Bike Diva

Join Timex Factory Team

Are you am amateur athlete looking for sponsorship opportunities? I've written quite a few articles on how to find athletic sponsorships which I've published to the Bike Diva blog. About a week ago I added a post on how to apply to be a member of the yearly team representing Zico Coconut Water.

Here's a new opportunity I just found out about, apply to be a member of the Timex Factory Team. Timex has a professional team, supporting pro-triathletes, but the factory team gives amateur athletes a chance for athletic sponsorship. Unlike the pro team, athletes can apply at any time of year to be considered for membership in the factory team.

Factory Team Info

• Selected athlete will receive the following:
• Timex Ironman digital sports watch plus discount for additional product purchases
• Timex Factory Team Uniform - Exclusive to team members ($80 voucher to order online)
• Timex technical running hat and visor

• Obligations of Timex Factory Team athletes:
• Team dues of $100
• Must wear Timex sports time piece during all racing and training
• Upload photos from races and training to social media outlets on a weekly basis
• Submit race results within a week after race date

Additional Sponsorship Articles

Here are links to articles I've written on my Bike Diva and Run Diva blogs on how to find and apply to companies for sports sponsorship.

1. 2012 Athletic Sponsorship Opportunities
2. Bike Diva's 2011 Race Results
3. Amateur Athletes Yearly Training & Racing Budget
4. Bike Diva's 2011 Sponsors
5. How to Find Sponsorship Opportunities
6. KSwiss Sponsorship Opportunities
7. Run Diva 2012 Brooks ID Member
8. Sponsor the Bike Diva Blog

Fill out the online application to become a member of Timex Factory Team. Let me know if you decide to apply to be a member of the Timex Factory Team. I would also love to hear about any other amateur athletic sponsorship opportunties you've applied to or are thinking of applying to.

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

Related articles

Athletic Sponsorship Articles

Looking for Sponsorship? Join Team Zico in 2013

Looking for Sponsorship? Join Team Zico in 2013

Above: Zico coconut water is available in 5 flavors including chocolate, pineapple, mango, passion fruit and natural.

Athletic Sponsorship Opportunities

Have you been following along my other articles on Bike Diva regarding athletic sponsorship opportunities? You usually have to apply in the fall for sponsorship during the following calendar year. However, there is still time to apply to be a member of the 2013 Zico team. The deadline to apply is January 31st, so get those applications in while there is still time!

Zico is a natural coconut water, which makes a terrific recovery beverage after an intense training session or after completing a race. I like coconut water ice cold. Read my review of Zico coconut water I wrote back in 2009.

From the Zico website:

Join our Naturally Powered Team

Now is your chance to get on board with one of the fastest growing beverage companies in the world.

We are on the lookout for new Team ZICO members: athletes, both professional and amateur, who share a passion for training and use ZICO to help them perform. Those who fit the bill will receive monthly product deliveries, cool ZICO gear, social media love, friends and family discounts, and a featured spotlight on the Team ZICO page.

What do we ask of you? It’s simple. Keep competing, raising the bar and doing what you do best. While you’re at it, continue to spread the ZICO word among your communities.

Additional Sponsorship Articles

Here are links to articles I've written on my Bike Diva and Run Diva blogs on how to find and apply to companies for sports sponsorship.

1. 2012 Athletic Sponsorship Opportunities
2. Bike Diva's 2011 Race Results
3. Amateur Athletes Yearly Training & Racing Budget
4. Bike Diva's 2011 Sponsors
5. How to Find Sponsorship Opportunities
6. KSwiss Sponsorship Opportunities
7. Run Diva 2012 Brooks ID Member
8. Sponsor the Bike Diva Blog

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

Related articles

Bike Diva's Going Back to Duathlons

Coconut Water

Athletic Sponsorship Articles

Athletic Sponsorship Articles

Above: logo for the Brooks ID program. Brooks has been my running shoe sponsor since 2009.

Finding Sponsorship Opportunities

Here are links to the articles I've written on the topic of athletic sponsorship for both my Bike Diva and Run Diva blogs. I will keep this page updated as I write future articles on the topic of athletic sponsorship.

Above: example of a photo that would be appropriate to include with your sponsorship application. Potential sponsors usually want to know your past racing history going back 2-3 years. My triathlon suit and run hat are from my sponsor Profile Design. The shoes I'm racing in are by Brooks, my running shoe sponsor.

Do Your Homework

Please note, the exact details of individual sponsorship opportunities changes from year-to-year. Do your homework and make sure to thoroughly research the companies you are interested in applying to before sending in your sponsorship application.

