PowerBar

I begun working with PowerBar in early 2006, and have just committed to the end of 2009. Owned by Nestle, PowerBar is an enormous company, but their sponsorship system is terrific. Everything is done online, and the availability of products is great. I am a big fan of the Raspberry Cream Power Gel during events, and for afterwards, their new Recovery shake is amazing. No need to mix anything, just pop it open and chug. It tastes just like chocolate milk - I love it!

Ergomo

I have been training and racing with an Ergomo powermeter ( aside from a short stint with a different brand, very short lived) since 2003. After using it for 6 months, I learned more about myself as a cyclist than I had in the previous 7 years as a triathlete. With the help of proper coaching and a close eye on my power numbers I have been able to ride a half IM in 2:11, and a 40k ( in a triathlon) in 54:09. having the Ergomo Pro certainly played a vital role in me achieving those results. I am very proud to be working with them again in 2008, and especially since Jason Goldberg of FitMulstisports.org has become involved in the distribution of the powermeters in the USA.
You can find out more about it at: www.Ergomo.net

Higher Peak

Continuing the presentation of my full roster of 2008 sponsors, I'd like to present you Higher Peak.

I began using the "sleep high, train low" technique in my training on January 4th. I started at a flimsy 4,500ft. It is now 8 weeks later, and my fiancee and i are sleeping at over 10,000 ft. I first thought convincing her would be a tough sell, as I don't believe it the thought of sleeping in a tent every single night is appealing to anyone. But surprisingly, she really doesn't mind. In fact, Leland often tells me she likes it. Besides the fact that she is getting stronger, I think she likes the cozy factor! (-:

I am very happy I am working with Higher peak. i can clearly see that sleeping in a hypoxic environment has made changes in my body that allow me to go harder for longer periods of time. Although i have not yet gotten a hematocrit, I plan on doing it within 2 weeks.

You can find out more about the company here: www.HigherPeak.com

2008 Sponsorship

I am very lucky, and very proud, to have built some amazing relationships with the best companies in the multisport world since I turned pro almost 9 years ago. This year, I will be introducing them all, one by one, here. Every 2 or 3 days, I will post about one of my sponsors.

To start things up, I will start with my longest sponsor: Rudy Project. We have been together since February of 2001, which makes it 7 years and counting.

Rudy Project, through Rudy Project USA ( North American distributor) makes the world's coolest and most technologically advanced eyewear. They also make some tremendous helmets, so I can say they help me both look cool and go faster.

In fact, in this year's cover of USA triathlon's first ever yearbook, I am seen sporting their Syton Supercomp helmet and their Ekynox SX sunglasses. You can see it here:
http://www.usatriathlon.org/sitecore/content/News/2008/January/010908_Yearbook_Preorder.aspx

You can see their 2008 line at www.RudyProjectUSA.com
For info on where to purchase them, you may go to www.e-rudy.com

Stay tuned over the next few weeks, as I will be unveiling my complete roster of sponsors.

Ciao,

Felipe bastos

In Loving Memory

of A JuJuBe Jubelee...

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die...

-Anonymous

Snow in Alabama

I have been settling into a groove training back home. The weather has been far from perfect, but still manageable. This morning it snowed. That's right, in Alabama. I don't mean flurries, but at last a couple on inches on the ground. Made for an interesting run, as I had never done it in snow. My old, boring routes were completely different, quite a sight. I took some photos and might post them later.

On a different note, I know I promised a roster of sponsors, but not everything is inked, and I will refrain from posting all of them until everything is signed. Should be soon.

Leaving Florida (soon)

Well, Leland and I were set to leave Florida on Thursday morning. Seeing as how a very cold front has taken over most of the States, we will be delaying our trip back home until Friday morning, effectively giving me another day to train in warmer temperatures ( even though it is only in the 40's here today).

The bike camp is finally over. I am quite glad to be honest, I was getting pretty sick of riding my bike for hours on end, alone, every single day. I would much rather mix it up with swimming and running. That's why I chose triathlon in the first place. I think I get bored easily with a single sport.

Aside from that, Happy New Year- I hope that Oh Eight brings you nothing but the best.