...And why I love them!
Vitargo is my choice fuel for training and racing. It's a sugar-free, starch-based carb that's ideal for pre, intra, and post activity. It's simply the fastest fuel to be absorbed and reach the muscles and it doesn't cause any bloating. It can also be mixed in various concentrations to suit your needs. Each batch is tested for banned substances and gluten, a unique quality aspect. You really can't ask for more!
If you're even a tiny bit serious about training, you need power data. Riding without it is riding blind. Power gives specificity to your workouts, and objectivity to your performance. Thankfully there is one company that makes the choice easy: PowerTap. Why? PowerTap simply offers an unrivaled combination of simplicity, accuracy, reliability, affordability, and customer service. They now have meters available in pedals, chainring, and hub options!
I've been a long time fan of Blueseventy's wetsuits and training gear. After using two other brands of wetsuits and not being pleased with their quality or fit, I came to Blueseventy and never looked back. Great sizing options for various body types, great shoulder mobility, and super fast through the water. And their training trunks? I can't believe how long they stand up to chlorine, and they come in fun designs. At one masters swim I got to be known as candy stripes...
CycleOps is one of the most trusted trainer brands in the industry. And for good reason. They are sturdy, quiet, and offer great resistance. I use their PowerBeam trainer for over half of my cycling training. It is a resistance controlled trainer. I can program in my workout, and the resistance adjusts on it's own. This makes super hard interval sessions much easier because all you have to do is pedal. No need to worry about the effort or clock, just pedal and watch Netflix! I also recommend the Mag and Fluid2 trainers; great options at a lower price point.
The engineers at Red Shift have created a system to help those on a road bike, get into an aero position . The Switch Aero System consists of clip on aerobars and a dual position seat post. The aerobars can be attached/removed with a simple quick release, and the dual position seat post can be switched in a moment even while riding. This allows you to get that tri position, without having to sacrifice your traditional road position. Group rides or triathlons, do it all on one bike!
Base Performance makes my go to salts, which are essential for proper neuromuscular function and preventing cramps. Take Base salts, and you'll stay stronger through the second half of the run. It comes in tubes that you take a lick of as needed. The conditions vary need, but I typically take 2 licks every 10 miles on the bike, and 1 lick every mile on the run.