1. 2012 Athletic Sponsorship Opportunities
2. Bike Diva's 2011 Race Results
3. Amateur Athletes Yearly Training & Racing Budget
4. Bike Diva's 2011 Sponsors
5. How to Find Sponsorship Opportunities
6. KSwiss Sponsorship Opportunities
7. Run Diva 2012 Brooks ID Member
8. Sponsor the Bike Diva Blog

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

 

Bike Diva's 2011 Race Results

Above: Lynn Smythe at the 2011 Club Med triathlon #1

Bike Diva's 2011 Race Summary

2011 was an epic year for me. Despite an extreme water phobia, I started swimming in January so I could begin competing in triathlons. I did my first swim at our local YMCA on January 3, then raced my very first triathlon on February 6. I participated in a total of 19 races in 2011, including 9 sprint and one Olympic distance triathlon.

I am sponsored by a few companies that help me out with either free or deeply discounted clothing and equipment. At the end of every year I send out a sponsored athlete race recap, to let each sponsor know the details of all the races I competed in, my race results and tentative race schedule for the upcoming year.

I personalize the beginning paragraph of the race recap according to which company I am sending the report to.

Above: I survived my first open water swim at my very first triathlon

Sponsored Athlete - Lynn Smythe
2011 Race Recap
[email protected]
www.bikediva.net
www.facebook.com/bikediva
www.twitter.com/thebikediva

 

Hello Mr. Jones,

I just wanted to thank XXX for sponsoring me during the 2011 race season and I am looking forward to continuing to work with XXX for the 2012 race season. I will be placing an order after the first of the year for some additional XXX product to be used throughout the 2012 training and racing season.

I am including a summary of the races I participated in during the year, a copy of my tentative schedule for the 2012 race season, along with a couple of recent racing photos to this email.  

Exciting news; I have just agreed to head the volunteer committee for the 2012 Palm Beach Marathon Bike Patrol. The Bike Patrol is comprised of volunteer cyclists that ride the course during the race and help out runners as needed. I will be working with the event organizers to improve the race for 2012, while finding cyclists to volunteer to be members of the Bike Patrol. 

Sponsors Confirmed for the 2012 Race Season

• Brooks Running – I will be a member of the Brooks ID program
• Profile Design
• Rudy Project
• Fluid

Above: my favorite portion of triathlons, the bike leg

Lynn Smythe’s 2011 Race Recap

1. 2/06 - Club Med Race Series #1 – sprint triathlon –Club Med Sandpiper Bay - Port St. Lucie - USAT 4^th place women 45-49
2. 2/26 – 8^th Annual Race for Faith – 5k – John Prince Park - Lake Worth – USATF 4^th place women 45-49
3. 3/13 - 35^th Annual Shamrock Run – 5k – John Prince Park - Lake Worth – USATF 4^th place women 45-49
4. 3/27 – Club Med Race Series #2 – sprint triathlon – Club Med Sandpiper Bay - Port St. Lucie – USAT 5^th place women 45-49
5. **4/03 - Spring Training Triathlon - sprint triathlon - Tradewinds Park - Coconut Creek – USAT 10^th place women 45-49
6. 4/17 - FAU Wellness Triathlon - sprint triathlon - Spanish River Park - Boca Raton – USAT 21^st place women 45-49
7. **4/23 - Egg Hunt Triathlon - sprint triathlon - CB Smith Park - Pembroke Pines – USAT 6^th place women 45-49
8. 5/01 - St. Anthony's Triathlon - Olympic triathlon - Vinoy Park - St. Petersburg – USAT 87^th place women 45-49
9. 5/07 – 10th Annual Race for the Arts – 5k – John Prince Park - Lake Worth – USATF 8^th place women 45-49
10. **7/04 - Independence Day - sprint triathlon - Tradewinds Park - Coconut Creek – USAT 11^th place women 45-49
11. 7/24 – Club Med Race Series #4 – sprint triathlon – Club Med Sandpiper Bay - Port St. Lucie – USAT 3^rd place women 45-49
12. 8/06 - Loggerhead Triathlon - sprint triathlon - Carlin Park – Jupiter – USAT 25^th place women 45-49
13. 8/21 - WPB Race Series - 15k bike time trial – 20 Mile Bend - West Palm Beach – USAC 5^th place women 45-54
14. **10/02 - Race the Troops - sprint triathlon - Tradewinds Park - Coconut Creek – USAT 6^th place women 45-49
15. 11/19  25th Annual Turkey Trot - 5k run - Anchor Park - Delray Beach – USATF 7^th place women 45-49
16. 11/24 - 3rd Annual Turkey Trot - 5k run - Adolph & Rose Levis JCC - Boca Raton – USATF 21^st place women 40-49
17. 12/03 - Warrior Dash - 5k adventure run - Quiet Waters Park - Deerfield Beach
18. 12/04 - Palm Beach Marathon - 10k run - Myers Amphitheater - West Palm Beach – USATF 5^th place women 45-49
19. 12/07 - PAL Holiday Mile - 1 mile run - Mizner Park - Boca Raton – USATF 13^th place women 40-49
20. Broward Championship Race Series – 4^th place women 45-49 in the points series. ** designates races that were part of the points series.

