 Don't look anywhere else other than Speedo for your swimsuits. There is no competitor even close. The majority of the 1996 U.S. Olympic Swimming Team competed in Speedo, and one of our athletes who was sponsored by another swimsuit company wore a Speedo and marked out their logo before winning a gold medal. They have a great triathlon line of cycling shorts and jerseys, as well as triathlon racing suits and singlets. If you look over at your competitors and see anybody in something other than a Speedo, then know that they're carrying more drag than you are.
 I have been using Amino Vital for more than five years before, during and after workouts and competitions. My favorite Amino Vital product is Mix & Shake. It's unlike any other recovery drink, because not only does it provide hydration, but it's also a key factor in the recovery process of the muscles. My favorite time to drink it is before going to bed. I wake up ready to go again. Don't just use products that are full of sugar; look at the superior ingredients in Amino Vital and the science behind their products. It's an exceptional company with the best products on the shelves, and you can trust the safety of their products...they are a major sponsor of the United States Olympic Committee which means that Amino Vital is held to the highest standards for compliance and quality.
 CMD Services was established in 1986 in Duluth, Georgia, and has been providing fulfillment services to companies of all industries around the country. They deliver a complete solution for handling the production, management, and distribution of materials for everything from training to marketing to benefit statements. Their advanced Starfill® system is used to streamline your documents and communication materials, including inventory management, to reporting, to shipping.
 If you're going to wear sunglasses during training and racing, then make sure that you're wearing a pair designed specifically for athletes. The most lightweight and comfortable glasses that I've ever worn are Rudy Project sunglasses. The Italian manufacturer leads the industry in style and design. I specifically order the Kubo because it has the option of small-face design. A number of women with whom I train at the running track have ordered the Kubo for this same reason. Go check out http://e-rudy.com to order a pair.
 The Carpenters and Millwrights Union of Michigan is a group of hard-working individuals dedicated to providing quality carpentry and machinist services as well as helping their local communities. The men and women who comprise the union believe that giving back to their local schools and neighborhoods is part of their mission.
As an athlete from the Detroit area, I've been fortunate to cross paths with this organization and their philanthropic activities. I first came across the Carpenters and Millwrights when they contacted me regarding Friends For Athletes after seeing a local newspaper article about the company. They wanted join in our mission of helping the families of the Salt Lake Olympic and Paralympic Teams get to the Games. After the winter games in 2002, the Carpenters and Millwrights offered to help my Olympic bid for 2004. I couldn't be more proud to represent the individuals of the Carpenters and Millwright Union who work so hard. The unions do a lot for their communities. To learn more abou this union, visit realapprenticeship.com.
Aquaman Wetsuits
Since I come from a swimming background, I'm picky about what I wear in the water. I stumbled upon Aquaman Wetsuits just two weeks before the Sydney Olympic Games, and what I discovered was the freedom to swim without feeling like there were any constrictions. The results... the fastest swim in the Olympics by over a half minute and a new found competitive advantage. I want you to have the opportunity to race in this wetsuit. I raced in the Pulsar in Sydney and led the swim by over 35 seconds. Now race in the new Metal Cell, because the neoprene rubber in the shoulders is so flexible that there are no constrictions on your deltoid muscle. I wore the Metal Cell at the 2004 World Championships in Madiera, Portugal and led the swim by over 30 seconds thereA long-sleeve wetsuit is much faster than a short sleeved, so unless you overheat very easily, go with the long sleeved.
Sport Vector
This indoor tubing takes only 10 to 15 minutes and it's the equivalent of a few thousand yards workout. The key is proper technique. Check out Lane Gainer. 800-443-8946
Hanson's Running Shop
Have you heard of the dozen or so elite distance runners in the greater Detroit area? Well, they were brought here by the Hanson brothers, Keith and Kevin. The goal, to develop distance running in the US The elite runners all work in the Hanson's Running stores, which are located in Royal Oak, Utica, Auburn Hills and Grosse Pointe. So if you want advice on which shoe is right for you, then contact Hanson's. The number of the Royal Oak store is 248-616-9665.
Endless Pools
The limiting factor about swimming with a group is that you have to go to the pool during the time slot that the team has scheduled. This isn't always possible, so I put an Endless Pool in my house. Not only do I use it to for convenience, but also I discovered how valuable it can be for working on stroke technique. I use a snorkel so I can watch my technique in the mirror that's at the bottom of the pool.
Elite Bikes
If you want true passion, commitment, and energy then meet David Greenfield. David was introduced to me by Tom Demerly at Bikesport (read about Bikesport in this section of the website) a couple of months before the 2000 Olympics. Tom thought that Elite would be perfect for me, because the bikes are custom fit to each cyclist. After talking with David, even though his company was new and not well known, I could tell that I would have the best bike out there if I went out on a limb just before the Olympics. He made a bike that fit me perfectly. Just to let you know how perfectly.....most professional triathletes want a new bike each year from their sponsor, but I never wanted to change. It is not necessary to be greedy and get product just because the contract says you can. I loved my Elite bike, and I only rode one other Elite in the next five years (mainly because I was excited to ride a red bike). When the airlines lost my bike at a world cup in 2003, David had an identical frame shipped to me before I even got home. He is amazing. He loves what he does, and if you ever go to Philadelphia to get fit by him personally, then tell him that you want to go to Pat's Steaks. You'll get the true Philly cheese steak experience with a true Philly born and bred wild man!
P.S. I ride aluminum frames, because they are light and give just the right amount of stiffness for cornering. If you go longer distances, then you'll want to talk to David about which material best suits you. Also, talk to him about crank length. It is a very interesting component to cycling that I feel is not taken into consideration by enough cyclists or triathletes. I ride 172.5's, even though I am only 5'3"
BikeSport Michigan
Tom Demerly, the owner of Bikesport on Mason Avenue, just off of Michigan Avenue in Dearborn, knows more about competitive cycling and triathlon than any other bike store owner in the country. To let you know how much I trust Tom, I begged him to travel to the Dallas Olympic Trials with me in 2000. He kept my Elite bike in his room the night before the race to get it in top condition. Barb Lindquist and I gained 2 and 1/2 minutes on a pack of 12 during that race. I bring my bike into Bikesport for a tune up before every race. To contact Tom or one of the other great guys at his shop, call 313-278-1350 or visit bikesportmichigan.com
Life Athletes
USA Triathlon
Zipp Wheels
Great Lakes Institute of Manual Therapy
Perhaps you have noticed a trend...I affiliate with companies that are leaders in the industry, companies that continually develop product through R &D, and companies that have a true passion for what they do. The people behind these products care about delivering the best products. They are not companies in the business just for the sake of taking market share because they are a huge company and can do that. They have been leaders since the beginning, and I will always trust their expertise.
A special thank you to John Tagert.
His generosity toward the U.S. Olympic Committee, U.S.A. Triathlon and many athletes, has made a difference in the performances of the U.S. team. Where would we be without supporters such as John?
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