Coming up for air...

So I feel like I've been super swamped for the past few weeks, and it doesn't look like there is an end any time soon.  I'm amazed that I've been able to continue to get workouts in, and think the fact that my time is so structured that I'm forced to get workouts in when I can.  Though they aren't as long as I would like them to be, I'm hoping the frequency of workouts will help.  If not, another lesson learned.

I was lucky enough yesterday to get a surprise package from the best sponsor ever...Zoot.  I was at home and the dogs started going nuts...well as it turns out the Fed Ex guy came (Fed Ex only comes on Tues/Thurs...at least those are the only times I've ever seen them come).  The Fed Ex guy walked up with a box of shoes from Zoot.  It's always nice to get a surprise package, and the new Zoot Speed 2.0's are awesome!!!  They feel much better than last years (which were great don't get me wrong), they are still laceless, but feel like your foot doesn't slip around at all.  Can't wait to get into race season to give these shoes an honest effort.

Training has been going well, and I am convinced that there is a direct correlation with my running pace and my weight.  I mean it makes sense that if I'm lighter I'm faster right?  No I'm not going to go and get crazy "runner" skinny, but I have realized that by not eating sweets my runs have been much better.  So maybe it's a combination of what I'm eating along with how much I weigh.  Or maybe it's just my fitness increasing...who knows, but for now I think I'm going to stay off of the sweets (well maybe a little something here and there) and see how that goes.

I have some great Go Pro footage from our trip out to California, so I'll try to get something put together for that soon.

Zoot Ultra Team Camp

This past weekend I went to the Zoot Ultra Team Camp in Carlsbad, CA.  I'm pumped to be racing with the Zoot Ultra Team again this year and once again camp did not disappoint!  I could not ask for a better group of teammates and supporters to be associated with.  Not only are the athletes ridiculously fast, they are also great people.  It was nice to spend some time with the team and to hear what our sponsors had to say.  We have an awesome group of sponsors set up this year, and the vision for the team that was laid out for us is exciting.  This year we'll be working with:

Zoot - By far the best gear in the triathlon world!  From shoes, to apparel to wetsuits, and casual gear Zoot is head and shoulders above the rest of the competition.  Born in Kona, the Zoot name is synonymous with triathlon and has stayed true to the sport since its inception.  I can't say enough about how passionate and caring the Zoot employees are.  Not only to they design and produce the best gear in the industry they are all super involved within the endurance sports world as well.  I think I might sense another "Jake vs Molly" show down in the future.

Garmin - Typically I have a pretty good sense of direction, so maps aren't all that necessary...though I'm not sure I could train without the use of the fun gadgets Garmin has to offer.  Last season Garmin signed on with us and we raced with the Garmin 310xt.  I was definitely impressed, and felt fortunate to race with such a high quality tool.  Once again Garmin has stepped up their game and debuted the Garmin 910xt.  This season I'll have the pleasure of racing with the 910xt.  We received them on Sunday, and I can't wait to get more time with it.  The 910xt is a step up with some great new swim features, which for training and racing will be great tools. 

GU Energy Labs - I've been fortunate and have worked with GU for the past 5 seasons.  Once again they are helping to keep us fueled during training and racing.  GU is continuosly improving their product line and this year is back on the Ironman courses.  I'm happy to hear that GU will be at all Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events with both their energy gel and chomps.  I'm not sure what I would do on long runs and long rides without the help of GU.

Spy Optics - Spy is new to the team this year, but is definitely trying to stamp their name on endurance sports.  While I was training in San Diego last week I saw countless cyling uniforms on fellow riders who were sporting the Spy logo.  We did the "The Screw", which is one of the new lines of sunglasses from Spy, this past Sunday and the comfort is far superior to anything I've experienced before.  I can't wait to try out some of the other options from Spy, including a line of casual sunglasses.

Fuel Belt - Once again we are joined by Fuel Belt.  Their products are definitely useful.  Crowie uses a Fuel Belt, so you know it has to work, I mean come on if a 3 time Ironman World Champion is wearing one there has to be a reason.  Thanks Fuel Belt!!

PR Bar - There are quite a few professional triathletes that love PR Bars, and we're lucky enough to be working with them this year. There are a variety of different options, I'm looking forward to trying out  the Apple Pie.  One thing is for sure, our team will be well fueled this season, thanks PR Bar!!

Needless to say we have a great line up of sponsors working with us this year, and I'm pumped to be a part of all of it.  Our team kits look awesome! There isn't much to say other than Zoot rocks!!!!

Spring Break 2012 & Zoot Ultra Team Camp - SUPER SHORT FOR NOW

I'll get a longer post up soon, but just wanted to put a quick post up about the past week and a half.  Spring break 2012 started Friday the 23rd in Las Vegas, Brittany and I packed up our stuff on Monday to head to San Diego for a week of relaxing, checking out the beach, training, and the week finished off with the Zoot Ultra Team Camp.

Highlights...there are far too many to list right now.

Pics...coming, some awesome pictures, but they are mainly on Brittany's camera, so I'll get them.  And I'll get some pics up of our sweet new gear from Zoot, Garmin, GU, Spy Optics, Fuel Belt.  I feel super lucky to be surrounded by such an awesome team, with such great support!!