2009 Race Schedule

2009 has arrived, and with it my tentative race schedule for the new year (check it out on the right). I'm excited about the events I've scheduled and even more excited about what may be added along the way. My time line for competition and training is falling into place perfectly, and I can't wait to get back to structured training and racing.

So here's the plan: starting January 5th I end my singlesport running focus and begin hitting the bike and the pool (YES!) with more regularity. I'm racing the PF Chang's Rock'n'Roll Arizona 1/2 Marathon (my first 1/2) on January 18, 2009. I'm going to take the following week for some active recovery and mental prep for a new season of XTERRA.

On January 26, 2009 I begin a 14 week XTERRA focused training plan that I've been working on this holiday season. I'm excited to build on the endurance base that I built in 2008 and bring new technique and knowledge to my training in 2009.

May 2009 will be all about racing. Two XTERRA races and one 12hr MTB race. In june I will take time to rest before begining work on some longer distances in preparation for my first half Ironman. July will bring one more XTERRA, back where it all started for me in Nashville, TN at the XTERRA Lock 4 Blast.

I'm hoping to add some MTB races and epic adventures along the way, like a rim to rim speed hike of the Grand Canyon and some long days on all the new trails I'm discovering here in Prescott, AZ. Functional strength training will be a larger part of my plan in 2009 as I have some great coaching and tools with which to build a more sustained strength program. A big thanks to my sister for that.

Thanks for reading and have a great 2009!

Breaking radio silence...

Blog posts have been few and far between lately, but not because there hasn't been any news related to my plans for XTERRA in 2009. I still haven't decided what role XTERRA will have in my 2009 athletic season, but several things have fallen into place that have me leaning that direction.
1) I miss racing
2) I miss structured training
3) I have a new race bike
4) I have a new all mountain bike
5) I've been working on my running
6) I have a new triathlon coach

Some of these items, like say #6, might seem to suggest that 2009 would be a lock for XTERRA. More details in coming days, but the most important thing may be that I miss racing or at least miss having races to look forward to. The weather here in Arizona is also amazing right now and making me wish I had some structured training to be out doing in this weather instead of 100+ like it was all summer. Anyway, thanks for reading and more updates soon.