The Official Fluid Blog

Two-year sponsorship deal puts Cal Poly developed and highly lauded sports drink on the course

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA -- Fluid Sports Nutrition is proud to announce a partnership with the San Luis Obispo Marathon as the Official Sports Drink and hydration sponsor.

Fluid Sports Nutrition will provide the new “Fresh Citrus” flavor of their sports drink Fluid Performance at all aid stations. Fluid has been consistently named one of the best sports drink makers in the endurance industry. The company has received accolades including Best Nutrition Product of the Year (TriFest ’08) to Best Sports/Recovery Drink of the Year three times from Competitor Magazine (’08, ‘09’, ’11).

Fluid Sports Nutrition was started in 2006 by a nutritional biochemist and exercise physiologist at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Since then, Fluid has been committed to creating all-natural electrolyte and recovery drinks to hydrate, fuel, and replenish athletes properly. All Fluid products are low in sugar, lactose free, gluten free, made 100% in the USA. The San Luis Obispo Marathon + Half announces a two-year sponsorship with Fluid, giving its athletes the best course support in the nation.

"Fluid is university developed and elite-athlete tested," says Heather Hellman, SLO Marathon Event Director. "It provides the best hydration in endurance sports and that's what we want for our participants, the best products and support for them to be successful in our race."

“We’re thrilled about partnering with the San Luis Obispo Marathon. Fluid wouldn’t be where it is today without the support from this community. It is our honor & privilege to give back through this positive and impactful event,” says Richard Smith, CEO of Fluid. “The biggest problem with most on course drinks is that they have way too much sugar and flavor, often causing stomach upset and requiring excessive dilution. Fluid Performance is our answer to the athlete’s need for a lighter flavored drink that has both the nutrients you need and an incredibly refreshing taste.”

About Fluid Sports Nutrition

Fluid Sports Nutrition produces and distributes nutritional products to hydrate, fuel, and replenish athletes and active individuals. Fluid currently offers four flavors of an electrolyte replacement beverage that feature low sugar, gluten free, and dairy free formulas. Fluid also produces three flavors of a recovery specific beverage that are low in sugar, gluten free, and lactose free. Fluid products are made in the USA and distributed in specialty bike and run shops and through online retailers.

About the San Luis Obispo Marathon, Half Marathon + 5K

Keeping the same highly regarded course for 2013, the San Luis Obispo Marathon + Half takes participants through the town’s charming downtown corridor past the old Fremont Theatre, by Mission San Luis Obispo and through neighborhoods with historic Victorian and Craftsman bungalows, out into the rolling hills of the renowned Edna Valley vineyards and farm land, then back into the city center, past Railroad Square and onto the iconic Madonna Inn property for a spectacular downhill, panoramic finish in the shadow of Cerro San Luis. The 5K race is held on the Madonna Inn property, featuring two loops and a spectacular downhill finish. The Children’s Fun Run will also be held on the Madonna property. Registration is open for all races. To register, view course maps, volunteer or for additional SLO Marathon information, please visit www.slomarathon.com.

Five years ago, a close friend & mentor gave me a copy of the book Good to Great by Jim Collins. If you're not familiar with the book, it attempts to objectively identify the factors that separate good companies from great companies. While Collins does define a "Great company" through a measure of sustained profitability, the book is about a lot more than profit.

Early on, the trait of leadership among the executives is illustrated as one of the key differentiators. They differentiator was not the style of leadership, or the school of management they attended, but rather a phenomenon they called "The Window & the Mirror." Here's how it worked:

When CEO's of average performing companies were questioned on company failures, they would look "out the window" and find other subjects to take blame, usually deflecting the responsibility in some way, shape, or form. When the same CEO's were questioned on company successes, ironically they looked "in the mirror," at themselves. Phrases like "That was my plan from the beginning..." Or, "Of course it was successful! When I came on board, I had a vision & I did this & I did that..." 

