Welcome to the Team - a Pro's Perspective

Welcome to Wattie Ink

            As a short course, draft-legal triathlete, I didn’t know what to expect when I joined Team Wattie Ink’s New Professional program, aimed at helping new pros to continue their progression within the sport. Comprised of a top-level group of long course professional and amateur triathletes, Wattie Ink’s loud and in-your-face brand image is only surpassed by the personalities of the athletes who represent the W. Honestly, I was a bit timid at first. Many of the athletes have ostentatious tattoos and convey themselves in an almost obnoxious manner on social media. I’ve always been a rule follower and have tried to represent myself in a clean-cut manner; something I thought at first may have been an issue within the dynamic of the team. This group’s culture and reputation seem to mirror that of my alma mater, Georgetown University, where the phrase “work hard, play hard” is the underlying theme of life on the hilltop. It wasn’t until the Wattie Ink California Training Camp when I was made aware of just how special this eclectic array of people truly are. I had nothing for which to be timid or afraid, as I learned that the reason there are so many intense personalities is because Wattie Ink accepts. It doesn’t matter who or what you are, they accept each athlete as a unique person; even my clean-cut Midwestern personality. I’m certainly no angel, and my bank of four-letter words grew significantly after spending two years coached by an Australian, but it was refreshing to know that Wattie Ink wanted me to be me, not anyone else.

            I learned about Team Wattie Ink from Robert Flanigan, who reached out to me as I was exiting USA Triathlon’s Olympic Development Team program (Collegiate Recruitment Program). I was looking for my next step as I continue to pursue the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games in the sport, and it was impossible to turn down the impressive array of benefits that Team Wattie Ink was offering. I could write a book about how much support I’ve received from the team’s sponsors, from a custom BlueSeventy wet suit, to a gorgeous new Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod, to a Pioneer Cycles power meter, to Hoka One One training and racing shoes, to nutrition from Herbalife24, to top notch custom-made Wattie Ink products, but it’s the people of Wattie Ink that have made the biggest impact on my young career. Everyone on this team believes in one another and hopes to see the others succeed, which has led to an impenetrable culture of positivity.

            In early April, I traveled to Carlsbad, California (just north of San Diego) for a week of training with the new team. Hardly any of the athletes in attendance that week had met one another before, but I instantly connected with all of them during our first session of the week at the gorgeous Alga Norte pool. From that first session through to the rest of the week, all of us bonded over our passion for swimming, biking, running, and enjoying the process of making ourselves better every day. We spent many hours riding along the coast of the Pacific Ocean and scaling the inland mountains, fueling ourselves with Herbalife24 and Eternal Water. We traversed miles of dirt trails on land in our Hoka One One training shoes and several kilometers in the water in our BlueSeventy caps and goggles.

            I entered triathlon in late 2014 with the goal of qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Coming from a relatively accomplished running background but with no prior swimming or cycling experience, life was difficult at first. My biggest challenge has been the swim, as that’s what I need to improve upon the most if I want to have a chance at making the Olympic Team. The first two years of triathlon saw me race in a wide array of ITU races around the world in an effort to grow my experience quickly, and this year I am focusing almost entirely on swimming. Team Wattie Ink supports my goal and knows that though it means I may not be racing as much this season, it has a massive upside as I’m doing my best to put myself in the best position as I move toward late summer of 2020. The Olympic Qualification window opens in May of 2018, one year from now, and I intend to be where I need to be with my swimming by that point in time, so that I can start performing well on the world stage. This summer will see me tackle a few swim meets and open water swimming races in addition to a couple of non-drafting and draft-legal triathlon events. If there is one thing I’ve learned with my few months as a representative of the brand that Heather Jackson and Sean Watkins created, it’s that I am confident I’m in the best environment to reach my goals within the sport. For that I am deeply thankful and hopeful for the rest of this challenging journey.

Cheers!

DS (Dylan Sorensen)

Team Wattie Ink launches Elite Program

Team Wattie Ink is proud to announce the first class of it's new Elite Program.

2017 marks the launch of our new Elite Program who's mission is to give first and second year professional triathletes a solid launching pad for their young career by providing support and allowing them to focus on whats most important.....training and racing hard.

We would like to thank Wattle Ink, Herbalife, Cannondale, Hoka One One, Pioneer Cycle Sports, Blueseventy, Knight Composites, Speedfil, ISM, Rudy Project, Eternal Water, and Marc Pro for all of there support and making this happen. We couldn't have done this without you.

Welcome to our new Team Wattie Ink Elite Program athletes Dylan Sorensen, Amanda Wendorff, and Lucas Pozzetta.

