Passed the Sports Nutrition TestApproved Team Elite Member

Richard Burgunder
Team Elite - Running, United States

RSS Powerblog

Making History XTERRA Style

After overcoming a year full of adversity in 2010, I managed to construct a miraculous comeback to win two consecutive XTERRA Trail Run Series Regional Championships this season. I've been enjoying an amazing year and am now proudly a 3x XTERRA Trail Run Series Regional Champion. With an impressive age group victory at XTERRA Leave No Trace 21km, which was race seven of seven of the XTERRA Northern Ohio Trail Run Series, I was able to successfully secure my third consecutive trail run series regional championship. I also won the XTERRA Pocono Trail Run Series, which was held in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern PA. I am now the first runner in XTERRA Trail Run history two win titles in two different states in the same year. Earlier in the year, I set out to win five consecutive regional championship titles, and now, that dream is slowly becoming a reality. It's been an incredible ride, to say the least.

My XTERRA Trail Run Series Regional Championship Titles include:

  • 2011 XTERRA Northern Ohio Trail Run Series Regional Champion
  • 2011 XTERRA Pocono Trail Run Series Regional Champion
  • 2009 XTERRA New England Trail Run Series Regional Champion

History Made: Two XTERRA Regional Championship Certificates in 2011
Photo by © Nea Bristol

A recap of results and various media from throughout this epic season:

2011 XTERRA Northern Ohio Trail Run Series Regional Champion

XTERRA Nationals: Burgunder Brings Two Regional Titles to Utah
XTERRA Press Release
Burgunder has a growing list of XTERRA Championships
RunnersWeb.com Press Release
Burgunder Champion
Naples Daily News Press Release
XTERRA Leave No Trace 21km (Northern Ohio Series Race #7) - 6th (1st Male 30-39)
XTERRA Press Release
Former Naples Resident Burgunder Bounces Back From Injuries
Naples Daily News Press Release
XTERRA Oak Hill 8km (Northern Ohio Series Race #6) - 4th (1st Male 30-39)
XTERRA Girdled Road 10km (Northern Ohio Series Race #5) - 7th (3rd Male 30-39)
XTERRA Mohican 19km (Northern Ohio Series Race #4) - 5th (1st Male 30-39)
XTERRA Chapin Forest 8km (Northern Ohio Series Race #3) - 9th (1st Male 30-34)
XTERRA Vulture's Knob 15km (Northern Ohio North Series Race #1) - 6th (2nd Male 30-39)
XTERRA Press Release

2011 XTERRA Pocono Trail Run Series Regional Champion

XTERRA Pocono Trail Run Series Champion: Richard Burgunder
XTERRA Press Release
2011 XTERRA Pocono Trail Run Series Regional Champion
XTERRA Press Release
XTERRA Gouldsboro 10km (Pocono Series Race #4) - 1st Overall
A Breakthrough XTERRA Win for Burgunder at Gouldsboro
XTERRA Press Release
XTERRA Seven Tubs 5km (Pocono Series Race #2) - 2nd (1st Male 30-39)
XTERRA Press Release
XTERRA Mount Pocono 5k (Pocono Series Race #1) - 3rd (1st Male 30-39)
XTERRA Press Release

Misc. XTERRA Races


XTERRA Echothon 10km (Southern Ohio Series Race #1) - 6th (2nd Male 30-34)
XTERRA Press Release
XTERRA West Championship - Trail Run 21km - 12th (3rd Male 30-34)
XTERRA Press Release
USATF Oregon Mountain, Ultra and Trail Press Release

I've made the podium in eleven consecutive XTERRA races and have earned 962 out of a possible 1,000 points in non-championship events, which equates to a 96% winning percentage.

Again, I'd like to thank all of my fans and sponsors for all of your amazing support throughout this journey. I'd like to especially thank PowerBar for their great sports nutrition products that have helped me to keep going through an exhausting travel and race season. Also, I'd like to thank XTERRA for their continued support, and my newest athletic sponsor, Michelob ULTRA. And most importantly, a huge thanks to my amazing family and girlfriend for encouraging me to never give up, no matter what.

See you in Odgen!

