January 2012 – Turbeau Curbeau

I have always believed that if you “look good, you play good” and during this upcoming triathlon season I know I will definitely be looking amazing in my KIWAMI attire.

I am very excited to announce that for the 2012 campaign I will be having my race apparel needs taken care of by KIWAMI, makers of “first-class triathlon race-wear”. My relationship with the company and their North American leader stemmed from a conversation at the IMFL expo this past fall. A conversation that was partially initiated by the fact that they were giving away free water bottles to all those who mentioned a Slowtwitch thread which they had posted a week prior to the race. I must thank them for the bottle as it provided me with essential nutrition on the bike segment. However, that bottle was donated to an aid station at around mile 30 🙂

KIWAMI was bolstered in my mind by the great words coming from another standout age grouper, Bill Roberston (check out his blog!). Bill, like me is still relatively new to the sport, but has seen some great success in a relatively short amount of time. Bill has had nothing but praise for the company, the products they make and the interactions he has had with the good people at KIWAMI. I look forward to leading the Age Group charge with Bill this year as we both make some noise in our KIWAMI kits. Coordinated kit colors maybe?? 🙂

The name “KIWAMI” stems from two words, “KIWI” a flightless bird found only in New Zealand and “AMI” meaning friend. Thus, in its purest form KIWAMI means a friendly flightless. Quite fitting as I could barely touch net when I played basketball. KIWAMI has been around since 2003, when it as established by triathletes Craig & Hélène Watson.

KiWAMi’s mission statement is simple:

“To produce first-class triathlon race-wear that is specifically designed and tailored to enhance the performance of the competitor.”

I look forward to being a part of the KIWAMI family this year and benefitting from racing in the top quality products they make. KIWAMI was a company created to make the best triathlon apparel possible. They are a brand committed to triathlon first and foremost which separates them from the vast majority of companies who create a triathlon segment after the fact. Triathlon is center stage with KIWAMI!

Throughout this life most of my closest friendships have been established on the playing field…or school yard, whatever you want to call it. Is it the endorphins that are being released that make us more open and willing to accept? Seemingly, people who have nothing else in common can become the best of friends while making a key block against a defensive lineman, spending long hours playing baseball during hot summers, swimming next to each other for thousands of yards and biking wheel to wheel for hours on end. Being a lifetime athlete who has participated in many sports, both team and individual, I feel that the friendships i’ve fostered on the playing field are some of the strongest I will ever have.

Athletics have a special way bringing people together and creating bonds that are stronger than most.

I am proud to be an athlete.

What better way to keep you all updated than just put some pictures up of what I have been doing lately.

This morning started out with some indoor trainer riding at the shop…a power test was on tap so a lot of solid work was done before I punched the clock and worked at the shop for the rest of the day. Tomorrow a swim and run will be in order before work at 10AM and then afterwards Danny (the mechanic and wizard custom bike guy), Eric (The Great White Hope for America in 2016) and myself will be spinning once more followed by hopefully burgers and possibly a beer. A burger and beer is a welcome treat when it only comes maybe once every week…or every other week…its nice to get out once an a while you know..we deserve it! 🙂

So here are the pictures:

The new custom Speed Concept front end, courtesy of Danny Recordon, bike guru. If you look at a regular Speed Concepts front end and then look at mine you will see the vast difference. I am really liking how this project is turning out. We will be putting the finishing touches on it later by chopping down the handles where the brake levers are attached so that they aren’t extended so far and look a lot cleaner.

Working on my Aero in the new configuration while on the Lemond Trainer…the thing is awesome, no rear wheel necessary!

Pretty decent trainer setup right? Gotta love Athletes Lounge!

Phew….the main Holiday season is finally behind us all. That means only one thing. It’s time to get serious!

The past couple of weeks have really flown by. I’ve been training pretty hard and putting in some solid hours of base training. Meeting new people, riding new routes and running on new trails everyday.

New and exciting things are happening every day! 2012 is going to be a really fun year. I’ll give you one tidbit of info and it is that I know have a job here in Portland at the Athletes Lounge, so stop by if you live near Portland or check out the website if your on the east coast. It is by far the coolest triathlon shop I have ever seen and I would put it up against any in the country. The owners are awesome guys and the staff is top-notch. I am extremely happy to be working with them.

Stay tuned for more details about the 2012 race season, very cool things are happening!

Month: January 2012

KIWAMI Triathlon: Fast Forward Triathlon Wear

Be A Proud Athlete

Everyone loves pictures right?

2012 is here, Time to Do Work!