In order to raise money to train in Florida this winter, I need to sell some very slightly used triathlon gear. **NOTE: I only have the wheels left as of 1/18/13**

CONTACT ME AT ajbaucco@gmail.com IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING

#1 Profile Design Altair FULL CARBON Tubular 80 Wheelset

-Comes with Vittoria Corsa Evo Slick Tubular Tires already glued.

-Used in 3 races total in 2012. Almost brand new. Retails (with Tires) at over $2000.

I will sell this ASAP for $1100. **you must cover shipping**

For years, I have used PowerBar gels for three reasons. #1 – There is a ton of sodium. #2 – I like the less thick consistency. #3 – I like the taste (more than their competitors). But recently, I have become much more educated on a very good reason to use any gel during training and racing. Most gels contain some level of caffeine. And if used correctly, caffeine can be VERY beneficial to your training and racing. However, it is important to remember that it is only really beneficially in moderation.

For good reason, PowerBar gels offer different amounts of caffeine, from 0mg to 50mg. It’s important to choose dosage according to duration/intensity of the workout. It is very common for endurance athletes to eat gels based on flavor and not caffeine levels. There is no sense in using caffeine to boost an easy workout. It is much more beneficial to save caffeine for when it is really needed… prior to your most intense weekly sessions. By taking too much caffeine on a regular basis, the training advantage is much smaller. For example, if you are doing two workouts in one day and the second workout is your key session, do not have caffeinated gels during the first session. Save those for before the key session. Furthermore, if you are doing a workout that is long in duration, only use caffeinated gels when you need the boost. If you plan to push the pace during the last 60 minutes of a 4 hour ride, don’t start having caffeinated gels until after 2.5 hours. That way, the caffeine will be hitting you right when you need it. If you happen to have a short/easy run off that long bike, go back to non caffeinated gels before your long ride is complete. Again, there is no sense to get yourself more caffeinated than you need to be.

Use caffeine in such moderation that you can feel it boosting your performance. Athletes that drink large amount of coffee (or take energy supplements) may not feel the effects of caffeinated gels. Just like with using caffeinated gels, athletes should only have caffeine in the morning if it is prior to a key session. Otherwise, it is much wiser to wait until it is need.

Train smart!

Instead of writing a novel about how much I love my sponsors, I want to take the chance to be honest and candid about the products that I endorse. Like many professional triathletes, I make ends meet (barely) by the support of many companies. Even though I support these companies 100%, I am not going to write about how perfect their products are. All of my sponsors make quality products, but that doesn’t mean that their competitors don’t make quality products too. This “review” post (and other posts that may follow) are intended to inform other triathletes about a quality option when deciding on which products to purchase.

**To be clear, NONE of my sponsors are forcing me to write about them. I just feel the need to spread the good word**

XX2i Optics is small sunglasses company from Southern California. They offer a simple, adjustable and reliable product. No bullshit. Affordable Pricing. Lifetime Warranty.

Likes

1) The Fit: With XX2i sunglasses, fit is never an issue. The nosepad and temples are fully adjustable. You just bend them to fit your noggin. Couldn’t be easier.

2)  Interchangeable Lens:  Each pair of sunglasses comes with 2 spare sets of lens. Changing them out is quick and simple. Raining and Cloudy? Switch to the transparent lens as you’re flying out the door.

3) Lifetime Warranty and 1yr returns: This is about as good at it gets. If you order a pair of shades and you aren’t happy, send them back. No questions asked. Did you drop them? Step on them? Dog eat them? With the Lifetime Warranty they will replace them at any time for small shipping and handling fee. It’s nice to know that you don’t have to worry about protecting your expensive shades. Use them and abuse them. They are made for our lifestyle.

4) Price: Probably the most affordable performance sunglasses around. Their best deal is the XX2i USA1 Dual Pro Sunglass Kit + 3 Sets of Spare Lenses. It’s a pretty rad deal… 2 frames (two colors) and 3 spare sets of lens for $150.

Dislikes

1) Limited Color Options: If you’re looking for hot pink or neon yellow shades, you should probably check out the Rudy Project Noyz. If you are looking for a classic style in a classic color (White, Black, or Demi Tortoise), these shades are for you.

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Here are some shots from a recent photo shoot with XX2i Optics. Photo Credit to the wonderful and talented, Amanda Grant!

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