New Team Partnerships

Around the end of each year and into the beginning part of the new year, brands start to put out their applications for ambassadorship programs for athletes to become part of their teams.  Over the past few years, I've been very lucky to have some companies want me to part of their team and race with them.

For those who don't understand how this works, I am not a professional athlete.  Duh.  But when I say that, I mean I don't make any money racing.  You'll never see me on a podium receiving one of those big Happy Gilmore checks.  However, that doesn't mean that companies don't want to partner with an athlete just like me.  Ambassadorship/Sponsorship programs vary by company to company.  Some give out free gear for you to use and train with, others make you join a team, pay an annual membership but you get gear, some just give you some type of discount for their products. In return for this, you are a very integral part of that company.  You don't just get gear and be done with the company.  These type of partnerships don't last long, and frankly, I don't enter into them.  What these companies expect of you is for you to get their product out there more.  Whether it be on social media, blogging, telling friends/family/teammates about it.  One special way is to race in their Team Kits.  So when race day comes, you are representing these brands  If you are lucky enough to finish on the podium, you can wear their shirts, hats, sunglasses, shoes, hold a water bottle, etc. These companies are investing in you, so you should do your part to help them make money in return.  That is the only way these partnerships are successful and can continue.

I take my partnerships very serious.  I will not become part of a company's team just to become part of one.  I also wont promote products that I either don't use myself, or don't fully believe in.  All products that you see on this blog are ones that I use regularly or am interested in.  I am always happy to answer any question about certain products and always happy to help promote the brand.

Some of the brands/products I have discount codes to share, while others I don't. Feel free to message me and I will be happy to share what I can.  I'm always up for helping someone save some money.

So in 2015, here are the brands and teams that I am lucky enough to represent:

Skora:
Anyone who has read this blog knows how much I love their shoes.  They are the most comfortable shoes I have ever run in and I will continue to train and race in them for a long long time.  Even if I wasn't part of their team, their shoes would still be on my feet.
www.skorarunning.com

HoneyMaxx:
HoneyMaxx and I have been partners for the past 2 years.  I have had trouble with nutrition throughout the years, but when I found HoneyMaxx, everything changed.  I love the taste of their drink mix and use it for all my racing needs.  They have gotten me through so many hard training days without cramping up.
www.honeymaxx.com

Fusion Sports USA:
Fusion is a relatively new company to triathlons.  They are a European company, however have a presence in the US.  Last year I was part of their team and they have some of the most comfortable clothing on the market.  I am big on compression wear for racing, and I think theirs is the best on the market.  You saw me rocking their shorts and calf sleeves at the NYC Marathon last year, and you'll see me on some triathlons with their gear.
www.fusionsportsusa.com

X-1 Audio:
X-1 has gotten me through more pool workouts than I can think of.  They make waterproof headphones, cases, and products.  So now when I go to the pool, I have my ipod with me and can stop staring so much at the boring black line at the pool bottom and can listen to my music.  I've been with X-1 for going on my 3rd year now.
www.x-1.com

Rudy Project:
Sunglasses are my jam.  Yes, I just said that.  I have more sunglasses than I can count and will continue to buy no matter what the wife says.  Rudy Project sunglasses are the most comfortable and lightest glasses I have ever run in and have been wearing them for 2-3 years now.  They also are the top Aero helmet on the market which always helps with free speed.  Seeing that I have been wearing their products for years, I am lucky to be in my first year with them.
www.rudyproject.com

Cobb Cycling:
John Cobb is essentially the father of cycling aerodynamics.  Everyone knows who he is and the contributions he has made.  He has partnered with companies to develop their products and make them better.  In fact, he and Rudy Project have worked together for a lot of their helmets.  A few years ago, he started his own line of cycling gear.  His biggest hit (in my opinion) are his saddles.  When you're on the bike for hours at a time, it is important to be comfortable and not chafe in those "special areas".  Cobb saddles are amazing and I know they will keep my tush and other areas feeling good on the roads.
www.cobbcycling.com

Team Rev3/Challenge:
I have raced numerous Rev3 races over the past few years and  they truly believe what a race should be and feel like.  They embrace families and the journey to get to the race and not just a company that collects your race fees and has a start and finish line.  Their races are class act.  Last year when they merged with the Challenge race organization, I knew it was going to be special.  While I don't have a product to represent, I am part of their ambassador team to help continue to spread the word on how great their races are.
www.challenge-familyusa.com

Wow, it's been a while

It's officially 2015, and it has been A WHILE since I have blogged.  I can't believe it's been so long since I have been on here and have expressed how I feel.

So to keep things short, Happy New Year to everyone.  I haven't expressed that, and I hope everyone had a great holiday season and had a great New Year.

2015 is going to be a great year and I'm looking forward to it.  In the next coming weeks, I'll share my race calendar for the year, new sponsors (yay, so excited), Riley turned 2 (wow, I can't believe that), and a few other things that are new and interesting.

But, the good news is I'm back in the mix and excited for the new year.

I hope everyone feels the same