Key code:

• USAT - USA Triathlon - http://www.usat.com/
• USAC - USA Cycling - http://www.usacycling.org/
• USATF - USA Track & Field - http://www.usatf.org/

 

Lynn Smythe’s Tentative 2012 Race Schedule

1. 1/07/12 – Disney half Marathon – Walt Disney World – Orlando
2. 2/05/12 - 10th Annual Butterfly Run - 5k - Sabal Pines Park - Coconut Creek
3. 2/19/12  - A1A Marathon – marathon – Beach Front Ave. - Ft. Lauderdale
4. 2/25/12 – 9^th Annual Race for Faith – 5k – John Prince Park – Lake Worth
5. 2/26/12 - Club Med Race Series #1 - sprint or Olympic triathlon - Club Med Sandpiper Baby - Port St. Lucie
6. 3/10/12 – Annual John Smith Race for the Arts – 5k – Dreher Park, West Palm Beach
7. 3/17/12 – 36^th Annual Shamrock Run – 5k or 10 miler – John Prince Park – Lake Worth
8. 4/07/12 - 3rd Annual Egg Hunt - sprint triathlon - CB Smith Park - Pembroke Pines
9. 4/15/12 – FAU Wellness Triathlon – sprint triathlon – Spanish River Park – Boca Raton
10. 4/29/12 – St. Anthony’s Triathlon – Olympic triathlon – Vinoy Park – St. Petersburg
11. 7/04/12 - 22nd Annual Independence Day - sprint triathlon - Tradewinds Park - Coconut Creek
12. 8/05/12 – Loggerhead Triathlon – sprint triathlon – Carlin Park – Jupiter
13. 10/14/12 - Multirace.com Series Championship - International triathlon - Tradewinds Park - Coconut Creek
14. 11/11/12 – Miami Man – International triathlon – Larry & Penny Thompson Park - Miami
15. 11/17/12 – 26^th Annual Turkey Trot – 5k – Anchor Park - Delray Beach
16. 11/22/12 - 4th Annual Turkey Trot - 5k - Adolph & Rose Levis JCC - Boca Raton

Sports Related Writing Duties

• Bike Diva – www.bikediva.net - founder and editor
• Run Diva – www.rundiva.net – founder and editor
• Sports Nutrition Diva - www.sportsnutritiondiva.net - founder and editor
  

Thank you for your time,
Lynn Smythe

 

Bike Diva's Tentative 2012 Race Schedule

Above: Lynn Smythe, AKA the Bike Diva, and her husband Rob finishing the swim leg of their first ever triathlon, February 2011.

Race Bike Diva Race

It's that time of year again. Time for reflection as I look back at the races I participated in 2011 and figure out which events I want to race in 2012. I've been racing since 2008, you can view my Bike Diva Race Schedule to see all the events I participated in since that time: http://www.bikediva.net/bike-divas-races.html.

I start planning my schedule for the following year in the early fall for a number of reasons:

1. The companies I am trying to obtain sponsorship from for the 2012 race season usually accept applications in the fall for sponsorship the following year. Every potential sponsor needs a general idea of the events you plan on doing.
2. I am married with children and need to plan my training and racing around my husbands work schedule and daughters school schedule.
3. I am not independently wealthy, and as an amateur athlete, I have to pay the entry fee to all my events. Being on a limited budget I have to decide which events are the most important to me each year.
4. I live in south Florida and could easily race year round. But that would be a recipe for disaster. Everyone needs an off season to rest and recuperate from their main racing season before gearing up their training for the next racing season. I was exhausted at the end of 2010 after doing 22 events, so I am trying really hard to scale back a bit. Fewer races should mean those races are better/faster than going slow and suffering when doing too many events.

