RACE RECAPS

XTERRA Seven Islands Trail Run

XTERRA kicked off its 2008 Tennessee Trail Run Series with the Seven Islands Trail Run 10k on March 22. Coming in on top for the men’s and women’s divisions were locals Jeremy Donahue, 26, with a time of 37:08 and Patricia Smith, 34, coming in at 39:31.

A perfect cool yet sunny day at the Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge set the stage as runners from seven states ranging from ages 14-63 took to the trails.

Next up for the Tennessee Series is the XTERRA Forks of the River Trail Run 10k on May 18 in Knoxville.

XTERRA Chanoko Trail Run

Northern California’s Folsom Lake hosted the XTERRA Chanoko Trail Run 16k held on March 29. Ace Ware, 26, came in first for the men’s division with his time of 1:02:36. For the women, Sarah Raitter, 36, of Reno, Nevada led the pack coming in at 1:05:47. The youngest runner to cross the finish line was Reaghan Emrick, 12, from El Dorado Hills, CA with her time of 1:32:49. The beautiful, single-track course with its rolling hills gave participants a “true trail runner’s course” according to one runner. Congratulations to everyone who competed.

 

Photo: Gene Murrieta    

XTERRA Dirt Dash Trail Run

XTERRA’s Oregon Trail Run Series made its 2008 debut with the XTERRA Dirt Dash Trail Run on March 30 in Forest Grove, Oregon. With 35-degree temperatures and a mixture of snow, hail and rain, runners were up against more than the typical climbing hills and rocky terrain XTERRA usually offers. Portland residents Richard Bolt, 37, and Mandy Giblin, 33, won with their times of 43:02 and 53:42 respectively.

Next up for the Oregon Series is the XTERRA Havoc at the Hideout Trail Run 8k on May 17 in North Plains, Oregon.

 

Mandy Giblin at the Finish Line    

New England…here we come!

XTERRA is invading the Northeast for its next two races. Up next for the XTERRA Trail Run Series:
                                   
4/12/08
XTERRA Merrimack River Trail Run 16k
4/20/08
XTERRA Muddy Moose Xduro 6k/22k

 

Visit www.xterratrailrun.com for the complete XTERRA Trail Run Series schedule.

TIPS FROM THE TOP: "TRAIL TIPS FOR THE BEGINNER" BY NANCY HOBBS

Nancy Hobbs, co-author of the Ultimate Guide to Trail Running, founder and executive director of the American Trail Running Association, and chairperson of the USATF Mountain Ultra Trail Running Council became hooked on trails over 20 years ago when a running partner introduced her to off-road terrain.  From her experience as an administrator, and more importantly a competitive trail runner, she offers beginners 10 tips for the trails.

1. Time versus Distance: Since much of the terrain inherent to trail running has elements that potentially slow you down such as mud, loose rocks and gravel, tree roots, and significant elevation changes, it’s a great idea to think about your run in terms of time, not distance. If you run five miles on the road at 10 minute pace, that may translate to 15-20 minutes per mile on a tough trail route. Your five mile run may take you two hours!
2. Walking is OK: Since you’ll experience great scenery and wonderful vistas, stop to enjoy them. There is no rule that says you have to run every step of the trail. If the conditions get too gnarly, it’s better to slow down and walk rather than plow through uncomfortable terrain and risk injury. When starting out a run-walk-run format is advisable especially on trails with significant ups and downs.
3. Eyes on the Trail: Plan your foot placement a few steps out, something that will become more natural to you as you get more comfortable on the trails and your proprioceptors start to kick in. If you want to enjoy the scenery around you, remember to stop and embrace your surroundings instead of risking a fall from taking your eyes from the trail.
4. Companionship: Look for an experienced trail running friend to take you out on the trails when you start. You can get some great tips and techniques from an expert to make your experience even better. Running with another person or group creates a wonderful social outing.
5. Attention to Detail: When you are heading out on an unfamiliar trail, take a map and be sure to check for landmarks along the way. Remember that the trail often looks different even on an out and back.
6. Preparation: Dress appropriately for the condition at the start and take along extra gear for what conditions might become. On your longer runs it is important to always be prepared. When you start your two or three hour run it may be sunny and warm to begin with, but clouds may roll in and bring with them snow, wind, rain, or other elements. Hydrate and replace nutrients with energy bars, gels, electrolytes, or food on your longer runs.
7. Footwear: Get a good trail shoe which transitions well from road to trail. The transition shoe is most important if you have to run sections of pavement to reach the trail.
8. Balance: Incorporate flexibility exercises in your stretching routine. You’ll be using some muscles that you haven’t used before and you need to work to strengthen those muscles. Balance and agility are key techniques for trail running.
9. Up/Down: When ascending, get into a gear you know you can maintain for your longer climbs. Be sure to use your entire foot when going uphill as opposed to being a “toe” runner. Your calves will thank you. On downhills, try not to use your breaking muscles and let your cadence flow naturally. If the terrain gets too steep (yet it is a wide trail), use the slalom technique to switchback down the trail.
10. Racing: Pick a trail race and meet like-minded people! Start with a short distance trail race to get comfortable with the sport on a more competitive level.

