Triathlon - Hammering Since: 1994
My relationship with Hammer Nutrition goes back to my first entering the world of triathlon. While my first triathlon was in Chicago in 1993, we moved to Orlando, Florida, six months later. I had read of an Orlando triathlete, Jeff Cuddeback, who was extremely successful and lived close to me. Jeff, who is a Hammer sponsored athlete and coach, outlined a Hammer nutrition plan for me in the summer of 1994. In 1995 and 1996, I facilitated three triathlon training camps for Jeff, along with pro Alec Rukosuev and Iron-gent Jim Ward as coaches. I learned more about Hammer products at the first camp and while I used other products, I really liked how all the Hammer products were designed to work together. In addition, the mainstay of Hammer’s mantra was that no product contained simple sugars and they would not upset your stomach.
I continued racing over the years and hit my 100th triathlon in 2010. I just completed my 216th tri in April of 2026, winning 36 with 37 Seconds and 26 Thirds. I’ve maintained a 45% rate for podium finishes over the years. I also completed 6 marathons, 9 half-marathons, 5 ultraruns, and numerous 5k and 10k road and trail events. I credit all my continued success (now at age 73 and retired) to Hammer’s great products. My mainstays are Perpeteum (Caffe Latte), HEED (Orange), Hammer Gel, Recoverite (Orange Vanilla), Endurolytes Extreme (invaluable in Florida!) and Anti-Fatigue Caps, along with some occasional other products.
I am still excited at being named a Hammer Legacy Athlete and enjoy bringing smiles to people’s faces when passing out samples at events. Standing on the podium in Hammer livery demonstrates the effectiveness of Hammer products in keeping older competitors racing and younger people fast. It’s very satisfying to know you’re representing a line of products which will help people to improve and enjoy their racing performances.
My favorite Hammer Nutrition product must be Perpeteum in the Caffe Latte flavor. I drink a scoop with water every morning before any workout. The delicious taste, the mix of complex carbs and protein, the spark from the coffee, and the fact that it’s great hot or cold makes it the perfect energy drink for me. It always produces an even flow of energy for me and never produces any blood sugar spikes which I sometime endure as I am hypoglycemic.
The other challenge going forward is my age of 73 and growing older. For years I was sure that my athletic regiment would insulate me from aging’s effects. While I have begun to deal with “the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” (life), I can rest assured that my Hammer Nutrition fueling plan will continue to support my training and racing.