  Above: showing off my bike in the transition area of the 2011 St. Anthony's triathlon.

Bike Diva's 2011 Races

As you can see, I still have a few races left to go for 2011. My "A" race of the year, the one which is the most important to me, takes place on November 13. I will be competing in my first half Ironman distance triathlon at Miami Man, 6 days before my 48th birthday!

1. 2/06 - Club Med Race Series #1 – sprint triathlon – Club Med, Port St. Lucie
2. 2/26 - Race for Faith – 5k – John Prince Park, Lake Worth
3. 3/13 - 35^th Annual Shamrock Run – 5k – John Prince Park, Lake Worth
4. 3/27 – Club Med Race Series #2 – sprint triathlon – Club Med, Port St. Lucie
5. 4/03 - Spring Training Triathlon - sprint triathlon - Tradewinds Park, Coconut Creek
6. 4/17 - FAU Wellness Triathlon - sprint triathlon - Spanish River Park, Boca Raton
7. 4/23 - Egg Hunt Triathlon - sprint triathlon - CB Smith Park, Pembroke Pines
8. 5/01 - St. Anthony's Triathlon - Olympic triathlon - Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg
9. 5/07 – 10th Annual Race for the Arts – 5k – John Prince Park, Lake Worth
10. 7/04 - Independence Day - sprint triathlon - Tradewinds Park, Coconut Creek
11. 7/24 – Club Med Race Series #4 – sprint triathlon – Club Med, Port St. Lucie
12. 8/06 - Loggerhead Triathlon - sprint triathlon - Carlin Park, Jupiter.
13. 8/21 - WPB Race Series - 15k time trial bike race - West Palm Beach.
14. 10/02 - Race the Troops - sprint triathlon - Tradewinds Park, Coconut Creek
15. 11/13 - Miami Man – ½ Ironman triathlon – Larry & Penny Thompson Park, Homestead
16. 11/19  25th Annual Turkey Trot - 5k run - Anchor Park, Delray Beach
17. 12/03 - Warrior Dash - 5k adventure run - Quiet Waters Park, Deerfield Beach

Above: my favorite part of the triathlon, the bike leg!

Bike Diva's Tentative 2012 Race Schedule

This is a very preliminary schedule. I don't have any dates yet for the Club Med series of triathlons or any of the Multirace.com triathlons. I'm not sure if I will commit to doing my first full Ironman distance triathlon the end of 2012 or 2013. If I don't do Ironman in 2012 then I will do the half Ironman again at Miami Man in lieu of Ironman Florida.

Also, if my  swim confidence has improved, then I'm looking at NOT doing as many Multirace.com events as I usually do and adding in some of the bigger tris, such as Miami International, Nautica South Beach or Escape to Miami to my schedule. BUT I will have to get over my fear of bridges, Miami triathlons are full of stinking bridges.

Also, my local chapter Team in Training is talking about doing the Moab century ride next September. That is a 100 mile road bike ride in the mountains in Utah. My husband is one of the Team in Training cycle coaches, so if Moab is a go, then I'll be training for that event in September in lieu of doing Nation's triathlon.

The Disney half and full marathon (AKA Goofy Race & a half Challenge) are the only events that I have already registered for in 2012. I am doing Goofy with my local chapter of Team in Training to help raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This leaves a lot of room for changes and additions to the schedule. But potential sponsors for 2012 race season need to have a general idea of what events I plan to race so I put together this tentative schedule.

1. 1/07/12 - Disney - half marathon - Orlando
2. 1/08/12 - Disney - marathon - Orlando
3. 2/19/12 - A1A - marathon - Ft. Lauderdale
4. 2/25/12 - 9th Annual Race for Faith - 5k - Lake Worth
5. 3/10/12 - 11th Annual Race for the Arts - 5k - West Palm Beach
6. 3/?/12 - 36th Annual Shamrock Run - 5k or 10 miler - Lake Worth
7. 4/15/12 - FAU - sprint triathlon - Boca Raton
8. 4/29/12 - St. Anthony's - Olympic triathlon - St. Petersburg
9. 8/?/12 - Loggerhead - sprint triathlon - Jupiter
10. 9/09/12 - Nation's - Olympic triathlon - Washington, DC
11. ??11/?/12 - Ironman Florida - Full Ironman triathlon - Panama City Beach OR
12. 11/?/12 - Miami Man - half Ironman triathlon - Miami
13. 11/?/12 - 26th Annual Turkey Trot - 5k - Delray Beach
14. 12/?/12 - Palm Beach Marathon - marathon - West Palm Beach

Above: my least favorite part of triathlons, the swim. I've only been swimming since January 3, so I guess I'm doing okay for just getting into triathlons. I am like a fish out of water in the water - LOL!

