Essentials for ladies who TRI! By Gaby Bunten
When I began my triathlon career six years ago, I admit to researching the most popular gear that every triathlete should own. If anyone can relate to researching or analyzing gear, it’s a fellow triathlete. We love our gear! However, over my career, I have developed strong opinions on products that work great and others that don’t live up to my expectations. Here are a few essentials that I always have in my tri bag! First and foremost, I will highlight nutrition products best suited for women. There are several products on the market today that are designed specifically for women and right so! A woman requires a specific set of nutrients and a specific amount of nutrients to accommodate our physiology.
Favorite Nutritional Products OSMO Nutrition is essential for a successful workout, race and recovery. Osmo Nutrition provides hydration and recovery fuel specifically for women, including their Active Hydration and Acute Recovery mixes. My favorite electrolyte supplement that I both train and race with is their Strawberry Women’s Hydration Mix. For post workout, I love the honey and spice flavored Acute Recovery for Women with water, almond milk, or I have also added in a shot of espresso with ice after morning workouts for a protein-fueled kick. http://osmonutrition.com/store/products.html?cat=women Picky Bars I have tried numerous gels, bars, chews and bites. However, I have yet to find a product that settles as well as these. Picky bars are formulated to contain a 4:1 carbohydrate to protein ratio for proper fueling before, during and after a workout. This ratio is designed to top off glycogen stores, aid in muscle recovery and most importantly, and digest easily. They contain whole food ingredients without added sugar or preservatives. My favorite bar is “Cookie Doughpness.” I have a thing for their creative names and cookies, of course. https://pickybars.com/ingredient-science/
Top Apparel Picks Apparel for an athletic woman is tough to find. Well, apparel that actually fits us that is! If you are like me, you have tried on countless kits, swim suits, even jeans that just don’t fit quite right. However, after countless fashion shows held in changing rooms, I have discovered two brands that work for me! Here are my top two picks: Jolyn Swimwear When I go to the pool, I absolutely always have Jolyn swimwear on hand. Not only, do they create feminine suits, but they actually fit an athletic body type. Personally, for indoor swim workouts I swear by their “fixed strap onesies.” When I go outdoors, I tend to stray more towards their “solid fixed strap” two pieces. I swear by Jolyn, as it stood the test of several training trips for collegiate swimming with countless hours spent in the pool. My suit lasted a full year without stretching or fading this past season. 18 www.midwestevents.com