Introducing ... Tailwind

Unfortunately I can't do one of those big introductory voices through text otherwise it would be a fun way to start this.

I just returned from a quick trip to Durango to visit some old friends, Jenny and Jeff, and to see some of the Race Across America teams comes through Durango. I met both while living in Seattle and I thoroughly enjoyed
the drive and the visit!
While I was there I had a chance to talk with Jenny and Jeff quite a bit about their new venture - Tailwind Nutrition. Tailwind has just launched a new Endurance Fuel a few months ago and Jenny has been itching to get me to try it. On a short and easy Monday run I did take some Tailwind with me and my first impression was that I liked it. It was indeed easy my stomach. They graciously gave me a few packets to try when I got home, which I will do. This isn't a review - that will come later after I've tried it on more runs.

What was far more interesting to me was our discussion about Tailwind, how it started, what the premise is, what the differentiation factor is. We talked through quite a few things like research, quality of ingredients, size of the company, marketing challenges, and so on.

Where the discussion came to at one point was about the people and company behind a product. What's the company like? What's their motivation? Are they truly bringing their passion to what they offer? This is entirely a reflection of the people, especially in a small company. For me it's important to know that the people that work there believe in what they are doing and have winning motivations for themselves and their customers. That kind of quality and personality is what really stands out and makes a difference.

I certainly want a high quality, well thought out, product that works for me. But if I had to choose between two products from different companies, the people and the company would make the difference to me about which I would choose.

Jenny and Jeff are fantastic people and they have come up with a new product that's very worth considering. Without more trail I can't say any more about how effective it is, but so far according to them the evidence suggests it's accomplishing what it set out to do. Moreso though, consider Tailwind because of who's behind it and the passion they bring to life in this new fuel.

World - say hello to Tailwind Nutrition.

A Plug for Hammer Nutrition

I've been using Hammer Nutrition products since 1996 - that makes 17 years this year!

I have two sides. I have one side that loves new toys and to try new things. I like to experiment and figure out the nuances of each new piece of equipment, whether it's sporting equipment or knives in the kitchen. I certianly have my share of stuff I've donated to Goodwill or REI, or sold after having tried it and it didn't work for me.

Then once I find something I like I stick with it. Linn for Audio, wool for athletic clothes (Ibex, Icebreaker, SmartWool), Messermeister for kitchen knives.

Hammer Nutrition is my primary choice for nutrition for sports and for supplements.

I was first turned on to Hammer products by Steve Born long before he worked for Hammer Nutrition. I began with the basic carbohydrate mix - Sustained Energy (which used to be called Energy Surge). Now I use many of their powders, gels, bars, and supplements. They work well for me. They've been the right stuff for ultracycling and for running.

Hammer offers an incredible array of information and suggestions, which seems rare for a supplement company. Over the years I've learned a ton about nutrition from The Endurance Journal, the Hammer Fueling Guide, Hammer newsletters and Athlete Education Series, and listening to and crewing with Steve Born. While some of it can be long, what I really appreciate is the research that backs up the information they provide and then the guidelines they offer. With the guidelines they are clear to provide a range and then encourage you to find what works for you. After all we're all unique.

I also really admire the enthusiasm, integriy, and commitment that Brian Frank, Steve Born, and Dr. Bill Milsner bring to Hammer. It shows in all their products and how they bring themselves to the world.

If you're looking for either information about fueling for sports or products, I highly recommend trying Hammer products. After all they offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Try it!

Time for me to go place my next order!


Disclosure: I receive a discount from Hammer, but this post is entirely my own and I receive no income or other incentives for posting it.