Posted By: Richard  Burgunder On 18 Sep 2011 AT 8:42 PM | 0 COMMENTS
Topics: General, Pre-Workout, C2MAX, Recovery, Energy, Fat, Caffeine, Muscle, Carbohydrates, Competition, Endurance, Events, Fitness, Nutrition, Nutrition advice, Performance, PowerBar, PowerBar products, Sports psychology, Team Elite, Training, Training advice
External Url: http://richardburgunder.blogspot.com/2011/09/making-history-xterra-style.html

Summer Race Season Updates, another XTERRA Trail Running Regional Title, and an exciting new athletic sponsorship with M

With the summer race season in full swing, I've been embraced by immense success, thus far, during the 2011 season. As of recently, I've been crowned the 2011 XTERRA Pocono Trail Run Series Regional Champion, which is my second consecutive XTERRA Regional Title. Also, Michelob ULTRA and I have partnered up for an exciting new athletic endorsement opportunity. Additionally, I have started to receive some pictures back from the Nea Bristol photo shoot. With championship season fast approaching, there's a lot of excitement this this year and I'd like to share some exciting new updates with you.
 
Sponsorship and Partnerships

As of late, I have signed an athletic endorsement with Michelob ULTRA. Team Michelob Ultra is comprised of elite and top age group athletes who are advocates of an active and healthy lifestyle. Michelob ULTRA is a superior light beer with only 95 calories, 2.6g carbs, 0.6g protein, and 0.0g fat per 12 oz. Please become a fan of Michelob ULTRA on Facebook!






Race Results

2011 XTERRA Pocono Trail Run Series Regional ChampionXTERRA Press ReleaseXTERRA Mohican 19km (Ohio Series Race #4) - 5th (1st Male 30-39)XTERRA Chapin Forest 8km (Ohio Series Race #3) - 9th (1st Male 30-34)XTERRA Gouldsboro 10km (Pocono Series Race #4) - 1st OverallXTERRA Press ReleaseXTERRA Vulture's Knob 15km (Ohio North Series Race #1) - 6th (2nd Male 30-39)XTERRA Press ReleaseXTERRA Seven Tubs 5km (Pocono Series Race #2) - 2nd (1st Male 30-39)XTERRA Press ReleaseXTERRA Mount Pocono 5k (Pocono Series Race #1) - 3rd (1st Male 30-39)XTERRA Press ReleaseXTERRA Echothon 10km (Ohio South Series Race #1) - 6th (2nd Male 30-34)XTERRA Press ReleaseXTERRA West Championship - Trail Run 21km - 12th (3rd Male 30-34)XTERRA Press ReleaseUSATF Oregon Mountain, Ultra and Trail Press ReleasePittsburgh Climb for Air Stair Climbing Race - 4th (2nd Male 30-39)Empire State Building Run-Up (Stair Climbing World Championship) - 89thCBS Early Show Appearance

I've made the podium in eight consecutive XTERRA races and have earned 680 out of a possible 700 points in non-championship events, which equates to a 97% winning percentage. 
Track & Field Contributor at Access Athletes


I'm continuing to write for Access Athletes as the Track & Field expert contributor. Access Athletes is the trusted educational resource for elite athletes. I interview track & field professional and elite athletes, as well as coaches. Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jamaican 400 Meter Track Star and 2012 Olympic Hopeful Dominique Blake.

Photo Shoot

I have recently shot with world-renowned photographer, Nea Bristol, who specializes in art photography. She is highly trained and skilled in both traditional film photography and fine arts. The pictures will be finalized in the next couple of weeks.

© Nea Bristol 2011
© Nea Bristol 2011
New Company

My new sports consulting and marketing company will be fully launched by the end of summer. The stakes are set very high for this company and we plan on bidding to work the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, along with providing support to many other extreme sporting events globally. 

The company’s niche market will include the extreme, endurance, and adventure sports industries.

New Websites

After almost a year since I took my former athlete site down, I will be launching my new website by early fall. It will be a work of art and has an industrial theme. The new corporate site will also be launched in the near future. 

Once the company is fully launched, I am considering sponsoring a select group of extreme sports athletes to further brand my firm. Stay tuned!

Spring Race Season Updates and News!

With the 2011 race season well underway, the future is starting to look very exciting. After a very disappointing 2010 season that just didn't work out the way I had hoped, I have finally found the key to success again. As the result of becoming more focused and confident, my race results have improved tremendously. In addition to racing, there's a lot to look forward to this year and I'd like to share some exciting updates with you.

