2012 Pre-Season Recap

Snelling Road Race
Feb 25, 2012
5 laps of 12 mile course
Place: None :P

This is an early season race and very popular as everyone is itching to race. I did the 35+123 with some teammates. The winds increased as the day wore on. Peleton was not letting any breaks go. On the 4th lap crosswinds increased  and the fast pace strung out the field. I was in the second half of the field and I was chopped meaning someone in front of me let a gap open up and the field separated into two. A couple of my teammates continued in the front group so I was pretty much not racing anymore at that point. Teammate Andres Gil finished 2nd though :)

TBF Down and Dirty Duathlon
Mar 3, 2012
2 mile run - 6.5 mile road bike - 2 mile run - 6.5 mile mt bike
Place: 1st Overall

 

This was a fun event and first off road race since my injury last June. (wow its been a while) It was short and fast. Was neck and neck with Dave Hackett I knew it would come down to a mistake on the MTN bike so I kept it together for the win.

Cool Mtn Bike Race

Mar 11, 2012

3 laps of 10 mile course

Pro/Expert division: 5th

Photo by Kirby Photography

Originally was signed up for the Madera Stage race but was coming down with a cold on Friday. So I held out to see how I flt Sunday for the Cool race. After resting all day Saturday, I felt much better Sunday although not 100%. This was a super fun course and the light early rain made the course real soft and grippy but not really muddy (aside from a couple mud pits :D) I suffered tremendously during the race but glad I didnt get sicker (I know that is not a word) the next day. Actually the cold never really went into my lungs and ran its quick course the following week.

Folsom Prison MTB Race

Sunday, Mar 25

3 laps of 6mile course

Pro Open Division: 5th

Was pretty sore from squats and lunges but still posted a competitive time for the 18 mile course. We were expecting cold and rain but actually got great trail conditions and sunshine. I think my training is coming along nicely and credit my coach Jamie Whitmore (gutzytricoaching.com) for what hopefully be a great racing season.

Next Up: XTERRA Real in Granite Bay on Apr 1st. And that will pretty much signal the start of my race season. I am super pumped for 2012!

2012 MDW Cycling Training Camp

Jan. 26-29

Had a great 4 day training camp in Santa Cruz with my Michael David Winery cycling team. Lots of steep climbing, intensity and gorgeous routes. The strong Cat 1 teammates I train with made for a good workouts. If your curious what type of training I did during camp here's a broad outline.

Thurs 2.5hr ride/1hr swim
Fri 4hr ride/30min run
Sat 5.5hr ride
Sun 1.5hr ride/45min run

Paradise Point

I'm in the middle of a base run from Stockton to Paradise Point on the Delta. It's easy to get to, very scenic and there is a general store there.  To get there, take the walking path across the street from Trinity Parkway (across the AGS building) and head east.  It eventually turns to dirt once you cross a gate. Its about 4 miles long. I ran from the walking trail from Thornton rd so its 5 miles from there and a mile or so to there from my house. Ok time to run back home.













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XTERRA USA Championship

Unfortunately I was still sidelined but I still went to this race to support my teammates, Nick Diaz and David Miller. Also was there to promote my title sponsor, Michael David Winery.  We had plenty of prize bottles of 7 Deadly Zins for all the podium finishers and winners.  Even Lance Armstrong raced and finished 5th for a podium finish.  Nico Lebrun won the overall and Im sure he's smoked a whole pack of cigarrettes to celebrate....he's French you know. As for me I will be back next year to mix it up in the pro field. Great day to be a spectator though : )

PS I was going nuts on my twitter page: http://twitter.com/damianxp

 Pro Womens Podium

Lance got a bottle of Zin to go with his prize money.

Pro Mens Podium

Nick Diaz Starting the Run

XTERRA East Championship

XTERRA East Championship
June 12, 2011
Richmond, Va

Picture says 1000 words.   I also injured the left hip so I was laid out for a couple months. The hardest part was mental. Your body gets used to doing nothing. Scary. I am now training again and getting regular bodywork and ultrasound after a couple of months of downtime.  Been riding and running for a few weeks now but just started swimming for the last week. What a relief! So greatful to be able to train again!

XTERRA South Central Championship Preview

Waco, TX

Here is a sneek peek of the awesome course Cameron Park has to offer. This is a great place to mountain bike and is a great destination for riders. A former host for NORBA National Race Series this venue rivals many of the epic trails in the US. It is a dense forest with technical trails constantly twisting and turning forcing you to focus during every pedal stroke.



"Colorado Trail"



"Jacobs Ladder"-Start of Run

"Jacobs Ladder"-Start of Run

"Jacobs Ladder"-Start of Run

"Brazos River"-Swim

XTERRA REAL-Granite Bay, CA

Muddy conditions made the race feel like a summer game of slip and slide. Damian was the 3rd pro to finish despite a broken chain. In the 25-29 age group, David miller finished 2nd and Nick Diaz in 5th.