Friday, December 12, 2008

Planning for '09

My last race of 2008 will take place on Sunday and I'm really looking forward to it. I watched Beth (she finished 2nd overall behind Heather Fuhr) and my friend John (he was the overall winner) do this race last year and have been wanting to race this course ever since. It's the Xterra Crystal Cove 15k Trail run. Here's the elevation profile. Looks fun.




Other than that not much going on this week but Xterra did finally release at tentative 2009 schedule. So it's time to start planning. They are changing things up quite a bit this year. Instead of 4 regional championship races there will now be 8 "cup" races. One for each region. I don't know if this is necessarily good news, especially for the pros. There will smaller purses at each cup race than the previous regional championship races. The top 5 races will count for the pros so that's a lot of traveling. So less prize money and more travel ($$$) doesn't sound too good to me.

They have also done a way with some the races/venues. There will no longer be a race in Temecula (my home course) or Richmond, Va (one of the best courses on the circuit). Nationals will also moving from Tahoe to Snow Basin, UT.

I don't know how it's all going to shake out this year, but I do know that I am going to have a very interesting race schedule with all kinds of races... and a lot of running! I am still working on it and it's getting pretty excited. I will definitely be taking a different approach to next year than I have in the past.

11 comments:

ll said...

a different approach is often times a good thing! though you don't seem to have too many things broken! so don't change too much! never change a winning team..

Rachel said...

Just got caught up on your blog. You've really inspired me and Brent to try some Xterra races. They sound like so much fun.

Congrats to Beth on her marathon. And congrats to you for your outstanding performance at World's! You guys are the championship couple! Very impressive.

Sarah said...

I'm glad to see somebody else doesn't quite have their schedule together yet, either!

Beth keeps bugging me about posting my race schedule!!! :)

I'm starting to get some ideas, but like you, just know it's going to be different...

GOOD LUCK ON SUNDAY, JAMES!

Nikee Pomper said...

The 15K elevation chart looks pretty gnarly. Good Luck

I'm thinking Burgers and Beers should happen pretty soon. I will consult with Denner.

Maybe we can do a Burgers, Beers, and Tacky Holiday Sweater Get Together?

Luke said...

yeah...sure does blow that they moved the west champs venue! one step back for vail lake.

looking forward to your '09 conquest! should be a great year for all of us!!

Dan said...

Have a great last race of 08!

Rodney said...

Best of luck on Sunday. Hopefully all of the rain will hold off until you are done.

I was motivated to read your blog and I am getting ready for '09 as well. Thanks for the kick in the butt.

Gail said...

Oh disappointment over the cancellation of Richmond. It was the hilite of my summer. Good Luck on Sunday, call us when your done.

Beth way to go we are so proud, Now we have two champs in the family

Love Mom

jakesmom said...

That blows about Temecula - great spectator venue and Richmond - the first year I could have made it out! Looks like we will be heading to Vegas in May for the one race we can actually attend next year. Guess this means the whole family HAS to go to Maui in October...

Anonymous said...

Hold that thought on Vail Lake for 2009. They haven't yet announced where the southwest cup is going to be.

Gordon said...

Stop by the shop this week. I will have more info on Sponsorship.