Race Results
XTERRA Gouldsboro 10km (Pocono Series Race #4) - 1st Overall
Note: Unofficially the 2011 XTERRA Pononos Trail Run Series Regional Champion
XTERRA Press Release
XTERRA Vulture's Knob 15km (Ohio North Series Race #1) - 6th (2nd Male 30-39)
XTERRA Press Release
XTERRA Seven Tubs 5km (Pocono Series Race #2) - 2nd (1st Male 30-39)
XTERRA Press Release
XTERRA Mount Pocono 5k (Pocono Series Race #1) - 3rd (1st Male 30-39)
XTERRA Press Release
XTERRA Echothon 10km (Ohio South Series Race #1) - 6th (2nd Male 30-34)
XTERRA Press Release
XTERRA West Championship - Trail Run 21km - 12th (3rd Male 30-34)
XTERRA Press Release
USATF Oregon Mountain, Ultra and Trail Press Release
Pittsburgh Climb for Air Stair Climbing Race - 4th (2nd Male 30-39)
Empire State Building Run-Up (Stair Climbing World Championship) - 89th
CBS Early Show Appearance

Sponsorship and Partnerships

As of late, I have re-signed as an ambassador to Team XTERRA Trail Run (XTR) and TCC Adventures. Both XTERRA and TCC Adventures are outstanding organizations that put on some of the most exhilarating and challenging adventure races in the most exotic locations in the world.
XTERRA is on a mission to produce the most recognizable, enjoyable, root slipping, mud hopping, tree ducking, river crossing, hill climbing, dirt on your shirt, sweat in your eye trail runs this side of Grandma’s house! More than 50 races across the U.S. comprise the XTERRA Trail Run Series and offer age group athletes the opportunity to become regional champions. XTERRA will also crown National Champions in Ogden, Utah and World Champions in Oahu, Hawaii.
TCC’s events bring together a community of like-minded runners, travelers, and adventure seekers, providing an opportunity to create life-long memories and lasting friendships one challenging adventure at a time. For nearly a decade we have welcomed runners who embrace new challenges, tough terrain and a deeper connection with other cultures while on a journey of discovery.
In addition, other partnership opportunities are being finalized for the 2011-2012 race season.

Track & Field Contributor at Access Athletes





I'm continuing to write for Access Athletes as the Track & Field expert contributor. Access Athletes is the trusted educational resource for elite athletes. I interview track & field professional and elite athletes, as well as coaches.  Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing legendary Track & Field Coach and Director of Penn State’s Track & Field programs, Beth Alford-Sullivan. I have also interviewed elite marathoner Darran Bilton of the UK, who has won four consecutive Masters titles at the London Marathon. Recently, I finished interviewing a former NCAA champion sprinter and Jamaican super-star athlete who has their eye on Olympic Gold. Stay tuned for their feature to be published in the very near future!

Photo Shoot

I have recently shot with world-renowned photographer, Nea Bristol, who specializes in art photography. She is highly trained and skilled in both traditional film photography and fine arts. The pictures will be released in the upcoming week.

New Company

My new sports consulting and marketing company will be fully launched in the upcoming month. The stakes are set very high for this company and we plan on bidding to work the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, along with providing support to many other extreme sporting events globally. 

The company’s niche market will include the extreme, endurance, and adventure sports industries. 

New Websites

After almost a year since I took my former athlete site down, I will be launching my new website in the next two weeks. It will be a work of art and has an industrial theme. The new corporate site will also be launched in the near future. 

Once the company is fully launched, I am considering sponsoring a select group of extreme sports athletes to further brand my firm. Also, I will consider bringing on some fall interns to help with market research analysis and sponsorship activation. Stay tuned!