Additional Sponsorship Information

Here are links to articles I've written on obtaining sponsorship for amateur athletes:

• 2012 Athletic Sponsorship Opportunities
• How to Find Sponsorship Opportunities

 

Take care,
Lynn Smythe, AKA the Bike Diva

2012 Athletic Sponsorship Opportunities

Above: my husband and I at a local 5k race. I am wearing my Team Odwalla race kit.

I started racing a few time trial bike races back in 2008. In 2009 and 2010 I added running into my workout routine and started competing in 5k, half marathons and a lot of duathlons. 2011 became the year of the triathlon as I finally bit the bullet and got over my fear of the water.

Above: Bike Diva booth at the 2010 South Florida Bike Expo. The banner includes logos of all the companies that sponsored me for the 2010 race season.

Bike Diva's Sponsors

Since 2008 I have had a few companies that sponsor my race efforts by sending me free and deeply discounted athletic gear, clothing and nutritional products. On February 24 of last year, I wrote a comprehensive article on how to go about finding sponsorship opportunities: How-to Find Sponsorship Opportunities.

2012 Sponsorship Opportunities

It's that time of year again. I have just started filling out sponsorship applications for the 2012 race season. The majority of companies that offer sponsorship opportunities accept applications in the fall for sponsorship the following year. Here are a few sponsorship opportunities you may want to apply to for the 2012 race season.

If you can get onto one of the triathlon teams, you have it made. Instead of having to apply for individual sponsorship for bikes, wheels, clothing, sunglasses, helmets, nutritional items, shoes, etc... you have access to all the gear from the companies that sponsor the triathlon teams. I don't think I'll ever make it onto Team TriSports or the Timex Multisport Team, but it doesn't hurt to try.

2012 Team Trisports Application - looking for 30 top age group athletes to join their triathlon team.

Timex Multisport Team - a team of around 50 top age group athletes, both amateur and professional, ranging in age from 18 to 57.

Smith Optics -Interested in becoming sponsored by a company that makes sunglasses and goggles? Here is the link to the sponsorship information page for Smith Optics. They accept applications in the following disciplines; bike, wakeboard, skateboard, ski, surf, snowboard, kayak and motorsports.

Hammer Nutrition - Hammer Nutrition makes a complete line of nutritional products such as gels, recovery drinks, supplements, etc... They sponsor a wide variety of athletes.

Clif Bar - another company that makes a complete line of nutritional products. Clif Bar sponsors competitive cyclists, mountain bikers, triathletes, runners, climbers, surfer, skiers and snowboarders.

Brooks ID - sponsored runners accepted into this program receive discounts on Brooks running shoes and clothing.

KSwiss - read my post detailing KSwiss sponsorship opportunities: KSwiss Sponsorship.

ProBar - theprobar.com/community/sponsorship

Token - high performance bicycle products.

Reynolds Cycling - www.reynoldscycling.com/index.php?p_resource=company_teams

First Endurance - sports nutrition products: http://www.firstendurance.com/sponsor-application/

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

KSwiss Sponsorship Opportunities

Bike Diva Races

2011 marks my 4th season of racing. My complete racing schedule can be viewed on the Bike Diva blog: Bike Diva's Races. I have a few companies that sponsor me, by sending me free or discounted equipment, gear and sports nutrition products. I've written on the topic of athletic sponsorship a number of times on the Bike Diva blog:

• How to Find Sponsorship Opportunities
• Amateur Athletes Yearly Racing & Training Budget

Above: a plethora of KSwiss running shoes. Left to right; K-Ruuz, Keahou II, Blade-light race.

KSwiss Sponsorship for Amateur Athletes

I've watched the Ford Ironman Triathlon Championships, which take place in Hawaii every October, for the past few years. I've noticed quite a few of the pro athletes were running in KSwiss running shoes and wearing KSwiss triathlon outfits. I've also seen ads for KSwiss running shoes in Triathlete Magazine.

Always on the look out for possible sponsorship opportunities, I visited the KSwiss website to see if they had any programs available for amateur athletes. Besides their full product sponsorship programs, which they offer to professional athletes, they also offer a variety of pro deal discount programs to amateur athletes.

Above: KSwiss women's triathlon shorts and triathlon top in the USA color scheme.

