>The Joy of First Endurance

>Nutrition products.  As endurance athletes, we all use them, and there’s TONS of options in the marketplace to chose from.

Prior to 2010, I was a Gu guy.  I had tried Heed and Hammer, and neither of them were all that good for me.  I tried Gu, and thought it was the best thing since sliced bread – primarily because it tasted better than the others, and didn’t upset my stomach.

My nutrition world was flipped upside down in 2010 when I was introduced to First Endurance products.  You see, First Endurance was the official nutrition sponsor for Team Trakkers last year.  I was excited, yet a little nervous, to try their products.

Once I actually used their products, however, all concerns were erased.  I freakin’ LOVE their products.  I swear by EFS Liquid Shot and EFS Drink.  I cannot complete a long workout without using Ultragen as a recovery drink.  I’m a fan of PreRace – as I typically need a little caffeine to help me get going.  The flavors are best in class, I’ve never had any wonky stomach problems since I’ve used First Endurance’s products, and I haven’t bonked since!  Honestly, I haven’t tried their other products (MultiV or OptygenHP) sufficiently enough to render any “true” opinion – but I will.

Late last year, I had the opportunity to interview Robert Kunz from First Endurance.  Please check out that inteview here.

I am so very, very excited to announce that First Endurance is part of Gang Green again for 2011 – and again is the official nutrition sponsor for Team Trakkers. 

>Turning a New Leaf

>We’re officially two weeks into the New Year, and I’ve been slightly negligent.  No, no – that’s too harsh.  I’ve been derelict.  No – that’s WAY too mean.  I’ve been…..delayed.  Yeah, that’s it.  Delayed.

Most of you know that during 2010, I was part of Team Trakkers.  It was an awesome experience.  I got to represent some very cool companies.  Companies that I believe in and whose product I used, and loved.  While I think I did a pretty good job of sharing the love last year, I think it’s appropriate to give a formal THANK YOU to my sponsors.  You guys were awesome!

Firstly, major props to Carole Sharpless of Team Trakkers and Charlie Patten at Revolution 3 Triathlon.  Without you guys, this wouldn’t have even been possible.

I fell in love with First Endurance nutrition products throughout the year.  I cannot tell you how much I like Liquid Shot and Ultragen (in fact, an Ultragen smoothie is my favorite recovery drink, even in the midst of winter).  I had never used First Endurance prior to 2010…but I totally loved it, and it’s a staple in my nutrition now.

Saucony was our shoe & apparel sponsor.  I enjoyed wearing a pair of racing flats (Fasttwitch) for the first time since I was in high school.  I was introduced to, and learned to like, my first pair of minimalist shoes (Kinvara).  The racing kit was total awesomeness, and bright green!  One of my new favorite colors!

Tri-Swim and Foggle provided superior anti-chlorine and anti-fog products.  Nothing out there is better at kicking the smell of chlorine than Tri-Swim.  Tri Slide is the best anti-chafe product I’ve used…and it makes getting out of a wetsuit one of the easier parts of T1.

Kestrel was the official bike of Team Trakkers.  I’m anxious and eager to try one of these speed machines!

All3sports.com was our online retail partner.  As you know if you’ve ever ordered anything from All3sports, this is the best triathlon-specific retailer on web!

I did have one non-Trakkers sponsor – Wetsuitrental.com.  I cannot say enough about this wonderful company.  They provide a superior service to athletes who don’t own their own wetsuit!!!

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So now it’s 2011…a new year.  Again, I’m part of Team Trakkers (THANKS AGAIN!), and I’m super excited to represent some very cool companies.

The biggest change in terms of companies is that this year, Avia is our new shoe sponsor!  These are some totally radical looking running shoes, and I cannot wait to get my feet into them!  I’m SO looking forward to trying my new training shoes (AVI LITE III) and racing flats (AVI BOLT)!  Once I get them and get some miles down, I’ll do full write-up reviews and post here.

Kestrel and Rev3 are back on board as well! 

I’ve got to tell you…this whole sponsorship thing is really over the moon for me – I’m not a speed demon.  I don’t podium.  I’m a middle to back-of-the-pack athlete (and relatively proud of it).  Before 2010, I never would have expected to have the opportunity to be sponsored and represent super companies.  I’m honored to be part of this fantastic team.  I can’t wait to share my experiences with you!  Hang on for a great ride!