Posted By: Richard  Burgunder On 25 Jun 2011 AT 12:02 PM | 0 COMMENTS
Topics: General, Hydration, C2MAX, Supplements, Recovery, Energy, Carbohydrates, Competition, Endurance, Events, Fitness, Nutrition, Performance, PowerBar, PowerBar products, Sports psychology, Team, Team Elite, Training, Travel
External Url: http://richardburgunder.blogspot.com/2011/05/spring-race-season-updates-and-news.html

XTERRA West Championship - Trail Run 21km and Red Rock Canyon Adventure

I recently had the opportunity to travel out west to participate in the XTERRA West Championship and Lake Las Vegas Trail Runs. This was a spectacular off-road event held in the Desert Mountains, right outside of Las Vegas. With great prizes at stake, more than 150 runners representing 17 states, Japan, Mexico, Canada, and Costa Rica took part in the races. There were many top tier elite athletes competing - from XTERRA all-stars, a former USATF Masters Mountain Runner of the Year, and some Olympic Marathon Trial hopefuls.  A great pre-race press release was posted on the weekly XTERRA Trail Mix Newsletter; Las Vegas Trail Runs Fast Approaching. After a grueling race throughout the desert, I finished 12th (3rd Male 30-34). While this wasn't my desired finish, I was happy with it after enduring knee injuries throughout winter training. I’m anxiously looking forward to this year’s XTERRA Trail Running season, and many great things are to come.

On the podium for the 30-34 age group, along with the overall winners. Me, fellow XTERRA Ambassador Rachel Cieslewicz (Utah), Jeffrey Moreland (NV), Tracy Joslin (VT) and Fujio Miyachi (Japan)
Lake Las Vegas

On Sunday, I helped with the videography of the XTERRA West Off-Road Triathlon Championship. This was another great event, and I had a blast running all around the desert in a 4x4 Pathfinder, covering great athletes such as Conrad and Mel.
The start of the XTERRA West Championship Off-Road Triathlon

Following the XTERRA West Championship, I headed out to Red Rock Canyon for some adventure. After hearing so many great things about the natural beauty of this national park, I couldn't wait to see if for myself. 
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Red Rock Canyon

I arrived at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area a little after noon, and made my first stop at the visitor center to pick-up a map and obtain some information on the park. I decided to fast-pack the Grand Circle Loop, and try out some additional trails.  The Grand Circle Adventure is an 11.37 mile trail that starts at the visitor center and circles around the entire canyon. Over four miles of it goes through the desert, then circles around rugged White Rock Mountain, where big horn sheep, mule deer, and mountain lions roam, then comes down the canyon along the Calico overlooks.  It was an absolutely beautiful experience, and I definitely had my work cut out for me after such a grueling race, and then also running around the desert for hours while doing videography, only hours earlier.  During my adventure, I explored some unmarked trails that added several miles to my trip, and near the end, I started to experience some dehydration issues, but luckily was able to hitch a ride back to my car with some great locals, who also provided me we some additional water, which I was completely out of. Thanks again if you’re reading this!
Red Rock Canyon - Calico


Red Rock Canyon Video
Grand Circle Trail Loop - White Rock Mountain


Later in the evening, I went out partying and exploring “Sin City” with the group from USA Hostel, where I was staying. We had a fun group, with people from Europe, Australia, and throughout the United States. Our night was wild, from hitting up roof-top clubs through VIP admittance, spending time at numerous casinos and bars, such as The Mirage, New York, NY, The Cosmo, Sapphire (World’s Largest Strip Club), and more.  Luckily, I only came home sunburned, and not broke.
For anyone looking for a great adventure and loads of fun, I highly recommend the XTERRA West Championship and Lake Las Vegas Trail Runs. For more information on XTERRA Off-Road adventures, visit their site at XTERRAPlanet.com Hope to see you there next year!

2011 Fight for Air Climb - Pittsburgh

I finished 4th out of 237 (2nd Male 30-39) and our team, the Pittsburgh Stairlers, won multiple awards. We had the top male and female overall finishers, top fundraising team, top fundraising individual, most team spirit, largest team, and multiple age group awards. The race was up 37 flights of stairs, held at the Gulf Building in Pittsburgh. The Fight for Air Climb has risen over $51,000 so far to benefit American Lung Association programs. Great job everyone!

Our team rocked! 1st place overall Male, 1st place overall Female, top fundraising team, top fundraising individual, largest team, most team spirit!

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LOCATION

Pennsylvania, United States

NETWORKS

Team Elite Running, Athletes/Active Lifestyle

ABOUT ME

I’m a professional adventure and extreme sports athlete focusing on the XTERRA Trail Runni…MORE