KSwiss offers three sponsorship programs for amateur athletes, coaches and personal trainers:

Each program offers up to 50% off the retail price of KSwiss footwear, clothing and accessories, along with limited offers exclusive to members of the program. Members must purchase at least one product package per year to maintain their membership. If you qualify for any of these sponsorship programs, you can fill out an online application on the KSwiss website.

K-Team Preferred Player Program

• USPTA and/or PTR certified teaching professionals.
• Juniors with a top 25 USTA Sectional Ranking or a top 200 National Ranking.
• Adults with a Top-10 sectional, Top 50 National singles ranking in Open or Age Group play or Top-5 sectional or Top-10 nationals in doubles.
• Current collegiate players with proper documentation from school.
• Endorsed referral from a K-Swiss advisory staff member.

K-Fit Preferred Fitness Program

• Certified personal trainers.
• Affiliates of major health and fitness associations.
• Regular competitors in fitness events.
• Endorsed referral from a K-Swiss advisory staff member.

K-Fast Preferred Triathlete/Runner Program

• Year-round event competitors.
• Affiliates of major triathlon and/or running associations.
• Age groupers with a Top-20 placement at a major racing event.
• Current collegiate or high-school runners with proper documentation from school.
• Endorsed referral from a K-Swiss advisory staff member.

Above: close up of KSwiss Blade-light running shoes. This is the Bike Diva's new go to shoe for her triathlon and duathlon races. Easy on/off, no need to wear socks. Will make for some speedy T2 transition times.

Additional Information

Website: www.kswiss.com

Sponsorship page: www.kswiss.com/page/pros/Sponsorship.html

Facebook: www.facebook.com/KSwiss

Twitter: twitter.com/KSWISS

Above: Bike Diva, wearing the KSwiss Blade-light running shoe, crossing the finish line at the 4/03/11 Spring Training sprint triathlon.

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

Bike Diva's 2011 Sponsors

ABOVE: The Bike Diva, AKA Lynn Smythe, at the 2010 Miami Beach Classic Duathlon.

Bike Diva's Sponsors

I started racing in time trial bike races in the beginning of 2008. On December 2008, I competed in my very first half marathon, at the Marathon of the Palm Beaches. In 2009 I discovered the sport of duathlon; run-bike-run. I have a variety of triathlon, cycling and running events scheduled for the 2011 race season. My current race schedule can be viewed on the Bike Diva's Races page.

Bike Diva's Sponsors for the 2011 Race Season

I would like to thank the following companies, for their support during the 2011 race season: 

1.  Mission Skincare - body care products including sunscreen, lip gloss and anti-friction cream.
2.  Sugoi Apparel - running, triathlon and cycling specific apparel.
3.  Brooks Running - running shoes and running clothing.
4.  Fluid - protein recovery drink.
5.  MotorTabs - electrolyte drink tablets.
6.  Rudy Project - cycling helmets, time trial helmets, sunglasses.
7.  Sock Guy - cycling and running socks.
8. Profile Design - aerobars, wheels, wetsuits.
9. Sports Nutrition Diva - sports nutrition products.

        

 

If you would like to sponsor the Bike Diva, send me an email: [email protected].

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

Questions, comments, suggestions for topics you would like to see covered on the Bike Diva site? Send an E-mail to: [email protected].

Bike Diva Tries Wetsuit

 

Profile Design Likes Bike Diva

I am pleased to have Profile Design on board as one of my sponsors for the 2011 race season. If you've been following my Bike Diva blog, you know that after 2 years racing duathlons, I have decided to start competing in triathlons in 2011. My tentative 2011 race schedule can be viewed on this blog: Bike Diva's Races.

Profile Design makes a fantastic line of products for cyclists and triathletes. They make a variety of aerobars, wheels, water bottles and clothing for the multisport athlete. I just received my first shipment of Profile Design gear last night including the women's sleeveless Wahoo wetsuit.

Above: Profile Design sleeveless women's Wahoo wetsuit.

Wetsuit Legal Races

Although I live in hot and humid south Florida, any triathlons held during the spring and fall are usually wetsuit legal. So as soon as I knew I was going to start racing triathlons, a wetsuit was high on my list of priorities for new gear to acquire in 2011. Profile Design makes many full sleeve wetsuits, but I decided since most of my racing will be taking place in Florida, at least for my first season of triathlon, that a sleeveless wetsuit made the most sense.

Above: the Bike Diva fondling her new Profile Design Wahoo wetsuit, while rocking her Profile Design tri top and shorts.

