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!

Big News!

The most important news is that I have accepted a job at a major institution of higher education and will be relocating to Phoenix, Arizona. This is an incredible professional opportunity and it brings me closer to my in-laws (who are fabulous), and to a climate where I can be outside year round. This move and new position are certainly challenges to my goals of racing and competing for a spot at XTERRA US Nationals in November. With only one XTERRA event complete (9th place), I am currently in 22nd place in the SE region. There are plenty of races left in the season, but only the top 10 from the SE qualify for nationals.
My racing schedule is undergoing a major overhaul. Check out the new schedule on the right, but the rest of my season comes down to Dawg Days in Little Rock and Snow Valley, CA. These two races will give me three races total and a chance at qualifying for XTERRA Nationals. Of course, I need to finish well in these races –probably top 5 – to have a chance, so training in the coming weeks will be extremely important. Training, packing, and saying goodbye will be hard to do, but I’m sure I’ll find a way. Stay tuned for more updates.