Dylan Sorensen 

Fresh off of the USAT Collegiate Recruitment program, Dylan is a draft legal ITU focused athlete entering his 2nd year of professional racing. He entered the 2016 season unranked in the ITU and in his rookie season rose to a 252nd world ranking. With multiple top 5's in the Continental Cup and a starting spot in the ITU Edmonton race he was able to earn some much needed experience and is now prepared to continue climbing the world rankings while Rocking the W for the first time.

Amanda Wendorff

Based out of Boulder, Amanda is entering her 2nd season of professional racing. In 2016 during her first year of racing pro, Wendorff had 8 Top 10 finishes including 5th place finishes at Ironman Mont Tremblant and the Austin 70.3. Prior to taking her pro license, she was an age group champion at the 70.3 distance and had a 3rd at Kona. Amanda will be long course focused in 2017 with a heavy schedule of North American WTS events. We are very excited to have an athlete as tough and focused as Amanda Rocking the W this season.

Lucas Pozzetta

Based out of New Hampshire, Pozzetta is entering his 2nd year of professional racing after earning his pro license with and overall podium at Age Group Nationals in 2015. Focused primarily on non draft International Distance and 70.3 racing, Lucas is building on a successful rookie season where he saw a handful of impressive results and podiums. Now with Team Wattie Ink behind him, we expect 2017 to be a breakthrough season for this up and coming pro.

Please welcome our new athletes and follow their 2017 journey....and don't forget to Rock the W.

www.wattieink.com

Team Wattie Ink. Announces The “Speak Up” Sweepstakes

Team Wattie Ink. Announces The “Speak Up” Sweepstakes to benefit the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation for Teenage Anxiety and Depression

Team Wattie Ink. and its amazing Sponsors have partnered with the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation for Teenage Anxiety and Depression and are excited to announce The “Speak Up” Sweepstakes.  The Sweepstakes is for a wonderful cause: to help the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation with their mission of cultivating awareness, education and help for those battling teenage depression and anxiety.  The Sweepstakes prize package is valued at over $12,000 with all proceeds from the contest entries going to the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation.

About The Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation:
On March 16, 2014 at the Shamrock Half Marathon in Virginia Beach, sixteen-year-old Cameron K. Gallagher passed away as she crossed the finish line from an undiagnosed heart condition. On that day Cameron struggled to finish a race that she had set as a personal goal for herself—and was victorious. But that was not the only hard fight that Cameron fought. Cameron suffered from severe depression and anxiety for several years. The ever-smiling teen was growing tired of keeping her struggle a private battle. She knew that like her, many teens were in great pain behind closed doors. As she trained for the half marathon, she took it upon herself to address the misplaced stigma held by so many about teenage depression. Her dream was to create a 5k race in her community to help raise awareness of teenage depression. She had titled that race the SpeakUp5k in order to draw attention to the issue of teen depression and to let other teens like herself know that it was okay to “Speak Up” about their personal battles. She had titled that race the SpeakUp5k. Cameron’s dream is now a legacy far greater then she ever could have imagined.
Her parents have picked up where Cameron left off and are marching forward while building a foundation set on placing programs in public and private schools (at no cost to the institutions) to facilitate group and individual dialogue concerning teenage depression and anxiety.
Today, Friday February 26th, 2016, marks the official kickoff of The “Speak Up” Sweepstakes!  “I am so excited to roll out this team initiative we have been working on for awhile,” said Robert Flanigan (Team Wattie Ink. Director). “ I think it’s a cause that the triathlon community can really rally behind and when they see the prize package, I have no doubt that we will make a real impact on the foundation.” The sweepstakes prize package is valued at over $12,000 and will go to one lucky winner. Tickets are only $10 and individuals are not limited to how many tickets they buy. The window for purchasing the sweepstakes tickets will remain open until midnight on July 17th, 2016. The name of the sweepstakes winner will be announced on July 18th by Cameron’s parents (David and Grace) from Germany where they will have just finished Challenge Roth in Cameron’s memory.

ENTER NOW

The "Speak Up" Sweepstakes Prize Package Includes:

• 2016 Cannondale Slice Frame
• Set of Knight Composites 95 Race Wheels
• BlueSeventy Package (Helix Wetsuit, Transition Bag, Goggles) 
• Herbalife 24 Nutrition Package 
• MarcPro Plus Muscle Recovery System 
• Pioneer Cycle Sports Power Meter 
• Wattie Ink. Kit 
• Speedfil Package 
• Rudy Project Helmet and Sunglasses 
• ISM Attack Saddle 
• Rev3 Race Entry to any 2016 or 2017 race
• Zealios Skin Care Package 
• Kiva Bison Jerky Package

ENTER NOW

“Our hopes are that we can draw a great deal of attention to the issues of mental health and the “Speak Up” cause with this exciting sweepstakes while raising much needed funds for the foundation so that they are able to make Cameron’s dream a reality for teens in need,” said Flanigan.
The sweepstakes is open to US residents or those with a US mailing address. The prize package will not be shipped internationally. 