To contrast, when the CEO's of the "Great" performing companies were questioned on company failures, they didn't look out the window. They did exactly the opposite. They looked in the mirror, at themselves, and said something like, "That was lack of foresight & poor judgement on my part." They took responsibility for the company's failures, even when they happened at a level far removed from the CEO. When the same CEO's were questioned on company successes, they did something even more unique! They looked out the window, and said something like "Yes we have been successful, thanks to all these hard working & talented people on our team. We have a great group." Not I, me, or my, but we, our, & team.

You don't have to be a CEO to apply the concept of the window and the mirror. As fathers, mothers, sons & daughters, athletes & coaches, and friends - we can all learn how to better accept own our mistakes, find humility, and give more credit to those around us. Where should we start? Maybe by asking ourselves, "Who can I compliment & give credit to today?" If we all gave a little more credit, than we would all receive a little more credit too. Think about it. 

Richard Smith
Founder/CEO

Fluid Sports Nutrition, in conjunction with Pinnacle Training Systems, is proud to announce our first annual Triathlon Training Camp! Based in beautiful San Luis Obispo, CA, the camp will offer:

• World class coaching & education
• VO2 Max testing & analysis included
• Swim technique training
• Cycling mechanics & coaching
• Endurance building running drills
• Transition practice
• Performance-based nutritional counseling
• All inclusive accommodations & delicious wholesome meals
• Unlimited Fluid Performance & Recovery drink during camp
• Central Coast wine tasting
• And much more...

This camp will be limited to 12 people, so plan ahead and get on board while spaces are available!

SIGN UP HERE!

Why Triathlon Training Camp

Learn - Grow - Perform

Fluid was founded to help athletes achieve their potential. In order to provide the best products to our clients, current information was cornerstone. Pinnacle Training Systems was founded to share the latest sports science information to enhance the performance and success of their clients. The union of these philosophies creates a unique environment for you to learn, grow, and perform, achieving new levels of success in the process!

The Pinnacle Coaching Team

The camp will be designed and led by Felicia Gomez, Ph.D. Felicia is the Founder of Pinnacle Training Systems, and holds a Ph.D in Exercise Metabolism & Nutrition. Her experience includes 5 years as a professional cyclist, 5 years of professional duathlon competition, and over 20 years of running experience. 

The camp is set for March 7-10, 2013. Space is limited so reserve your spot today!

Agenda

Work hard, have fun, learn lots, etc. What else is there? Just kidding, here's the real one: Camp Agenda

Want a sneak peak? This isn't our first rodeo...

Fluid has partnered with Pactimo clothing for our 2012 line of premium cycling and triathlon clothing. Our online clothing store is open through Pactimo's site until Friday, Dec 21! Now is your chance to get your hands on some great looking premium gear! Pactimo has several tiers of clothing. We have chosen their Ascent clothing line, top quality clothing at very competitive pricing.

Available gear includes cycling jersey's (men's & women's), arm warmers, bib shorts (not shown), men's and women's tri-tops & tri-shorts, short-sleeve cycling vests, base layers (not printed) and clear rain jackets (not printed).

Order Instructions

1. Go to https://order.pactimo.com/

2. Under Team Store Sign In, enter password "fluid" and click ENTER STORE.

3. If you already have an account set up with Pactimo, login by entering your user name and password. If you do not have an account, click on Register as team member.

4. Fill in the required information to create an account. (You are creating your own personal account within the store, so enter a personal password as well) Please note that passwords must be at least 6 characters long and are case sensitive.

5. Begin shopping CAREFULLY selecting the items and appropriate sizes. Please note that  all sales entered and paid for on Pactimo’s Online Team Store are final, and sizes and quantities CANNOT be changed once you have paid for your order.

6. Enter your billing information to complete your purchase.

Notes: If you have difficulties logging into the site using Explorer, please try switching to Mozilla or an alternate browser. 94% of our customers report Pactimo sizing to be "True to Size of expectations". Sizing is found here: https://shop.pactimo.com/product_images/uploaded_images/pactimo-fitsize-guide.jpg

BONUS!