Visit the American Trail Running Association at www.trailrunner.com for details on membership and to review our comprehensive event calendar. If you have specific trail questions, contact Nancy at trlrunner@aol.com.

RUNNER'S SPOTLIGHT: CORY HOFFMAN

Cory Hoffman is fairly new to the trail running scene, but you could never tell as she tears up the trails. After her first place age group finish at the XTERRA Mission Gorge Trail Run, she gave us some insight to her life on the trails. 

Hometown: San Diego, California
Family: Married with daughter Kaya, 4, and son Curren, 2 ½.
Occupation: Teacher for the deaf/hard of hearing students.

XTERRA: How long have you been running?
I ran for general exercise starting in college but didn’t start taking it seriously until I signed up to do the Rock N’ Roll Marathon two years ago. After the race, my principal, who has run countless marathons and a few ultras, persuaded me to get out on the trail with her. I was hooked instantly.

XTERRA: What is the best part about trail running?
I am seeing parts of San Diego I didn’t know existed (and I was born and raised here). There’s something about the trail that just makes you feel like you’ve escaped to the middle of nowhere. You get to a point where there’s no one around, you can’t hear any of the city noise and you truly feel like you’ve escaped reality for a while.

XTERRA: What motivates you to run?
I love the high I get while running and the sense of accomplishment when I’m done. It’s also the only way for me to stay in shape and stress free. I’ve tried traditional gym workouts, and nothing compares.

XTERRA: What advice would you give others just starting in the world of trail running?
You may have been able to cruise on the road, but once you hit the trail, get ready to be humbled. My best advice is to not expect your normal pavement pace. There’s something soothing about the trail, and it’s nice to throw all of the expectations out and just enjoy it.

XTERRA: What makes up your running schedule?
I haven’t really figured that out yet. Like I said, I’m seeing parts of San Diego I’ve never seen before, and each place I’ve explored has been an adventure. I’d say running in Mt. Palomar was the most picturesque and serene so far. We went early in the morning, saw lots of deer and really got to enjoy parts of the mountain that are now gone after the 2007 fires.

XTERRA: How does trail running help you in other areas of life?
It really keeps me balanced. Life can get crazy with a busy job and my two kids. It doesn’t matter how exhausted I am (or how many times I’ve had to wake up in the middle of the night), I always keep my date with my running shoes. It also makes me a better teacher. I talk with my students about my accomplishments, my failures, my goals, my determination, and my motivation. I let them know that I didn’t discover my niche until I was 30, so I encourage them to be patient and wait. I never thought I’d be a runner and now I can’t imagine not being one.

XTERRA: Tell us about your XTERRA experience.
I have competed in the 2007 and the 2008 XTERRA Mission Gorge 15k Trail Runs. I didn’t know what to expect in 2007, but I was really happy with how I did. I was a little shocked to find out I came in 4th overall. 2008 was amazing. It was so muddy; we were slipping everywhere. I had puddles in my shoes and was soaked to the bone, but that was the best time I’ve ever had. I felt like a little kid again and had not a care in the world. I enjoyed every minute.

XTERRA trail runs are…?
Unpredictable…but I’d have to say that for trail running in general.

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

XTERRA GEAR: APRIL SHOWERS

Don’t let rain ruin your spring training schedule with these Mojave Softshell Jackets. The outside is made of 4-way stretch material with a waterproof and wind resistant membrane perfect for keeping you dry on those drizzly morning runs.

WWW.XTERRAGEAR.COM

 

 

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