SoCal Series Champion: Melissa Vazquez

Consistency can count for a lot in trail running. Melissa Vazquez is proof of that.

After a consistent 2011-12 season in the XTERRA SoCal Trail Run Series, Vazquez ran away with the age-group championship for the female 35-39 division. As a result, she will represent SoCal at the 2012 XTERRA Trail Run National Championship on September 23 at the Snowbasin Resort near Ogden, Utah.

"I have never run in Utah before and it is known for its picturesque scenery, but what I am looking forward to most is the overall experience with the other participants," said Vazquez, who resides in Chino Hills, California. "I'm sure there is a lot I should be concerned about but I am just going to relax, take it all in, and enjoy!"

Vazquez ran in all seven races of the 2011-12 XTERRA SoCal Series. She placed first in her age group at three of those races, and placed second in two others. It should be noted that the SoCal Series is one of the most popular trail running series in the nation, and Vazquez beat out more than 100 other ladies just in her age division throughout the duration of the season.

"Each race in the SoCal Series had something unique to offer," she said. "The best part was, while the trails were not too far from where I live, I probably would have never visited each of them if I had not signed up for the races. It was great to mix things up and experience a new run at some amazing locations."

Now, she will gain a new experience in Utah, as this will be her first time entering the XTERRA Trail Run Nationals. She is going in with modest expectations for herself.

"I have no previous national or international race experience," Vazquez said. "I am sure I am going to get smoked by the other runners, but I am still excited to be there."

Vazquez is a wife and mother of two children, and everyone in the family enjoys running. Her husband, Alfredo, will also run at the XTERRA Trail Run Nationals.

The XTERRA SoCal Series concluded in April, and Vazquez said she has not had much time to train since then, mostly due to work commitments. She works as an implementation manager for Illuminate Education, which creates products and services for teachers and schools.

Regardless of how she does in Utah, she said 2012 will be a memorable year for her because of the friendships she made at the XTERRA races. "That is what is so great about XTERRA, everybody is very encouraging," she said. "I'm not sure if any of the others are coming to Utah, but it would be fantastic to see them again.  If not there is always next year since I am planning to do the series again."

The XTERRA Trail Run National Championship is open to runners of all ages and skill levels, and there will be three courses to accommodate the various levels of runners - a 21K championship course, a 10K and a 5K.

Online registration is OPEN HERE. To learn more about the race, please visit www.xterratrailrun.com.

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