Orders overs $100 qualify for a $25 gift voucher to www.LiveFluid.com.

Orders over $200 qualify for a $50 gift voucher to www.LiveFluid.com.

The pre-order closes Friday, Dec 21, and if you snooze, you lose! So get your gear order in today!

In the meantime, happy training and racing!

Team Fluid

We are proud to introduce the latest addition to our family of all-natural sports drinks: "Fresh Citrus."

An incredibly refreshing blend of tangerine and grapefruit flavors, Fresh Citrus offers a new variety to our proven electrolyte formula.

Recently deemed the "best-tasting drink mix at Interbike" by Road Bike Action Magazine, Fresh Citrus is less sweet than many sports drink alternatives and is designed to embody a light, refreshing taste that is easy to consume during exercise.

"Most drinks have way too much sugar and flavor, often causing stomach upset and requiring excessive dilution," says Richard Smith, CEO of Fluid. "Fresh Citrus is our answer to the athlete's need for a drink with lighter flavor that is both nutrient dense and incredibly refreshing. At 200 calories and 400 milligrams of sodium citrate per 24 oz bike bottle, the athlete receives the nutrients they need to perform their best."

The new flavor is now available for pre-order on our website. Go to our online store to place your Fresh Citrus order and it will be ready for delivery in early November.

It's early on Monday morning.  I'm in a standing meeting with a peer outlining the week's objectives as we do every Monday morning.  The meeting typically ends with a discussion about our weekend activities.  I get to hear all about his son's basketball games and how well he played; always an enjoyable listen.  And then the question about my weekend comes up.  "What's the point" I ask myself.  "At the end of this conversation, you'll say I'm crazy and leave me with a feeling abnormality."

And so, over the years, I've limited office discussion about my weekend activities to those who understand what it is to have a passion for something.  In our society, athletes are typically recognized only as Olympic hopefuls, student athletes, professional athletes, or glamorized in magazines and television for doing something extraordinaire.  The general population, in my opinion, has yet to recognize or accept that we can also be considered athletes.

"How many miles did you ride this weekend Tony?  You're nuts.  I don't even like to drive that far." Does this sound familiar?  How does this make you feel?  Like fish swimming up stream?  And so, we start to keep a secret identity.  Is this healthy? 

Generally speaking, we live in a country of convenience where people strive to achieve or acquire more with as little effort as possible.  With many families needing 2 incomes to pay for a house, 2 cars, 2.5 kids, and the dog, how can we blame them?  Unfortunately, some have turned to the couch, a sandwich, a beer, and reality TV as their new family past time.  As athletes, our mind set tends to be different.  There is no easy century, triathlon, or marathon where you finish by doing less than others. 

The rules to life are different for each of us.  Hence the saying, "life is unfair."   The rules to our athletic endeavors are static.  We line up at the start line with assurance the rules apply equally to all participants.  Type "A" personalities like the journey and difficulty required to reach the finish.  Controlled discomfort is part of the game, enjoyment, and contributes to the reward.  It provides balance.  Is it strange to say "that was fun" after a 6 hour race in 98 degree heat?  Absolutely not!!!  If you enjoyed it, don't let a suit lesson your sense of accomplishment. 

Life is so neatly defined for those who say we're nuts.  They understand the human body has limitations but cease to understand the human spirit is boundless and that is what sets us apart.  They follow popular activities while you pursue your dreams.  You are in a different league.  While they wear a t-shirt underneath to cover their chest, you wear an "S."  By the time they drag themselves into the office at 8:00 am, the hardest part of your day (an 8-10 mile run) may already be behind you.  When they stress because a deadline is in jeopardy, you ask "what do I need to make this happen?" And the job gets done.  The finish line is crossed.  They consider themselves part of the "norm" and we are the strange ones.  When reality strikes, they do what the norm does and fold; we find a way.

