Product Review; The Right Stuff - NASA developed serious hydration for serious athletes

During my most recent endurance event (www.silvermannv.com) I was granted the opportunity to test an hydration / electrolyte replacement product that is relatively new to the market.  In case anyone from the FTC is watching and in the interest of transparency the product was provided at no charge for my use during this event and I am not being compensated by the distributor / manufacturer.
The product "The Right Stuff" is a concentrated electrolyte solution originally developed by NASA for use by the astronauts to combat the effects of dehydration - which seems to afflict every astronaut on every flight.   Dehydration affects me on every long course event I've ever done - extended training too.  No matter if it's a long swim, ride or run, I cramp - when I cramp I cramp bad - like debilitating rolling on the ground crying for my mommy bad.  I've tried everything to prevent the killer cramps but no amount or combination of hydration and  supplementation has ever worked for me.  My particular genetic make-up means I'm a heavy sweat-er and a salty sweat-er.  Cramps are just something I've learned to deal with...until this past weekend.

The Right Stuff  comes in easy to handle 16.5ml plastic vials with a tear off top.  You simply squeeze the contents of a vial into 16oz or more of any fluid you're going to consume and viola!  no more dehydration!  The manufacturer recommends 1 vial per hour of racing.   I downed 5 vials for a 6+ hr event and was utterly and completely cramp free during and after my triathlon.
After years of habitually suffering from mega leg cramps after 50 miles or so I was racing on eggshells anticipating the first twinges of muscle mis-fire and lock-up.  They never came.  I was so relieved.
I'm sure it will take a few more events to re-gain my confidence and compete without holding back for fear of painful cramps but, I feel certain I've found my electrolyte replacement supplement.

As to the aesthetics of The Right Stuff;  It's a little salty, a little tart and completely palatable.  It contains no carb's whatever.  I put 2 vials in a 32oz aero water bottle which I consumed within 90 min.  I had no issue with flavor -in fact its preferable over tap water.  I put 2 vials in a 3hr bottle of endurance formula (that contains no electrolytes) and could not taste the product.
I consumed the final vial in T-2 squirting the berry flavored vial into my mouth and chasing with 8 0z of water then heading out on the run.   I was free from any gastric distress throughout the race. 
I gave an extra vial to a fellow racer in T-2 who wasn't able to get his shoes on due to cramping.  He later passed me at mile 7.  I'm just glad he wasn't in my age group.
Based on my experience with The Right Stuff-USA I enthusiastically recommend you go to the web site www.therightstuff-usa.com and order some.  

The Silverman reviews are in!

Silverman is the best run and most challenging multi-sport endurance event on the planet.  That may be a grand statement but, Silverman backs it up.  In so many events the athlete's are so much chattel.  Go here, moo....go there, moo...Silverman treats the athlete's like athletes - individuals who have sacrificed in pursuit of a major goal who are about to attempt something rare and spectacular.  At Silverman you are special - and it feels good.  Furthermore Silverman treats fans, family and volunteers to an engaging and entertaining sometimes gut wrenching celebration of human spirit and extraordinary endurance. Race director Frank Lowery could run a school for race directors.  Every turn is flagged, every aid station well stocked and staffed by enthusiastic volunteers, every detail managed - nothing is left to chance except the athlete's ability to finish one of the worlds most grueling and relentless courses.

Sponsors get a high end audience, athletes get the challenge of their lives, Henderson gets a world class athletic event (that the world has yet to discover), volunteers get inspired and amazed and the sport of Triathlon gets elevated another notch by the professionalism, competitiveness and shear love of sport that Silverman creates.  Truly a unique happening even in this crazy sport we all love.

You can race the other-man races but you haven't met your greatest adventure until you've raced Silverman.

Cycling Rites Of Passage - How many have you had?

Bicycling.com is a great site with great articles advice and tips.  I read it, you should too.  This blog posting is really funny if your a cyclist.  I can't say I've done all of these rites but more than half.

Cycling Rites Of Passage

The Silverman Triathlon - Follow me as I train to race the most challenging course in America

Silverman Trailer from Momentum Advertising/Production on Vimeo.

The Slim Pantry: 5 Weight Loss Products You Already Own

Weight Loss Products!
By Ben Kallen

When you're trying to lose excess fat, every advantage helps. Of course, your main tools are an effective exercise program, a proper food plan, and supplements that fit your lifestyle. But beyond those basics, anything that can boost your results is a plus.

Luckily, you probably have some safe, effective, and inexpensive fat burners in your kitchen already. Include the following items in your diet plan, and you can start losing more weight right now—without even making an extra trip to the store.

1. 
   
   Apple cider vinegar. While cider vinegar may not be the magic remedy your great-grandmother thought it was, there is increasing evidence showing that it can help you eat less and reduce the effect that carbs have on your body. The active ingredient, acetic acid, appears to improve insulin sensitivity and slow the absorption of carbohydrates, helping prevent blood-sugar spikes and excess fat storage. It can also make you feel fuller with less food.
   In a recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, mice on a high-fat diet gained up to 10 percent less fat if they were given acetic acid than if they were given only water.
   Uses
   1. Mix vinegar with extra virgin olive oil and your favorite spices for a simple, healthful, and delicious salad dressing. In a Penn State University study, women who ate large, low-calorie salads before lunch ended up consuming 100 fewer calories during the meal itself . . . and they loaded up on extra nutrients as well.
   2. Combine vinegar with oil and herbs to make a tenderizing meat marinade.
   3. Add a splash of vinegar to top off soups or stews; this will brighten up the flavors.
   4. Add a tablespoon of vinegar before boiling, steaming, or stir-frying vegetables to bring out their fresh tastes and help them hold their colors.
2. 
   
