On My Radar

A lot of things going on in the triathlon/endurance sports world that are on my radar, and I want to share with you guys! So let's do this. It's an eclectic list as you'll see...

Included in this edition:

Extreme Endurance

Betty Designs

Oxylent

Ironman Arizona

~~~

Extreme Endurance
I first learned about Extreme Endurance on Endurance Planet. I was never one to "buy in" to supplements that could reduce the burn and help faster recovery because they either sound illegal or gimicky. EE is neither. It's safe, 100% allowed, and I do believe it makes a difference - as do many elites/pro, even two-time Xterra World Champ Lelsey Paterson who we had on the show earlier this year.

After being on EE consistently for the past year, the biggest difference I see is in recovery. I am able to get back at it faster, and go hard when I need to, when I take 6 EE a day during big training phases. It comes down to consistency and quality training; thus, better race performance - where it really matters. This year I PR'd my time at Vineman and qualified for Vegas 70.3 World Championships. Another way I knew EE worked was when I stopped taking it. At one point this year during a tough phase I stopped taking EE because I ran out. I noticed a change, and not a good one... long story short, let's just say I placed an order immediately once I put 2 and 2 together. One more thing to note: I don't want to give that impression that if you take EE "the burn" from exercise will totally disappear - just doesn't happen. But it can alleviate muscle burn by buffering acid buildup (commonly what we hear as lactic acid burn), allowing you to push harder and longer. (Side note: it's actually the hydrogen ion released from lactic acid that causes burn, but that's another issue. Doesn't change what EE does.)


The ingredients include papain (anti-inflammatory enzymes from papaya), catechins (antioxidants to fight oxidative stress), electrolytes (such as the much-needed magnesium* and potassium), minerals, and bioperine (to enhance absorption). All natural, all safe. Together this combo creates a "secret weapon" to get that little extra edge. Magnesium, in particular, can be a potent buffer to lactic acid.

Personally, I have a big 2013 season planned out with three half-Ironmans spanning from March to Sept, including 70.3 Worlds, topped off with a full Ironman (Tahoe), and you better believe EE will be in my regular routine!

***Nov. 6 Update*** As the host of Endurance Planet, we have a great relationship with the folks at EE, and I'm happy to share an exclusive discount code with you guys for some savings off your Extreme Endurance purchase. Use the code word PLANET at checkout for a 10% discount!

There's one other supplement I'll talk about in a future blog that I take in conjunction with EE. It's very different than what EE offers so the two aren't competing; rather, they complement each other greatly... stay tuned.

~~~

Betty Designs
I've know the Betty Designs mastermind, Kristin Mayer, for a few years now and I love her. So it's pretty easy to love her work too. I especially am a fan of her distinct style. You always know when you see Betty Designs out there - be it a tri kit, swimsuit, cycling outfit, etc. Endurance sports need more pizzazz in the fashion department, and Kristin stepped in to offer just that.

Personally, I recently got my hands on a rad Betty Designs one-piece swimsuit. Normally I'm all about the bikinis, being a SoCal girl, but it's getting chilly enough where I'd now like to have a one-piece in the rotation. Not only do I love the suit I got, but I love the service: I ordered the size I thought I'd need, but because Kristin knows me, she sent me the real size I needed. Of course, she was right on size, and I would have been totally wrong! Love that.

I also love that Kristin live the sport - not only a top triathlete, but she's everywhere in the industry at significant triathlon/sports gathering that's going on from Kona to California and I'm sure everywhere else. That said, you know she's going to put out a quality product that has the athlete's best interest in mind and is something she can stand by. No BS here.

So below is the new suit I just got, and I love it. Wore it today. I have a fun question for you guys: Can you tell who is who here? One is me, one is Kristin! Haha... it's so obvious to me.

Couple more examples of what she offers below (taken from bettydesigns.com). Those colors and designs are just too damn cool...


And even more...



Now I just have to figure out how to get more Betty Designs stuff in my life... kinda like that Lulu habit. Ouch haha.

~~~

Oxylent
I'm a fan of the low-cal hydration tabs (all-day Nuun, Gu tabs, and whatnot), and recently a new form of drink hydration sans calories came on my radar: Oxylent. The folks behind Oxylent put together a great combo of vitamins and minerals in this powder that you easily add to a water bottle, you can see the label by clicking here. What stands out to me: Vitamin D3, B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, L-Arginine, and CoQ10.

Take Vitamin D3, for example, many of us - athletes especially - could be deficient in D3, and/or could use more. D3 aids in skin protection, bone health, cardiovascular health, immunity, anti-inflammation and more.
Also, if you want to see why L-Arginine could be especially good for athletes, read this excellent blog. Hint: similar to the case for beet juice. (Did I mention I love Alex Hutchinson's blog?!)

Here's how I like Oxylent: If I'm travelling or away from my regular routine for a day or so, I will have Oxylent on hand to fill the gap from what I'm not getting in the things I normally take. Sometimes it's hard to pack all your supplements/vitamins wherever you're going, ya know? Plus it tastes amazingly good (better than most vitamin drinks I've tried) without any added sugar or fake stuff. it's made with stevia, natural fruit flavor and beet powder!

Lastly, a word of caution not to scare you but just to put it out there: If you're already taking other vitamins and supplements be sure to be mindful of the dosages you're taking in if you add in Oxylent.

~~~

Ironman Arizona
This may seem kind of random in this "On My Radar" list, but IMAZ totally is on my radar right now! I just finished going over a race plan with one of my athletes who'll be doing his first-ever IM in a couple weeks. This athlete is special to me (he's been around for a while) so I'm making the journey out to AZ myself to be there for him. I'll also be able to get in some business, visit friends and mix up the training scene so it's a win-win all around!

I love being in Tempe. I did my first Oly there (Soma) long before I knew what the hell I was doing. I then visited again for IMAZ in, gosh, can't remember the year. I think it was the last time they had it in April before switching to November. I also was in Tempe for Rock 'n' Roll several years back. Just a great, fun place!

I'll be staying with my lovely friend ER, and can't wait to see her and everyone else who's going to be out there - holler if you're one of them... I want to say hi!

The scene at IMAZ race morning!
Borrowed from the blog, myrunningdoc.blogspot.com. Thanks!

~~~

*More on magnesium in another blog soon. I think this one is important to single out in terms of the scary stat of how deficient we are as a population, and why Mg especially is so important for athletes!