Shamu Imitation

Trying on my wetsuit for the first time was like doing an impersonation of Shamu. You know, that cute killer whale at Sea World. Only I didn't look quite as cute. I think the wetsuit made me look at least 10 pounds fatter, and the pictures of me in the wetsuit add another 10-20 pounds, so yes "that beyatch is HUGE" comes to mind when I uploaded the pictures of me modeling the wetsuit. Very attractive, NOT. I don't know what I thought I was going to look like in a wetsuit. Maybe because it fits "tight like sausage" I thought it would make me look skinny, like I was wearing a giant black, full body girdle? Who knows what strange thoughts go through my head at times.

I had a bit of a struggle getting into the wetsuit for the first time, I guess that's why you practice a few times getting it on/off before showing up for your first race. I can also see I will be making LOTS of new friends at my races: "Can ya'll give me a hand with my zipper?" Finally got it zipped up by myself but felt like a pretzel trying to twist my arms behind my back to get it zipped up. It came off a lot easier, just undid the velcro closure, zipped down the wetsuit and stepped out of it inside out. Pretty nifty.

Above: gansta' Bike Diva in da house - WOOT!

 

Glide Bike Diva Glide

We have a small in ground pool in our backyard, underneath our screened porch. It's not a big enough to do any kind of lap swimming, that's why we joined our local YMCA last month, to use their indoor lap pool. But it does make a good pool for working on improving your swim technique and testing out new equipment.

I kitted up with my new Profile Design elite crop top, elite tri tank and elite tri shorts. Why do I need both a crop top and tank top? I am NOT a petite athlete, I always double bag the girls (ta-tas) whenever running will be involved. I guess you skinny chicks could go around flaunting your six packs and get away with just wearing a crop top, but until I get at least another 20-30 pounds off this goddess body, that just ain't gonna happen.

So anyways, after kitting up with my Profile Design tri outfit, I put the wetsuit on. Then added a swim cap and goggles and went for a quick swim splash in our pool. The wetsuit is da bomb! Makes my legs really floaty, to the point where it was really awkward doing the breast stroke while wearing it. I am a brand new swimmer, just started swimming middle of December, so I am still getting used to being in the water. I'll breast stroke, side stroke, doggy paddle, whatever it takes to get through my first triathlon. But, the wetsuit made freestyle almost enjoyable. Since your legs are so much higher in the water while wearing the wetsuit, any stroke besides freestyle seemed a bit odd.

Above: Bike Diva modeling her full body girdle, errrr, wetsuit.

Final Wetsuit Conclusion

So I'm pretty stoked about getting my wetsuit. Can't wait to try it during an open water ocean swim or two. The ocean was 63? this past weekend. Couldn't get my husband interested in taking me for my first ocean swim, hopefully we'll go within the next week or two. I'll certainly be toasty when we finally go, I've got a wetsuit, YEAH BABY!

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

Bike Diva's 2010 Race Season Recap

 ABOVE: Lynn Smythe, AKA the Bike Diva, racing up William Powell Bridge on the Rickenbacker Causeway, at one of the Mack Cycle Trilogy sprint duathlons held on Key Biscayne, Florida.

Race Bike Diva Race

From time-to-time I like to compete in a few cycling, running and multi-sport events. Duathlons, which are a run-bike-run format, are my favorite type of race. Of the 22 events I participated in this year, 13 of the races were duathlons. Here's a listing of awards that have been bestowed upon the Bike Diva during the 2010 race season.

Above: Lynn Smythe, AKA the Bike Diva, with her 2010 Miami Man finishers medal and second place age group giraffe trophy.