June 2015 Team Race Results

Central Region Report - Damie Roberts (Regional Captain)

Erin Green on her Diamondback Serios

The Central Region in July has been highlighted by the return of pro, Erin Green, to the race course.  An original Wattie Ink Team Member, she has been an up and coming pro that had a few set backs early in the year.  She returned to racing in amazing form at the Pacific Crest Long Course Championship race, where she took out the overall female title against some strong pro competition.  Welcome back MFEG!!!

Dani Fischer in her Blueseventy Helix

Another Wattie Ink Central Region Pro, Dani Fischer, is no stranger to duathlon success.  Ranked as the top amateur duathlete by USAT in 2014, she continues to show why she earned this title with a 2nd place FPro at USAT Duathlon National Championships this month.  She followed that up with another professional podium at TriRock Philadelphia with a 3rd place.  

In the AG ranks, the Ironman 70.3 series continues to be dominated by the Wattie Ink Central Region.  At Buffalo Springs, Claudia Spooner took another 70.3 AG win in the W45-49, and Jennifer Walker also followed suit with a W40-44 with a win.

Other notable results from Central Region local racing include:
Scott Johnson Twin Lakes Triathlon 2nd M40-44Catherine Demet Espirit De She Lifetime Fitness - Naperville 3rd AG - Pleasant Prairie Tri, WI 3rd AG - Ram Racing Big Foot Lake Geneva, WI 5th AG OlympicAmanda Lane 1ST AG 25-29 King of the Hill Sprint TriathlonJaryna Osland Moss 2nd AG Escape from AlcatrazMatt Barcus Pleasant Prairie International Tri, 5th OA male
Damie Roberts 1st F35-39 Heatwave Classic Triathlon

There is more racing to come this season.  Our team is prepping in the next few months for continued local racing, Kona, 70.3 Worlds, and USAT AG Nats.  Keep your eye out at the races for some fast athletes in killer Wattie Ink kits around the Central Region. 

West Region Report - Karin Langer (Regional Captain)

Wattie Ink West trained hard through June as we reach the mid-point of our seasons. 

Nicole Pressprich represented in a big way at Boise 70.3, earning 3^rd overall. Tom Monica continued his busy season of on and off-road domination by winning his 55-59 age group at Boulder 70.3. 

Oregon resident and Wildflower amateur champ Amy Van Tassel traveled to Ironman France in Nice. She built a stellar race, braving the mass swim start, climbing through the hills, and running along the riviera, finishing as the second overall amateur woman, and first in her age group. Aloha, Amy!

VT Rocking the W in France

As a team, we collectively held our breath for news out of Ironman Coeur d’Alene. All eyes were on our champ Heather Jackson, but team members brought the heat as well. Notably, Dan Egoroff plowed through the field on the bike, eventually finishing 8^th in his age group.

East Region Report - Caldwell Clarke (Regional Captain)

The East Coast Watties had a strong showing in the month of June!

Lizzie Nyitray 1st overall Challenge Atlantic City Half

Diane Jackson started June off with a 1^st AG at Challenge Quassy OLY.

Evan Hill put up a 3^rd AG at the Challenge Williamsburg Half.

Denise Hiller destroyed her AG and finished the Challenge Atlantic City Half with a 1^st AG, while Joe Klinedinst finished with a 4^th AG.

Domination in Atlantic City

Newcomer, Kristin White, tore up the field at IM Syracuse 70.3 with a 3^rd OA and 1^st AG.

In non-regional races, Jeff Tunstall turned in a 2nd OA at the Naylor’s Beach OLY and 1st AG at the Tavern Sprint. Joe Klinedinst finished with a 3rd OA at the Cape Henlopen Sprint. Rachel Blechman finished the Mack Cycle Sprint Triathlon with a 1^st OA. Dave D’Abrosca finished out June with a 2nd AG at the King Pine Sprint and a 2nd AG at the Oh My Goddard Sprint.

Team Wattie Ink Marc Pro Product Review

By Damie Roberts - Central Region Captain

Our ability to improve as triathletes is directly related to our body’s ability to recover after training.  Simply, we must stress our muscular, skeletal, cardiac, and pulmonary systems in training, and then we must allow these systems to rest, recover, and absorb the training in order to take on increased loads in the future.  Recovery is as important as appropriate training, and can be just as time consuming and multifaceted when you consider sleep, nutrition, and managing muscle health. 

