JOSIAH MIDDAUGH: SNOWSHOEING CHAMPION

Josiah Middaugh (right) proves there is no off-season for running. As one of America’s best XTERRA off-road triathletes, Josiah certainly excels in many areas, but his specialty turns out to be snowshoeing. At the March 9th U.S. National Snowshoe Championship in correlation with the XTERRA Winter World Championship in Snowbasin, UT, Josiah dominated the event taking home his third title. This 5-time North American Snowshoe champ demonstrates that running can be a year-round sport. So instead of taking a break during those blustery winter months, strap on a pair of snowshoes and keep running!

MORE INFORMATION ON XTERRA WINTER

TIPS FROM THE TOP: "HAVE FUN. BE FIT. RUN FAST!"

Chris Wiley has become known as an XTERRA Georgia Trail Run Series phenomenon. After winning both the XTERRA Runnin’ the Rocks in Conyers, GA and the XTERRA Thrill in the Hills in Winder, GA, the Atlanta-resident finally slows down to give us some tips on training and tell us how he pushes himself to the front of the pack.

About Chris
“I am 39, married with three kids and am the co-owner of OZ Pizza in the Atlanta area. My background is in college cross-country running and mountain bike racing at the top level.

Training Schedule
“I train 40-50 miles a week with 3 days a week on trails and only 2 days running on pavement. I don’t do any track speed work because that is not fun to me, and I am all about having fun while training for any event. I love going up hills, so hill repeats and runs with long hills are a big part of my training. I train 2 days with friends and 3 days by myself.”

Diet
“My diet is pretty simple. I don’t really have any secrets other than oatmeal is my pre-race favorite.”

Tips for successful trail running
“In my opinion, you must train on the trails to simulate racing on the trails. Running the rocks, roots, downhills and learning how to run through the corners is extremely helpful; plus it’s softer than concrete.

Don’t train too hard on your easy days. Go easy on the easy days and go HARD on the hard days. In the diet category, make sure to eat foods that are good for you and refuel your body after workouts.”

“Doing the XTERRA races are really a blast! Great events, cool people and really tough courses.”

SAVE TOPANGA STATE PARK!

Runners of southern California may soon find it difficult to go running through their local park. California’s state government has given the recommendation to close 48 state parks in an effort to balance the budget. One of these precious pieces of land is Topanga State Park, host of the XTERRA Topanga Turkey Trot for the last 27 years. Residents of Los Angeles County against these park closures are being called to help by contacting the Governor and state representatives in an effort to keep the parks operational. Visit http://SaveTopangaStatePark.org for more information and help save our parks!

RUNNER'S SPOTLIGHT: BRANDON JESSUP

Brandon Jessop is a faithful follower of XTERRA having competed in 12 XTERRA trail runs and triathlons over the last 3 years. Traveling all the way from Madeira, OH to compete in the XTERRA Thrill in the Hills Xduro in Winder, GA on March 1, Brandon took second place but not before giving winner Chris Wiley a run for his money. After returning home, Brandon checks in to tell us about his running career.

XTERRA: How long have you been running?
I started running in high school about 15 years ago in Kearney, Nebraska. I started trail running about 10 years ago while at Kansas State.

XTERRA: What is the best part about trail running?
Being somewhere new…getting lost.

XTERRA: What makes up your running schedule?
I constantly change my running routine to avoid monotony.

XTERRA: What advice would you give others just starting out in the world of trail running?
I would tell them to bring a friend. Running with friends is the best way to stay motivated and have fun.

XTERRA: How does trail running help you in other areas of life?
I use trail running as an escape. It helps me find release from my everyday life.

XTERRA: What is your favorite XTERRA memory?
Each of the races I have done has its own unique memory, but the one that stands out the most is the XTERRA EX2 triathlon. Five miles into the bike leg, I was stuck on the side of the road attempting to fix my bike. My hands were shaking with adrenaline from the crash that happened just moments ago. I wasn’t thinking too clearly considering I flipped over the handlebars on one of the rocky descents, resulting in my worst crash ever. I realized I was wasting valuable minutes working on my bike, so for the next nine miles I was jumping between three gears. The epiphany came to me as I was working on my bike that this is what XTERRA is all about. No matter how much preparation you put forth, you’ll always need a little luck.

XTERRA trail runs are…?
…more fun than you’ll have on any on-road race.

To nominate yourself or someone else for Runner Spotlight, email emily@xterraplanet.com

XTERRA GEAR

The Terra Girl Discipline Bag line is the ultimate resource in organizing your training gear. From waterproof shoe pockets and linings to removable shoulder straps, XTERRA has thought of every feature to make your workout routine hassle free.

 

WWW.XTERRAGEAR.COM

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