   Cinnamon. This common spice has been found in several studies to help improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar, so it helps prevent the spikes and dips that can cause food cravings. This effect may be due to healthful antioxidant chemicals known as polyphenols.
   Keep in mind that most grocery-store brands of "cinnamon" are actually cassia bark, a close-tasting relative of the cinnamon plant. (If you want the real thing, look for "true" or Ceylon cinnamon on the label.) Both varieties seem to have health benefits, but be careful about using cassia in large amounts—it contains coumarin, which acts as a blood thinner and may cause liver problems when taken in high doses.
   Uses
   1. Add powdered cinnamon to hot or cold cereal, fruit, sweet foods, and even savory dishes such as curry or chili.
   2. For cinnamon-flavored coffee, mix a little into your grounds before brewing.
   3. Heat a cinnamon stick in water, apple cider, or even red wine for a spicy hot drink.
3. 
   
   Hot sauce and red pepper flakes. The active ingredient in hot peppers, capsaicin, creates thermogenesis; that is, it temporarily turns up your body's thermostat. Studies have shown that people who eat pepper-laced food get a small metabolic boost, and burn more fat, for up to half an hour afterward. Hot food also makes you feel full more quickly, so you're likely to eat less.
   Hot sauce and red pepper flakes are great flavor boosters, too, adding zest to meals with few extra calories. You don't need to ladle it on till there are flames coming out of your ears. A little bit will go a long way.
   Uses
   1. Add a few drops of pepper sauce to anything that needs spicing up, including eggs, soups, seafood, and even frozen dinners. (These sauces can be high in sodium, so go easy on the shaker.)
   2. Sprinkle red pepper flakes on pizza, pasta, or sandwiches, or add to sauces or salad dressing.
4. 
   
   Curry powder. This complex spice mixture, which contains such ingredients as turmeric, ginger, cumin, and coriander, was created as a shortcut for preparing Indian food. While each of the spices can provide a small metabolic boost on its own, they may burn fat even better when used together. Turmeric itself has a variety of healthful properties, and shows promise as a potent anti-inflammatory agent that can help relieve joint pain and post-exercise muscle soreness.
   Uses
   1. Add as needed to flavor Indian and South Asian dishes.
   2. Mix with ground beef to spice up burgers or meatloaf.
   3. Add to soups and stews.
   4. Mix with a little olive oil or light mayo as a dressing for chicken or tuna salad.
5. 
   
   Ice. Really? Well, yes. Regular old frozen water has several properties that can help you in your fight against excess fat:
   1. When you blend ice into a fruit smoothie or protein shake, you get a thick, creamy consistency with no added fat or calories. And you're likely to drink it more slowly, if only to avoid brain freeze.
   2. Making your beverages more refreshing encourages you to drink more, which is important when trying to lose weight.
   3. When you drink an ice-cold beverage, your body actually has to expend calories to warm itself up to a normal temperature. Nobody agrees on exactly how much of a calorie-burning effect this has, and it's probably pretty slight. But every bit helps.
   Uses
   1. Blend ice cubes or crushed ice with other ingredients to make thick and creamy protein shakes, fruit smoothies, orShakeology®. (Check your blender's instructions to make sure it's powerful enough to chop ice.)
   2. Add lemon or fresh mint to water, and freeze it in an ice-cube tray. Whenever you want a cold glass of fresh, calorie-free flavored water, just add a few of the cubes
   3. Don't keep your water ice cold while you're working out. When it's time for fast hydration, you'll want a slightly cool or room-temperature beverage that goes down easy.
   Get more tips and advice on how to get in the best shape of your life

Now here is a young man going places Go George!!

Climb to Kaiser

I had to dig deep on this one friends. A 155+ mile round trip journey from Clovis Ca. (500ft elevation) to the top of Kaiser Pass at the top of the Sierra's (9100+ft elevation) the "Climb to Kaiser" includes 14,000ft of climbing, panoramic vista's and multiple climate zones.

Most of the climbing is done in the first 83 miles of the ride. It is brutal, grinding, relentless uphill pedaling. From flat and fast to a grueling 18% incline, mile after mile after mile of uphill push. This ride is truly an extreme endurance event but, it attracts all ages and skill levels.

In it's 33rd year the "CTK" is an annual right of passage for those of us who believe "seeing what we're made of" is both challenge and fulfilment.

A new record was set this year; 8:04 destroying the previous best of 8:23. By contrast my effort took 16:10. I thought I missed the (5pm) cutoff at Kaiser Pass but was very relieved to learn I made it with nearly 30 min to spare. I make no excuses for my time. I achieved my goal - I finished.

The ride back was something I won't soon forget. 73+ miles of downhill. It was late afternoon by the time I hit Hwy168. Traffic was nearly non-existent and I let my trusty black Cervelo stretch it's legs. Tucked in aero position I bested 45+ mph in spots. My Garmin 205 finally petered out at 10:02 at 103 miles. After dutifully displaying my single digit pace for much of the ride it just couldn't go on.

Once we'd cleared the final mandatory check point at the top of Auberry Rd, 3 of us grouped up and flew the 25 miles alternately passing and being passed to the Millerton Store water stop. Rarely does one get to go so fast, smile so much and feel so free.

The Coup d'grace was the welcoming committee cheering and ringing cowbells as we pulled into the finish area. I was overwhelmed by relief and success. I must admit I nearly cried. I love riding my bike but, I was so glad to get off just then.

Want to see more? Take a look at a slide show of riders

Still want more? Get a break down of the route

Want to know if you have what it takes? I'll see you there next year.