Help from unexpected places

     We are very excited to announce that a couple of generous companies have graciously elected to help support our upcoming trip.  The great thing is that with both companies we use their products on a regular basis with our adventures.  It is an honor to represent two great product lines. Both companies products work equally well whether you are running, biking, hiking, or kayaking.
     Ultraspire is a company that makes hydration packs, belts, and handheld water bottles.  Kathleen has been one of their Elite Immortal athletes for a couple of years.  She tends to use either the Spry or Surge backpack on long runs and I use the Kinetic vest.  I love my Kinetic and it was what I ran Cascade Crest 100 in.  31 hours of running and no chaffing with the perfect amount of carrying capacity for a supported run.  We also have an assortment of their handheld water bottles around the house.  For the trip they have given Kathleen one of their Fastpacks which has more carrying capacity since we will be out for multiple days on some of the runs we have planned.  I will be using an Ultraspire Fastpack also.  For more information on their products go to www.utraspire.net.
     Gu Energy Labs is a producer of nutritional products to help power you on your adventures and in recovery afterwards.  They make energy gels, chews, electrolyte solutions, and a recovery brew.  On long efforts we try to eat every 30 to 45 minutes so the GU gels and chews provide a quick easily digestible energy source that comes in a small easily carried package.  I use these a lot so if you are what you eat I probably have at least one foot that is made of GU.  There are a variety of flavors (some with caffeine) that we enjoy though sometimes Kathleen and I might arm wrestle over the Mint Chocolate ones since those tend to be the favorite.  Kathleen also tends to use their Roctane gels when she races. Gu Energy Labs will be a main source of our training fuel over the course of this adventure. Their website is http://guenergy.com.
     Not only do these two companies produce top-notch products, but the people behind these businesses have been extraordinarily encouraging, kind, and supportive of our plans.  A HUGE thanks goes out to them.


     Lastly, many of you know that Kathleen entered in a contest with First Endurance.  The contest had already been going on for a couple of weeks so she was behind from the start but still managed to get to third place with everyones help.  Thank you if you voted.  First Endurance awarded a runner-up prize to the contestant with the most compelling story.  Our upcoming trip caught their attention so Kathleen was awarded a years supply of Optygen HP.  It is a supplement that is designed to improve endurance and performance.  Stay tuned and Kathleen can let us know how it works in a few months.