Bike Diva's 2010 Awards and Accolades

1. 2/07/10 - Butterfly Run - 5k - USATF 5th place women 45-49.
2. 4/03/10 - Egg Hunt PFFW - sprint duathlon - USAT 2nd place women 45-49.
3. 4/25/10 - West Palm Beach Race Series - 15k time trial - USAC 5th place women 45-54.
4. 5/02/10 - Tri Miami - Olympic distance duathlon - USAT 1st place women 45-49.
5. 5/23/10 - Singer Island PFFW - sprint duathlon - USAT 2nd place women 45-49.
6. 6/05/10 - Multirace.com - sprint duathlon - USAT 3rd place female masters overall.
7. 6/13/10 - West Palm Beach Race Series - 15k time trial - USAC 3rd place women 45-54.
8. 6/20/10 - Mack Cycle Trilogy #1 - sprint duathlon - USAT 1st place women 45-49.
9. 7/04/10 - Independence Day PFFW - sprint duathlon - USAT 4th place women 45-49.
10. 7/18/10 - Mack Cycle Trilogy #2 - sprint duathlon - USAT 1st place women 45-49.
11. 8/15/10 - Mack Cycle Trilogy #3 - sprint duathlon - USAT 1st place women 45-49.
12. 8/28/10 - Metro PCS - sprint duathlon - USAT 3rd place female masters overall.
13. 9/05/10 - Miami Beach Classic - mid distance duathlon - USAT 5th place women 45-49.
14. 9/19/10 - Mack Cycle Bonus Round - sprint duathlon - USAT 2nd place women 45-49.
15. 10/10/10 - Tradition PFFW Championship - sprint duathlon - USAT 2nd place women 45-49.
16. 11/14/10 - Miami Man - 1/2 Ironman duathlon - USAT 2nd place women 45-49.
17. 11/20/10 - 24th Annual Delray Turkey Trot - 5k - USATF 6th place women 45-49.

  Above: Bike Diva's Mack Cycle Triology points series award.

Point Series Awards

In addition to the individual events I competed in, I also participated in two points series. If you completed at least 4 of the 9 Publix Family Fitness events, you qualified for the points series for those races. And if you completed at least 3 of the 4 Mack Cycle races, you qualified for the points series for those races.

I did 6 of the Publix Family Fitness sprint duathlons, and placed 1st place women 45-49 in that points series. I raced in all 4 of the Mack Cycle sprint duathlons, and placed 3rd female masters overall in that points series. Female masters are the top three fastest duathletes over 40 years old - AWESOME!

Above: Bike Diva's Publix Family Fitness points series award.

Other Bike Diva Events

I did a total of 22 races and events this year. As you can see in table at the beginning of this post, I won an award at 15 of those events. The remaining events were either not races, such as the Intracoastal Waterway Century bike ride, or running only events, where I am no where near the podium. I like to race against me, myself and I, so as long as I'm about the same or improving compared to my last race, I'm pretty happy with all of my results.

Above: Bike Diva's 2009 and 2010 Miami Man finishers medals and animal trophies.

Miami Man

This years Miami Man 1/2 Ironman duathlon, which was a 1mile run - 56 mile bike - 13.1 mile run event, was a huge improvement for me. I raced Miami Man for the first time last year, with an total time of 6 hours 50 minutes and 59 seconds which was good enough for 3rd place masters overall. This year my time was 6 hours 1 minute 36 seconds, a huge improvement of 49 minutes and 23 seconds!

Above right: Bike Diva on the podium at 2010 Miami Man.

Although my finishing time was much better this year, it was only good enough for 2nd place in my age group. There were a lot more people competing in the duathlon this year at Miami Man. I was really happy with my improvement over last year. I've lost a few pounds since last year, started meeting with a personal trainer three times per week, to work on upper body and core strength, and did a whole lot more biking and running compared to last year.

Above: Bike Diva information booth at the South Florida Bike Expo.

Bike Diva's Sponsors

I'd like to give a shout out to all of my sponsors that helped me out during the 2010 race season:

1. Aquaphor
2. Brooks
3. Fluid
4. Lock Laces
5. Mission Skincare
6. Motor Tabs
7. Rudy Project
8. Sock Guy
9. Sugoi

Above: The Bike Diva at the 24th Annual Delray Beach Turkey Trot. Although I am not a very fast runner, this was a 5k PR for me with an official finish time of 27:22.

2011 Race Season

It's a little too early to know what my race schedule will be for 2011. I know that Miami Man is scheduled for November 13, and I plan on doing the 1/2 Iron distance duathlon again. I want to improve my Tri Miami Olympic distance duathlon time, I finished with a time of 3:08 this year and want to be able to go sub 3 hours at that event in 2011. Tri Miami was held in May this year, but they haven't posted up the date for 2011. I will most likely compete in many of the south Florida Multirace.com duathlons, like I did this year, and am waiting for them to post up the schedule.

Above: Team in Training logo.

Team in Training

We are trying to get our local chapter of Team in Training to participate in the Honolulu century ride. That is a 100 mile road bike ride which takes place on the Hawaiian island of Oahu in the month of September. Team in Training is the main fundraising program for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. In the past 5 years, my husband and I have participated in 5 century bike rides with our local TNT chapter, and have raised over $22,000 for the society during that time.

Contact Bike Diva

I would love to hear about your 2010 race season and/or any plans you have for the 2011 race season. Leave a comment at the end of this blog post, or send me an email: [email protected].

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva