RACE RECAP: XTERRA THRILL IN THE HILLS

The half-marathon distance Xduro made its debut over the weekend at the XTERRA Thrill in the Hills in Winder, GA. Three hundred runners from 11 states braved the chilly temperatures to complete the fourth of five races in the XTERRA Georgia Trail Run Series. Once again, Atlanta resident Chris Wiley (38) took the top spot in his second consecutive 2008 Georgia Series win with a time of 1:18:53. In the women’s race, from Cullowee, NC, Leah Nicholson (20) won with her time of 1:37:50. According to race director Tim Schroer, “The race went really well! We had a great turnout.”

Congratulations Chris and Leah!

READ FULL RACE REPORT

RUNNER SPOTLIGHT: PATRICK BALDWIN

A fresh face to the trail racing scene, Patrick has only competed in one XTERRA Trail Run event. But after winning his first attempt in the XTERRA Mission Gorge 15k Trail Run in San Diego on February 3rd, he proved himself as a fierce competitor. Catching up with him after his victory Patrick tells us why he has found a new love for the trails.

Home: Del Mar, CA
Occupation:  Architect
Family: Wife Paula, Mom, Dad and Brother James

XTERRA: How long have you been running? When did you start trail running?
I’ve been running since I was about 15, started in high school cross country. I then ran a few marathons and got hooked on triathlons (and became a tri-geek). I’ve run on trails my whole career as training but just started competing in trail running races this past fall.

XTERRA: What is the best part about trail running?
It has to be getting done and looking back on where you just were and realizing how few people get out in this sort of environment. Sometimes when you drive away, you look at the hills you just conquered and you just smile.

XTERRA: What motivates you to run?
A little bit of fear since I like to compete, a little bit of selfishness because it makes me feel so good, and knowing that when a day starts with a run everything else is more manageable.

XTERRA: What advice would you give others just starting in the world of trail running?
Everyone can do it and enjoy it. The miles go by quickly as there is always something new to see or a new obstacle to deal with. The trails are soft and easy on the knees, you get to see new places, and every run leaves you feeling better than when you started.

XTERRA: What makes up your running schedule?
I’m a big morning person. The coffee maker goes off at 4:10. I read the paper, drink a cup, kiss my wife and am running, biking or swimming by 5:15. Thursday is the big interval day, I run by myself and run intervals based on a countdown timer on my watch. It’s set to 30 second intervals and I just go hard for different lengths of time based on the week. Sunday is the long run with friends on horse trails near my house in Rancho Santa Fe.

XTERRA: Where is your favorite place to go trail running?
My favorite places are the horse trails by my house and the Cuyamaca Mountains just 45 minutes away. Also the trails near Malibu are incredible; so seldom do you get such rugged mountain trails right next to the ocean. However, I still think my favorite trail is the one along the creek near my parent’s house in Minneapolis.

XTERRA: How does trail running help you in other areas of life?
Trail running helps when I’m stressed at work with deadlines. I simply think back to where I was running the past weekend, and everything seems a little more manageable.

XTERRA: What XTERRA events have you competed in?
I’ve only raced in the one event, the XTERRA Mission Gorge Trail Run in San Diego. It was great, though it was a slog-fest through the rain and mud that sticks to your shoes like cake frosting. It was really an adventure – wet, sloppy, and a blast.

XTERRA trail runs are…?
A great place to lose your shoes in the mud and truly earn those post-race pancakes.

XTERRA: What is your favorite XTERRA memory?
It was so rainy and foggy, my heart rate had just settled down after a big climb. I found I was running by myself and couldn’t hear anything but my own footsteps. You could only make out pieces of the mountain slopes around you; it was beautiful. You felt like you were miles and miles away from everything and the only thing that mattered was putting one foot in front of another. Those are the kinds of things that carry you through the rest of life.

XTERRA: Which XTERRA event are you training for now?
I think I’m hooked! I plan on racing the XTERRA West Championship triathlon in Temecula, CA and the rest of the SoCal trail running series. It’s a great way to have fun and get your body in shape.

Thanks Patrick. Good luck with the rest of your season.

If you wish to share your story or nominate another runner,
email emily@xterraplanet.com.

XTERRA GEAR

Dressing for the changing temperatures can be tough. Visit www.xterragear.com for ideas on how to make the transition into spring as easy as possible. This XTERRA Syntrel Hoody is perfect for running outside on those in-between days with its waffle texture designed for comfort and propelling moisture away.  

 

WWW.XTERRAGEAR.COM

For questions about the 2008 XTERRA Trail Run Series Schedule, email emily@xterraplanet.com or visit www.xterratrailrun.com.