So…train for 3 sports, earn a paycheck at work, actually listen to your spouse and hang out from time to time, give your toddler your undivided attention, cook for everyone, run all errands, sleep the recommended amount, and take care of those muscles?  I know many of you can relate!  We want to be excellent in all areas of our lives, and triathlon performance is no difference.  Out of all of the things we do with the limited time in our day, active muscle recovery will be one of the easiest pieces of the puzzle to place, especially with the use of Marc Pro. 

As a physical therapist, I was interested to see exactly how the Marc Pro system worked, and what made it different from the NMES/EMS units I use at work.  I have experimented on myself for years with electrotherapy equipment, sometimes with great success! I was also interested to see how it differed from the very popular compression style equipment that many triathletes use. 

When I received my Marc Pro Plus unit, I was happy to see how easy the system was to use.  (The Marc Pro Plus unit differs from the Marc Pro with additional settings to address pain).  The user manual is well laid out with excellent description.  You do not have to understand electrophysiology, amplitude, pulse duration, or frequency to use this machine.  (Thank goodness…no advance degree required to understand this manual!) The manual is easy to use, with clear instructions and pictures for set up and application.

What does the Marc Pro system do exactly?  As stated in the manual, “The Marc Pro Plus is intended for muscle conditioning by stimulating muscle in order to improve or facilitate muscle performance.  The Marc Pro Plus is to be used for temporary relief of pain associated with sore and aching muscles in the shoulder, waist, back, neck, upper extremities (arm), and lower extremities (leg) due to strain from exercise and normal household and work activities.”  In layman’s terms, the system is designed to help muscles recover by allowing fluid to move in an out of muscle without fatiguing the muscles.  As well, the Plus system can also be an additional resource to address pain.

How does Marc Pro accomplish muscle recovery, and how is it different from other systems on the market?  One concern I have seen on the internet forums is that a unit such as Marc Pro will fatigue the muscles. So, how does this system promote recovery WITHOUT fatigue? 

The Marc Pro system uses a dynamic decaying waveform, which is different from most EMS systems that use a static square waveform, generally with higher voltage and frequencies.  The different waveform allows for a more comfortable contraction followed by a slower release to enhance blood flow, which is different than traditional therapeutic machines that often produce tetanizing contractions and fatigue that is often used in muscle re-education.  And while these terms seem complicated (and they are...I could show you my Clinical Electrophysiology Text from DPT school and you would cry after the first chapter), have no fear, the Marc Pro system is very easy to effectively use. 

The manual is amazingly easy to read and includes pictures for every type of electrode set up you can imagine, as well as frequency and intensity recommendations for every muscle combination included.  I have never seen that sort of direction and guidance for any EMS system I have used. The manual provides electrode placement sections for recovery/conditioning/performance, time efficient placements, and pain unresponsive to low frequency. 

So, you only have 15 minutes and your legs are sore and tired? Turn to the chapter for efficient placement and it will show you exactly where to place the electrodes to get the most bang for your buck.  Have some time and want to specifically address the hip flexor?  Turn to the chapter for recovery, conditioning, and performance.  They make it that easy. 

How is this type of muscle recovery system different from the compression type systems we see in our sport?  Well, the first thing I noticed is that compression boots will not address my low back pain or my shoulder fatigue.  And while they compress a good part of the leg, they simply cannot help my glutes or hip flexors. 

Another major difference is that there is no blood flow restriction with the Marc Pro System as there is in compressive phase of compression boots.  And while compression does move fluid and waste, our natural mover of fluid through the body in addition to the heart and gravity is…wait for it...muscle. With compression, there is no muscle activation.  With Marc Pro, the muscles are directly involved in the movement of waste, as they should be.  And that, my fellow triathletes, is the heart of active recovery.  We often spin on our bikes to flush out our legs by engaging our muscles to move fluid.  However, with the Marc Pro system, you take out the fatigue involved in active full body movement, and replace it with active muscle recovery without the resulting fatigue. 

The Marc Pro system has become a major part of my recovery program as I increase my training load.  The system is small enough to take just about anywhere.  My favorite way to use the Marc Pro after a solid training day is to do some foam rolling for myofascial release and then jump in bed with the Marc Pro system hooked up.  My favorite electrode placement is the global leg flush, and I literally push 3 buttons to activate the electrodes on both legs, and then turn two knobs until the intensity is at a place that feels good to me.  It is that simple. I review training logs, maybe read a chapter in a book, say a quick prayer that my toddler will sleep through the night, and then finally turn off my Marc Pro Plus with legs that feel amazing. 

Please visit www.marcpro.com for an incredible amount of information on the product and active muscle recovery.