So go ahead and call us crazy.  It's nothing more than a misunderstood label from those who don't share our perspective on life.  I can't say that I understand many of what society deems normal today;  all night outings with the boys (or girls), hunting defenseless animals, bars, drugs, getting drunk at the river, gambling, or any number of other destructive hobbies that unfortunately surround us.

At work, you may feel alone because you are the only one that shares the athlete’s endurance passion bug.  But in fact, you are not alone.  You belong to a prestigious society that chooses not just to live but enjoy the ride.  Do you remember that chap who climbed Mt. Everest without oxygen (not recommended)?  When he reached the bottom, they asked him 'Why did you go up there to die?' He replied 'I went up there to live.'

And so....I share my Half Ironman story with my peer in as few words as possible when I hear those words again "that's crazy man, you're crazy."  I respond with a polite smile, turn my chair around allowing the work day to begin.  I think to myself....."Crazy?  No I'm not crazy!  Crazy is watching your life pass you by without making the most of every day."

Has anyone else been called crazy?


-Coach Tony

About the author: Tony Troccoli has been a certified USA Triathlon and USA cycling coach since 2001. Tony has competed in nearly 20 Ironman events including Kona and coaches locally in the Southern California area and on-line nationwide. Thousands of athletes have had successful training and racing experiences using Tony’s pre-built, easy-to-follow training programs. Tony is also a F.I.S.T certified bike fitter and soon to be Certified Total Immersion instructor. Contact Tony at tony@coach-tony.com
 

Katie Moore is a swimmer, triathlete, and police officer with a passion for pushing her own limits. And as if a conference-wide swimming record and a number of age group triathlon wins weren't enough, she plans to eventually go pro in olympic distance triathlon. But aside from having a desire for personal improvement, Moore attributes most of her ambition and success to having a strong support group to cheer her on the whole way through.

Q: How did you start swimming and then end up being a triathlete?

A: My mom insisted that my three brothers and I learn how to swim at a young age. Later on, I was brought along to my older brother's swim practices. I got tired of sitting around on the hot pool deck and at age 10 I started swimming for a club team. I kept swimming because of how much fun it was and how many friends I was making. As I got older I came to enjoy the physical challenge of swimming, and appreciated how the sport is the perfect marriage of power and precision. Triathlon came along much later. My mom actually decided to sign up for a race, and asked me if I wanted to race with her. I begrudgingly agreed to do so despite the fact that a triathlon includes running, which at the time I was not a fan of. At my first race, the swim was cancelled due to water conditions, so I wound up running twice as much as I had planned to do when the race was made into a duathlon. I struggled so much through that first race and I wanted to redeem myself. I started training to excel as opposed to just finishing, and I was hooked from that point on.

Q: What is the driving force that keeps you going and continuing to put so much effort into training, competing, etc?

A: My motivation comes from a desire for personal improvement. I want to push my limits as far as I can and see where that takes me. Training also keeps me in great physical shape. Additionally, my coach and the group that I train with make it easy to want to go to workouts and race as often as possible. With so many athletes at the races it becomes a little party when we can all celebrate our accomplishments together.

Q: What are some of your greatest athletic accomplishments so far?
A: I qualified for the state team twice when I swam in high school. I set a number of records swimming in college as a member of relays as well as individually. I also hold a conference-wide record in the 100yd butterfly. As a triathlete I have accomplished a number of age group wins, as well as personal accomplishments such as completing two Ironman 70.3 races, competing in USAT Collegiate Nationals and qualifying for USAT Age Group Olympic Distance Nationals and the 5150 National Championships.

Q: What are some of the greatest challenges you've faced as an athlete?

A: One of the biggest challenges I faced was a shoulder surgery between my junior and senior years of collegiate swimming. I had a bone spur in my shoulder joint and due to the repetitive motion of swimming my shoulder was so inflamed that the tissue inside the joint was starting to die. I would have liked to have waited to have the surgery, but the pain was severe and I didn't want to cause any more damage.
Another challenge I've had to overcome is my own mental toughness. Starting out I was a bit on the fragile side as far as racing and training through discomfort goes, but I am working on overcoming that one workout at a time. 

Q: How do you keep your focus when there are so many other distractions you're faced with?

A: Training and racing are huge stress relievers for me. Whenever things are getting crazy, a long swim, ride or run is a great way to get some time to myself and clear my head. Alternatively, my mom also races and my boyfriend is a cyclist so whenever I am feeling less than motivated, I have them (and my coach!) to keep me accountable. It is nice to have them as training partners and for support at races.

Q: When you're not training what are you doing?

A: Currently I am transitioning to my new career as a police officer. When I am not training athletically I am most likely training professionally, ironing creases into my uniform, or trying to catch a few elusive hours of sleep. I also value highly the time I get to spend relaxing and enjoying my family and friends. 

Q: What are your future goals and aspirations?

A: I am looking forward to a very successful law enforcement career. I am also looking to take triathlon to the highest level possible. I would like to eventually become a professional at the Olympic distance, and I plan to finish at least one full Ironman. I would also like to continue to swim competitively and a very long term goal is to make my run the strongest leg of my race. That one might take a while!

Q: How have your athletic experiences shaped you?

A: My athletic experiences have made me an overall well-rounded person. I have learned how to become a leader through sports. I have learned how rewarding hard-work and discipline are. I have learned how to effectively manage my time, and most importantly my athletic experience has taught me to value my good health and ability. I am grateful for every day that I am able to get out and train or race.

Q: What advice would you give to other athletes like yourself?

A: The advice I would give other athletes like myself is to train hard, never give up and ALWAYS have a support group. As much as something like triathlon or swimming is an "individual" sport, having a coach, training group and family and friends to support you will make all the difference. There is no greater feeling than being able to share your success with others. Having a good performance/recovery drink won't hurt either!

While Waylon Christensen may seem like your average 17-year-old, he certainly isn't spending all his time going out and chasing chicks. Instead, he's busy chasing his dream to become the best triathlete that ever walked the earth. 

Despite doubts by coaches and peers, Christensen put many to shame when he completed his first full Ironman at the young age of 16. Now he's on to even bigger and better things as he trains to qualify for the 2013 Ironman World Championships.   

Q: How do you keep your focus on training and racing when there are so many other distractions for a person your age?

A: I can't truly say I am focused on training and racing 100% of the time. The main thing keeping me on track is my big dream. I want to be a world champion and I remind myself of that every time I start to get distracted.

Q: What has been your greatest accomplishment in triathlon so far?

A: My greatest accomplishment has to be completing my first full iron distance race when I was 16 years old. The odds were against me and many people did not believe I was capable of it.

Q: What are your plans/goals for the future and the next few years to come?

A: In the immediate future I'd like to perform well on the Ironman Circuit and hopefully qualify for the World Championship at Arizona this coming November. Long term, my goal is pretty simple: I want to be the best triathlete to ever walk this earth. Outside of triathlon, I am excited to graduate high school in the fall and begin "real life." I am currently considering joining the Marine Corps or serving in law enforcement.

Q: What has/have been your greatest challenge(s) throughout your triathlon career?

A: At the start of my triathlon career, the biggest challenge was physical. My first race was intended to be purely recreational so there was not a whole lot of mental troubles. However, once I moved on to longer and longer races, my biggest struggle became a lack of motivation. But once I learned how to turn negative into positive, I was able to overcome almost any challenge before me.

Q: What is the best piece of advice you could give to young athletes like yourself, or athletes who are just getting started?

A: For people just starting out in the sport I would tell them to dream big, and have fun. There is never a goal too grand to accomplish. I am a firm believer that we are capable of anything we desire! At times triathlon is very challenging at you will want to quit, but just remember that you are doing it for fun! For young athletes like myself, I'd add that with the correct training plan you are not too young for anything. Others will try to tell you that you can't do it, but all you have to do is turn that into positive energy and try to prove them wrong.

Q: If you weren't spending all your time training for triathlons what would you be doing?

A: Gosh, I really don't know! It's hard to imagine life without triathlon at this point. I would still spend a lot of time exercising in different ways. I love to surf, rock climb, and mountaineer so I'd spend all my free time participating in those activities!

Q: How have your experiences doing triathlon shaped you?

A: Triathlon has had a huge impact on my day to day life. Overall I've become a healthier individual and much more determined to reach my goals outside of triathlon. I am more aware of what I am eating and putting into my body. I have stopped eating for pleasure and eat instead to fuel my body properly. Most importantly, triathlon has taught me that I can achieve anything in life. Being such an individual sport, it has also made me a more independent and self motivating person. I can't wait to see what triathlon has to offer me over my lifetime.

4 BASIC ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOOD GROUPS

While Waylon Christensen may seem like your average 17-year-old, he certainly isn't spending all his time going out and chasing chicks. Instead, he's busy chasing his dream to become the best triathlete that ever walked the earth. 

Despite doubts by coaches and peers, Christensen put many to shame when he completed his first full Ironman at the young age of 16. Now he's on to even bigger and better things as he trains to qualify for the 2013 Ironman World Championships.   

Q: How do you keep your focus on training and racing when there are so many other distractions for a person your age?

A: I can't truly say I am focused on training and racing 100% of the time. The main thing keeping me on track is my big dream. I want to be a world champion and I remind myself of that every time I start to get distracted.

Q: What has been your greatest accomplishment in triathlon so far?

A: My greatest accomplishment has to be completing my first full iron distance race when I was 16 years old. The odds were against me and many people did not believe I was capable of it.

Q: What are your plans/goals for the future and the next few years to come?

A: In the immediate future I'd like to perform well on the Ironman Circuit and hopefully qualify for the World Championship at Arizona this coming November. Long term, my goal is pretty simple: I want to be the best triathlete to ever walk this earth. Outside of triathlon, I am excited to graduate high school in the fall and begin "real life." I am currently considering joining the Marine Corps or serving in law enforcement.

Q: What has/have been your greatest challenge(s) throughout your triathlon career?

A: At the start of my triathlon career, the biggest challenge was physical. My first race was intended to be purely recreational so there was not a whole lot of mental troubles. However, once I moved on to longer and longer races, my biggest struggle became a lack of motivation. But once I learned how to turn negative into positive, I was able to overcome almost any challenge before me.

Q: What is the best piece of advice you could give to young athletes like yourself, or athletes who are just getting started?

A: For people just starting out in the sport I would tell them to dream big, and have fun. There is never a goal too grand to accomplish. I am a firm believer that we are capable of anything we desire! At times triathlon is very challenging at you will want to quit, but just remember that you are doing it for fun! For young athletes like myself, I'd add that with the correct training plan you are not too young for anything. Others will try to tell you that you can't do it, but all you have to do is turn that into positive energy and try to prove them wrong.

Q: If you weren't spending all your time training for triathlons what would you be doing?

A: Gosh, I really don't know! It's hard to imagine life without triathlon at this point. I would still spend a lot of time exercising in different ways. I love to surf, rock climb, and mountaineer so I'd spend all my free time participating in those activities!

Q: How have your experiences doing triathlon shaped you?

A: Triathlon has had a huge impact on my day to day life. Overall I've become a healthier individual and much more determined to reach my goals outside of triathlon. I am more aware of what I am eating and putting into my body. I have stopped eating for pleasure and eat instead to fuel my body properly. Most importantly, triathlon has taught me that I can achieve anything in life. Being such an individual sport, it has also made me a more independent and self motivating person. I can't wait to see what triathlon has to offer me over my lifetime.