA Oconee Heritage Park Half-Marathon was a race of endurance that was backed by compassion. Maybe it was the leftover warm feeling of Thanksgiving that spilled over to Sunday’s race or the giddiness that the holidays are just around the corner.
But whatever the reason, there was a sense of unity with everyone from the individuals that laced up and ran the 21k distance to the volunteers from the US Marine Corps.
However, the overall race winner was the Toys for Tots Organization, not only did proceeds from the event benefit this worthy cause, but the US Marine Corps had to work hard loading the boxes and boxes of toys donated at the event.
A special thanks goes out to all of the participants, volunteers and gift givers – you guys rock!
Oconee Heritage Park Half-Marathon Race Results
GIVE ME FIVE: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TRAINING & RACE UPDATES
The XTERRA Crystal Cove Trail Run on December 16, 2007 -- is SOLD OUT. Sorry, there will be no race day or additional registrations for this event
- But have no fear – signed up or not, you can still participate in the next two Fleet Feet Laguna Niguel training runs on Sunday December 2nd and Sunday December 9th. Both runs will start and finish at the Reef Point Parking lot on the Ocean side of PCH. Start time is promptly at 8AM.
- This can help tune you up for the next open event, the XTERRA Boney Mountain Trail Run on January 12, 2008 - a killer 21k or 6k run in thousand Oaks, CA. **This race was originally set for Oct. 6th and rescheduled due to the fires.
Register Here
- Racers in the Crystal Cove event can pick up an optional packet/goodie bag at Fleet Feet Laguna Niguel on December 15th from 2pm - 5pm. The store is located at 32411 Golden Lantern Suite H (Next to Pier 1 Imports), Laguna Niguel, CA. 92677, Phone: (949) 488-3356.
- The same day, racers signed up for both the XTERRA Crystal Cove Trail Run and the XTERRA Boney Mountain Race, can get 15% discount on all XTERRA Gear and Trail Running Shoes!!
For all that is SoCal XTERRA visit: www.trailrace.com
XTERRA GEAR: WARM AND FUZZY
For running on the track or running errands, this stylish mid-weight jacket is the perfect choice. Take your pick of black, blue and tomato colors in a men and women’s cut.
Inside is a soft “Anti Pill” Fleece, with a waterproof and wind resistant outer membrane. The 4-way stretch material is woven bonded with Honeycomb micro-fiber fleece. Light and warm, this jacket hides a hood under the collar for unexpected rains.
P.S. This makes a fabulous gift for your loved ones!
WWW.XTERRAGEAR.COM
